Ms. Coleen Steele - Sharing the Gift of Life

Representative presenting the Award to Ms. Steele

On December 20, Golden Year 4 (2007), Illinois Center initiates presented the Shining World Compassion Award, on behalf of Supreme Master Ching Hai, to Ms. Coleen Steele of Ferguson, Missouri. Ms. Steele is a Griffith Elementary School art teacher, who courageously and lovingly gave one of her kidneys to save the life of a former student, Samantha Schnettgoecke. Samantha had been diagnosed with a rare kidney disorder as a child, and Ms. Steele's kidney was found to match Samantha's by 128 percent (the usual match percentage is 85-90 percent). Ms. Steele said, "God told me that this is what I need to do."

The award presentation took place at Ms. Steele's school. At the school's assembly, all the children clapped and cheered when they heard the news that their art teacher was being given the Shining World Compassion Award from Master. In addition to the Award, Ms. Steele also received a check of US$1,000, along with gifts of Master's books, a vegan cake and chocolates.

Following the award presentation, a crew from Fox News, one of the most popular and widely broadcast television channels in the US, interviewed Ms. Steele and Samantha. Ms. Steele stated that her initial reaction upon hearing of the Award was one of disbelief, but she became a believer when letters from Master and the Award group arrived. She also said that the $1,000 check came right in time because her father was seriously ill with cancer and she had no money to visit him in California. The check from Master paid for her entire trip, with a few dollars to spare!

Ms. Steele, Samantha and her mother reading one of Master's books

The Fox News reporters had not previously heard of Supreme Master Ching Hai, but upon speaking with the camera crew and interviewing a fellow initiate, they were very impressed with Master's work as well as Supreme Master Television.

A few days after the Award was presented, Master sent a check of US$500 to assist in the treatment of Ms. Steele's father. It was indeed a Merry Christmas for Ms. Steele's family and a perfect reminder of this season's gifts of love.