TEDxTeen - Jeni Stepanek - 03/27/10

"A New Hope for Peace: It's Not a Fairytale"

Jeni Stepanek, an award winning writer, is a noted advocate for childrens, patients and families need and rights in health and education, and author of the new book Messenger: The Legacy of Mattie J.T. Stepanek and Heartsongs. She has her BA in Psychology and Journalism and her Ph.D. and M.Ed. in Early Childhood Special Education from the University of Maryland. Jenis message about disability, hospice, family support, parenting, writing, motivation and spirituality has been carried by all media outlets. Like her son, the late bestselling poet Mattie J.T. Stepanek, Jeni is forced to battle a rare neuromuscular disease. A noted guest on Good Morning America, Oprah, Larry King and The MDA Labor Day Telethon, Mattie created poetry from age 3 until he passed away in 2004 at age 13. The Stepaneks have a special relationship with the Muscular Dystrophy Association; Mattie served 3 years as their National Goodwill Ambassador and Jeni currently serves as the National Vice President. She also serves as the Executive Director for the Mattie J.T. Stepanek Foundation and Governor for the We Are Family Foundation. She lives in Rockville, MD near the Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park, with their service dog, Micah. For more information visit mattieonline.com


About TEDx, x=independently organize event
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-
organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience.
At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep
discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized
events are branded TEDx, where x=independently organized TED event.
The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but
individual TEDx events are self-organized.*
(*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

Category:

Education

Tags:

• TEDx
• TEDxTeen

[jenistepanek]

I am not sure why my posts keep being flagged as spam. I simply wanted to thank folks for watching this video, and spreading the message of hope and peace that Mattie offered. Perhaps it is because I suggested that his website be checked out for more information. But this is not spam, it is a sincere expression of appreciation to folks who become messengers of hope and peace, like my son.

Jeni Stepanek ("Mattie's mom").

[LOSANGELESBAREA]

Mattie Stepanek and his beautiful voice.......His amazing pure message to the WORLD!!! JUST PEACE!!I We love you MATTIE.....You never did die in our hearts!!!

Mattie Stepanek philosopher, poet and pure soul..........

[josemari61]

Thank you very much Ms.Jeni...your son is my new hero of all time...both of you do not only inspire many but you are a symbols of how beautiful life is!

[josemari61]

Thank you very much Ms.Jeni...your son is my new hero of all time...both of you do not only inspire many but you are a symbols of how beautiful life is!

[mikenotjames]

Thank you Jeni. You are in my heart, my thoughts, and my prayers.

[katchkittie]

Mattie is still helping people,my self being one of them! Thank you Mattie for sharing your heart songs with the world.I have a condition that brings me chronic pain each and every day,a condition that has taken things away.. that most people take for granted...I am learning to dance after the storm little guy,thank you for your guidance.Lots of love from Nova Scotia xx

[jm2001a]

Thanks so much for this post. I shared the link with Camp Retreat person in Florida as we look to having a Peace Camp in Florida.

I enjoyed very much your being at Lake Junaluska. I'm having trouble but I'm reading Messenger.....wow. Everyone need to read it.

[Shadowcat54]

I have been searching all night. Looking for a video of Mattie and wanting to hear his voice. Please help keep his memory alive via videos or audios of his appearances, so we can share. I have never experienced anything like it. His impact is still with me. years later. I am 56 and hoping to help inspire others through the examples established by those that have courageouslu confronted their challenge! God Bless!