Mattie and Jennifer Stepanek (courtesy Muscular Dystrophy Association)

COLLEGE PARK , Md. - Jennifer Stepanek - the mother of world-renowned poet and peacemaker Mattie Stepanek - will receive her Ph.D. in Early Childhood Special Education from the University of Maryland this month. Stepanek is afflicted with the same rare and progressive neuromuscular disease that also took Mattie (in 2004) and his two brothers and one sister. She did much of her graduate work while she fought her disease. She will also serve as the College of Education's commencement speaker on May 23, and is the college's Outstanding Doctoral Student.

Assistant Education Dean Kathy Angeletti calls Stepanek "an extraordinary student" whom she greatly admires. "Her combination of intelligence, professionalism, determination and dedication to children with special needs and their families are second to none. She has faced unimaginable loss with grace and dignity - and in the process, continues to make a profound contribution to the lives of children with neuromuscular disease and their families "

Stepanek was especially dedicated to Mattie. Under her care and guidance, he made an impact on the world in his nearly 14 years of life that is still being felt today. The author of seven best selling books (six poetry books and an essay book written in collaboration with former President Carter), he served as the Muscular Dystrophy Association's Goodwill Ambassador and was in inspiration to millions.

Jennifer Stepanek during a Mattie TV Special (courtesy Muscular Dystrophy Association)

Her experiences with Mattie, his two brothers and one sister, have turned Jennifer Stepanek into an outspoken advocate for children with neuromuscular disease. She has traveled widely, spoken to many groups as well as to public figures like former President Jimmy Carter and wife Rosalyn Carter. She has appeared on Larry King Live, Oprah, Good Morning America and many other programs. She's currently writing two books - one on Mattie's final years of life.

Stepanek feels strongly that special education in this country needs to be changed. "It is a bit foreboding," she says. "Most special educators are well-trained and highly-motivated to be resourceful, creative and wonderful providers for children with disabilities. However, too many policies and regulations and guidelines intended to improve test results in our nation and 'leave no child behind' actually serve as educational barriers for too many children with disabilities."

Matti Stepanek (courtesy Jeni Stepanek)

She goes on to say, "I was never judged, or limited in my goals as a doctoral student or as a parent. As a result, I not only have a doctoral degree in Early Childhood Special Education, but I also have the fondest memories of my son growing up here on campus with a wonderful extended family in this department."

Stepanek says that when she takes that podium May 23rd, she will offer her fellow education graduates a message anyone who knows about Mattie will understand. "I will be talking about 'our dreams' and 'what we want to be' when we grow up."

As for the future, Stepanek says she has a lot on her plate - she's the voluntary national vice president of the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Chair of the Mattie J.T. Stepanek Foundation, and will continue traveling and speaking with "a message of hope and peace and other things 'that really matter' in life." She is even overseeing the creation of the Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park in Montgomery County - which will be fully accessible to children with disabilities. And if there's a part-time job out there as well, she has her resume ready!

Read a "Conversation With..." Jennifer Stepanek =>