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| Boston Children's Hospital |
My research of leukemia began when I worked in the cancer ward of a hospital in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, at a time when a diagnosis didn't often include a cure. Eventually, after taking up writing, I familiarized myself with Boston Children's Hospital and the Jimmy Fund in Boston where hope of successful survival from childhood leukemia and other forms of cancer reigns eternal.
Leprosy in the Hawaiian Islands, now known as Hansen's Disease, is a well-researched story of devastation and hopelessness. Its role in my sixth novel was not of an illness, however, but an example of how happiness ultimately comes to those who choose to be happy. Living conditions in the leper colony at Kalaupapa on the Hawaiian Island of Molokai in the 1800s was primitive; afflicted persons of all ages were shipped there from the other islands and left to fend for themselves until their death. For an in depth and enlightening story about this time in history, check out the best selling historical novel entitled Moloka'i by author Alan Brennert.
I remember the leper colony at Kalaupapa when we were sailing along molokai. Just saw it on the map ;)
ReplyDeleteYou must have had an interesting sail. Thankfully, the people who reside there now do so by choice.
ReplyDeleteLeprosy is one of those trigger words that brings forth revulsion, sadness, and pity. It feels mythical because its so far removed from any of my experiences. I hope the leper colony no longer exists in Hawaii.
ReplyDeleteMy "L" Tull song of the day is here:
http://tao-talk.com/2021/04/14/a2z-2021-jethro-tull-songs-day-12-life-is-a-long-song-from-a-1971-ep-and-1972-compilation-album/
People do continue to live on the peninsula, Jade, but now by choice because they have made it their home.
DeleteThe Jimmy Fund is a Boston mainstay. Such a great cause. I always think of the Boston Red Sox when I hear the name. Weekends In Maine
ReplyDeleteSounds like a fascinating book! I will definitely check it out.
ReplyDeleteThe Multicolored Diary
Yes, my research included the Boston Red Sox for my fifth novel, the plot involving the death of a player. I've enjoyed baseball since small kid time and grew up rooting for the Milwaukee Braves baseball team.
DeleteA stark reminder that however things may be for us right now, others have suffered far more.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely puts life into perspective for us, Keith. Although it may be that some who have contracted the virus may suffer lingering after effects.
DeleteWhen I was studying public health at Tulane, I learned that the only other animal that harbored leprosy is the armadillo. And the oldest leprosy colony on the mainland was in nearby Carville, LA. Thankfully we’ve learned that it is not a highly transmittable disease and as Gail said, people now only live isolated by choice.
ReplyDeleteNever heard that before about the armadillo harboring leprosy, Wendy. But I have read that evidence of leprosy goes back at least 4000 years.
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