Sister Alicia Damien Lau, St. Francis of the Neumann Communities, has been honored for her work with Hansen’s disease patients in Hawaii.

The Military and Hospitaller Order of Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem-Grand Priory of America awarded Lau the Companionate of Merit Award during a ceremony in Charleston, S.C., on Oct. 29, a news release said.

Lau was recognized for her commitment and compassionate care of patients with Hansen’s disease at Kalaupapa, Molokai, where she has served for more than 50 years. A registered nurse, Lau first came to Molokai in 1965, when nearly 200 patients were still under quarantine and forbidden to leave the island, the release said. Today, seven patients remain.

Lau said she accepted the award “on behalf of the hundreds of sisters in (my) community who have served in Kalaupapa through the years.” She is committed to continuing the mission of Saint Marianne Cope, a sister from her own congregation who cared for thousands of people with Hansen’s disease at Molokai from 1838 until 1918.

“When I look at the wonderful things Saint Marianne did with the people of Kalaupapa, and her commitment to love them unconditionally, it’s my way of continuing in her footsteps,” she said in the release. “I will remain here until the last patient leaves.”

Richard Payatt, commander of the Grand Commandery of the West, said he is grateful to Lau for leading a pilgrimage to Molokai for the Order of St. Lazarus and went “beyond her normal work of charity and goodness. It was a work of love.”

The primary mission of The Military and Hospitaller Order of Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem-Grand Priory of America is to create awareness and educate people about programs designed to combat Hansen’s disease. The group also works to promote organ donation programs.