Mother Teresa, who was awarded the 1979 Nobel Peace Prize, dedicated her life to the sick and hungry. Her simple message was "the poor must know that we love them". Her followers regarded her as a saint, but Mother Teresa believed she was only doing God's work. Amidst the poverty and slums of Calcutta, Mother Teresa's efforts provided shelter to thousands of the sick and dying, and ensured that thousands of children were cared for and given foster parents. More than two million sick, including nearly fifty thousand lepers, were treated by mobile dispensaries and special clinics. But for Mother Teresa, the Nobel Peace Prize was simply a gift to the poor.