Here are just some of my lasting impressions of Steven:

Steven was such a wonderful, selfless person. Even when he was extremely sick, he always seemed more concerned about others rather than himself. Whether it was his parents, Cindy, or his friends, he was always looking out for them no matter what his condition.

I remember the first time I visited him in the hospital - it was the night he was about to start his first chemo regimen. He admitted he was a little nervous but you couldn't tell by his demeanor. He was lying in bed with an oxygen mask and other medical devices all around him, yet he kept trying to make sure that I was comfortable, or that I had something to drink. Or he would express concern that his father wasn't eating good Korean food in L.A., or that Cindy wasn't getting enough rest. I couldn't believe it. He was so selfless, and so on top of it all. He would talk about the gravity of his situation so matter-of-factly and with such expertise (just as if he were a doctor), and yet he would still be able to keep the mood light by joking around. I was truly amazed, and I remember marveling to a friend later about his courage and his incredible attitude. I was so full of admiration because I couldn't think of anyone else who could handle it all so well. I know I couldn't. It doesn't surprise me at all that the hospital staff loved him so much.

I never lived in the same city as Steven so I only got to see him occasionally when he was visiting with Cindy or if I happened to be in the Bay Area. And I wish I could have known him as well as those really close to him. But whenever I did see Steven, he always put a smile on my face because his exuberant personality was so genuine and so sincere. He was the real deal. I knew that the first time Cindy introduced me to him.

What a terrific guy. I think that's how I'll always remember him.

-Gene Rhee

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