MATTIE DISCHARGED FROM HOSPITAL

TUCSON, Ariz., May 28, 2003 — MDA’s National Goodwill Ambassador, Mattie J.T. Stepanek, has been discharged from Children’s Hospital in Washington, D.C., after a four-month ICU stay due to respiratory and other health complications caused by his dysautonomic mitochondrial myopathy.

Mattie, who will celebrate his 13th birthday July 17, still is in very fragile condition and requires platelet transfusions every few days on an outpatient basis.

Numerous volunteers in the Washington area have donated platelets in his behalf, including many members and associates of two longtime MDA sponsors, the International Association of Fire Fighters and Harley-Davidson Motor Company.

For the present, Mattie and his mother, Jeni, are relieved to be enjoying the comforts of home, including ice cream, movies and Mattie’s service-dog-in-training, Micah.

“Mattie lives to do things,” Jeni says, and he’s already planning to speak at some schools, do a few book signings and work with former First Lady Rosalyn Carter on an upcoming medical conference in Washington. The Stepaneks also hope to drive from their Maryland home to Los Angeles for the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon on Labor Day weekend.

The family expressed deep gratitude for the good wishes, cards, prayers and support they’ve received and continue to receive from the MDA family.
“Mattie is here because of prayer,” Jeni says.