Messenger : the legacy of Mattie J. T. Stepanek and Heartsongs / Jeni Stepanek.

Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

By Jeni Stepanek (author) with Larry Lindner (collaborator)
An inspiring look at a young man who embodied the best of human nature, touched millions, and worked tirelessly for peaceatold through the eyes of the woman who raised him.
Oprah Winfrey has called him aan inspiration, a Maya Angelou saw him as a kindred sprit and fellow poet, and Jimmy Carter described Mattie Stepanek as athe most remarkable person I have ever known.a When Jerry Lewis received his lifetime achievement award at the Oscars, footage of Mattie played behind him. Five years after his death from a rare neuromuscular disease, Mattie is still being celebrated for his indomitable spirit and message of hope. Now the world will get to know the full story of the poet, the peacemaker, the philosopher, and New York Times bestselling author in the first book to share all of the intimate details of his incredible life.
In Messenger, Mattieas mother, Jeni Stepanek, recounts the years before Mattie got sick; how he handled the loss of his siblings from the same disease he had; his decision to spread the message of peace and hope; and how, when he became a celebrity, Jeni helped to keep him grounded, and remember to embrace being a kid. Including never-before- seen poems, journal entries, photos, and correspondence with famous friends, Messenger is an inspirational book about a life lived to the fullest.
aNot a day goes by when I donat receive e-mails and letters saying that Mattieas poetry and speeches are not enoughapeople want to know about him directly and intimately. I am thrilled to have joined with Dutton so that I can now tell all his fans the full story behind my son.a a Jeni Stepanek
Good Morning America.