Weeks after the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, with the U.S. still in the throes of loss and fear, “Good Morning America” had a special guest on the broadcast: An 11-year-old poet named Mattie Stepanek.
Stepanek had a rare form of muscular dystrophy.
Stepanek, who loved writing poetry and delivering inspirational messages, had openly praised the work of former Pres. Jimmy Carter, who he said was his hero.
“He’s a humble peacemaker,” Stepanek said. “He didn’t do a peacekeeping mission and go brag about it.”
On Dec. 4, 2001, Stepanek appeared on “Good Morning America” to discuss one of his poetry books. Then-anchor Charlie Gibson surprised the young boy by bringing out his hero: Jimmy Carter.
Mattie died in 2004 at the age of 13.
Read more about their remarkable friendship: https://abcnews.go.com/US/peace-day-declared-honor-young-poet-delivered-inspirational/story?id=56592063
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