Kalaupapa is the best example of love because the lepers who lived there were a community and they cared for each other. The community was like a big family of different religions and races. There were children that were taken away from their parents at a young age and other residents just adopted them and took them in as children of their own. They were all concerned for each other and treated each other as if they were really related to one another.
Learning about Kalaupapa has taught us that one man's mission and love for a whole colony can make a difference. This man was Father Damien, a minister who came to Hawaii. His mission was to bring a whole colony of leprosy victims together in a healthier environment. He did this with his willingness and dedication. He became a father to the lepers.
A way that you can get involved and show that you care about people who may have Hansen's disease is to visit the American Leprosy Missions website and donate money to people with leprosy. You can help cure a child with leprosy, give them one month of hospital care, give them protective shoes, set up offices or hospitals and give scholarships to some of the families that have children with Hansen's disease.
Help children with Hansen's disease.
You can also write to:
American Leprosy Missions
1 ALM Way
Greenville, SC 29601 USA
Phone: 1.800.543.3135
864.271.7040
Fax: 864.271.7062
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