Patients Are Powerful

Posts Tagged ‘Hansen’s Disease’

If you’ve never visited the Kalaupapa peninsula on Molokai, it’s an experience you won’t forget. I had a chiropractic practice on Oahu for nearly ten years before I visited the island. I can attest to its beauty. The Kalaupapa peninsula is one of the most beautiful places on the planet. It’s surrounded by the ocean, of course, and the highest sea cliffs in the world. But its beauty is not what will stay in your mind and heart once you’ve been there. What you will take away is the story of Father Damien, one of the greatest “patient advocates” who ever lived.

In the 1880’s there was no treatment for Hansen’s disease, also known as leprosy. People who had the disease were taken from their homes and exiled on the isolated peninsula of Kalaupapa, which was only accessible by boat. They were treated as outcasts until a Belgian priest, Father Damien, arrived to care for them. He eventually contracted the disease himself and died.

On Oct. 11th, he will be canonized as a saint, and some of the last remaining Kalaupapa residents are in Rome for the ceremony.

There have been several books written about Father Damien. But, a brief account of his life, along with photos, and more information on his canonization can be found at: voanews.com

Technorati Tags: Father Damien, Hansen's Disease, leprosy, sainthood