Jeni stepanek biography of martin
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However, she is most proud of her purpose as a memory curator, a peace cultivator and a “welcome mat” for local and global neighbors seeking to create change for themselves, for their communities and for our world. When we choose to live with the strengths of kindness and compassion and concern for one another, and when we choose to celebrate the good in our communities and our world, we are creating worthy truths that touch our children and neighbors now, and in countless generations and tomorrows.
Patch Business Spotlight seeks to celebrate the City of Rockville's business community.
Her specialty areas range from trauma and resiliency, low incidence disabilities and psychosocial care to hope, spirituality and community-building.
Well-known as “Mattie’s mom” – Jeni is the parent of the late teen poet and Heartsongs peace ambassador Mattie Stepanek – she has three other amazing children who also died young due to neuromuscular disease, a rare genetic condition she unknowingly passed on and was diagnosed with later as an adult.
He and I chose Rockville as our home more than 20 years ago, because of the diverse community and the abundant resources and general concern for neighbors — around the block and around the world. In addition to being a board member for Main Street, she also volunteers in leadership and advisory capacities for the We Are Family Foundation, Children’s Hospice International and the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
From "Mama Peace Chats" and "Toast2Peace" gatherings to Peace Day and Peace Certification celebrations and activities, and from interactive book discussions and community mosaic creations, to materials like "Mattie's message cards" and more — we are a excited about supporting youth and adults who are diverse in age and ability and aspiration in choosing peace — in fun and creative and inspiring ways.
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Mattie's life philosophy was "Remember to play after every storm!" My own philosophy is "Celebrate life, every day, in some way — with grace and gratitude." We don't have to "agree" with our neighbor (or even "like" our neighbor) to "be" with out neighbor and tend to basic human needs, which are critical to cultivating the roots of peace.
I don’t just survive; I thrive.”
Jeni also honors Mattie’s memory by committing to fulfill his peaceful purpose through the Mattie J.T. Stepanek Foundation. She faced this hardship as she has faced so much else, with grace and strength.
The City of Rockville is Peace Certified by Mattie’s Foundation (like many other businesses, schools, and organizations).
I choose to inhale. Yet, Jeni’s life and legacy have since stretched longer than anybody thought possible.
If her name sounds familiar, it’s because Jeni’s son Mattie, who suffered from the same disease, was something of a celebrity before he died in 2004 at age 13. As individuals and families and local and global communities, we have weathered many economic and health and social challenges — especially in recent years.
She only learned that she was a carrier after being diagnosed with it as an adult, when Mattie was two. Thank you.
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ROCKVILLE, MD — Peace is Jeni Stepanek's business. But many folks don't fully understand "what peace is" and "what peace is not." And folks often feel overwhelmed with "how" to even begin choosing and cultivating peace at personal and community levels.
As the co-founder and president of the Mattie Stepanek Peace Foundation, Stepanek's focus is to share inspiration, information and education that cultivates peace, purpose, and play for individuals and communities.
Stepaneck's own inspiration is her son, Mattie, who died of a rare neuromuscular disability in 2004.
As part of its Spotlight on Rockville Businesses, Patch is highlighting Stepanek and the Mattie Stepanek Peace Foundation, which seeks to cultivate peace not only in Rockville but across the globe.
Do not simply breathe to exist. His mother fostered and encouraged his gift ― even as she battled dysautonomic mitochondrial myopathy herself.