Address

4407 North Elston
Chicago, IL 60630

Website

www.thedamienhouse.org

Description

The vision of Damien House Foundation and its sister foundation, Padre Damián, in Guayaquil, Ecuador is two fold: to help educate the public about Hansen's Disease (leprosy), in hopes of eradicating the existing stigma and fear, and to provide services to patients affected by this treatable disease. A large part of our education principle comes to fruition via the patients themselves. The sharing of their stories, lives, and spirits are ways in which the public becomes aware to the falsities of the arcane stigma that is unfortunately clung to in the world. Due to the stigma, the main services that the foundations provide to the patients are those of dignity and respect. Instead of being rejected, treated as outcasts and considered untouchable, the patients are welcomed with open arms and care by those at the foundations. Dignity, in life and in death, is what our foundation provides through free medical care, proper nutrition, moral and spiritual support through our loving staff.