Kalaupapa Resident Celebrates 100
On April 12, John Arruda, a patient and resident of Kalaupapa for over 75 years, celebrated his 100th birthday.
Arruda’s remarkable journey began in 1945 when he was diagnosed with Hansen’s disease and sent to the isolated Kalaupapa peninsula. At the time, the prevailing belief was that Kalaupapa was a place to die. However, Arruda maintained a resilient spirit. Over the years, he defied expectations, finding love, happiness, and success in Kalaupapa. He worked on the Suez Canal, witnessed Father Damien’s canonization, and fought to regain custody of his daughter.
“The State of Hawaii has provided me with everything, and that’s why I have this beautiful Kalaupapa, which has kept me going all these years and where I call home,” said Arruda.…