CTK foundation names medal recipients

2014-10-29

The winners of the annual Fervent Global Love of Lives Medal were announced by New Taipei City-based Chou Ta-kuan Cultural and Educational Foundation Oct. 27, highlighting the accomplishments of those defying the odds and leading by example.

“All of the recipients deserve full credit for persevering in the face of adversity,” foundation founder Chou Chin-hua said. “It is important we promote their love of life and suitability as role models in society.”

Selected from 2,239 candidates, the 20 winners include local teenage painter Chu I-ting—suffering cancer and multiple disabilities; Germany’s Felix Finkbeiner—a climate justice activist and founder of nongovernmental organization Plant for the Planet; and Carlos Vargas from Guatemala—founder of the first social welfare institution in the Central American country.

Eleven of the recipients are taking part in a round-Taiwan tour Oct. 28-31 promoting the value and love of life. They will receive their medals at a ceremony Oct. 29 in Taipei City.

The foundation and medal were established in 1997 and 1998, respectively, to fulfill the dying wish of Chou’s son Chou Ta-kuan for others to lead rich and fulfilling lives filled with respect for their fellow man and the earth. Chou junior lost his battle against a rhabdoid tumor at age 10 in 1997.

One of the winners is Hsieh Feng-yuan, a senior at Taipei Municipal Jingmei Girls' Senior High School. An avid volunteer at charity events, Hsieh suffers from eye cancer, hearing loss and atopic dermatitis. “To me, all this suffering is a blessing in disguise,” she said. “Because of the pain, I am able to lift up those around me with my personal experiences.”

Similarly inspiring is Suzuki Rintaro from Japan. Despite Down syndrome and multiple deformities such as a missing right hand and turned left foot, Rintaro continues playing the piano and taking part in charity activities. “I never give up,” he said. “I try again and again and again. This is the core of my life philosophy.”

To date, the foundation has awarded medals to 156 recipients from 37 countries and territories.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=223357&CtNode=413)