On a beautiful, sunny day, April 16, 15 nurses gathered at Posada Java in Green Valley for breakfast and to discuss leprosy. For clarification, it was the monthly meeting of the Nurses of Quail Creek, and this time it entailed a book review.
Prior to the gathering, the nurses read The Second Life of Mirielle West, by Amanda Skenandore. The book, set in 1920s Los Angeles and then Louisiana, depicts the glamorous life of a Hollywood film star’s wife that changes in an instant when she is forcibly quarantined at a leper’s colony. It is based on the true story of the Louisiana institution known as Carville where during the 20th century, thousands of people were branded as “lepers,” denied their civil rights, and forced to live in quarantine, separated from family and friends.
In a round robin format, prepared questions were answered by each nurse and then discussed. Many of the nurses were surprised to learn that leprosy (now known as Hansen’s Disease) is still a diagnosis seen in the U.S. The majority had never encountered a patient with the disease during their years of practice. Fortunately, only 200 to 250 cases per year are now reported in the U.S., and years of research has resulted in treatment and cure of the disease utilizing multiple antibiotics.
The Nurses of Quail Creek meet each month on the third Tuesday. Each gathering entails different activities (potlucks with speakers on a variety of subjects, movies, games, outings/picnics, book reviews, etc.).
The next meeting will be on Tuesday, May 21, from 4 to 6 p.m. A Taco Party (potluck) and Mystery Game Night will be enjoyed. Donna Davis will be the host at 2499 Rolling Meadows Lane. You can contact her for details at [email protected]. Every Quail Creek nurse, past and present, is welcome to attend.