This past June, muggles everywhere lost one of their most treasured possessions. Matthew J.T. Stepanek, known as “Mattie” to most of the world, lost his battle with a rare form of muscular dystrophy. The disease had claimed the life of his three elder siblings. Mattie was best known for his touching collection of poems, Heartsongs. The series, which contains five volumes of poetry, had made the New York times bestseller list on three separate occasions. His honest and sometimes heart-wrenching sentiments on life, death, loss of loved ones and God won him fans across the world. Talk-show host Oprah Winfrey, former President Jimmy Carter, and Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling are just a few celebrities who followed the writings of the young poet. Mattie’s courageous struggle with dysautonomic mitochondrial myopathy ended on June 22, 2004, at the age of 13. The disease, which impairs certain motor skills, also affected his elder siblings, as well as Mattie’s mother, Jeni. His Heartsongs collection was a compilation of poems Mattie had been writing since the age of three, when he lost his elder brother to illness. The original Heartsongs, first published in 2001 to nationwide acclaim, was followed by Journey Through Heartsongs, Hope Through Heartsongs, Celebrate Through Heartsongs, and Loving Through Heartsongs. A self-proclaimed ambassador for “world peace,” and a representative for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Mattie Stepanek’s life was an inspiration to many people. Though his own Heartsong has taken flight, there is little doubt he will be remembered, and cherished, forever. The editors of The Quibbler want to recognize Mattie for his accomplishments, his sweet heart, and his inspirational life. In tribute to Mattie, we've organized a petition to ask JK Rowling and the publishers of Harry Potter (with Mattie's mum's permission, of course) to somehow place Mattie's name in one of the two remaining Potter books. Help us out by clicking the link at the bottom, and adding your name to the list! Thanks! Joya, Jonah, Erika and Eiko. |