2. LEPROSY
Leprosy is a curable disease caused by
mycobacterium leprae which attacks the
body.This may result in nerve damage,
predisposing contractures and
disfigurement. Leprosy involves the cooler
parts of the body such as skin, nerves,
mucosa in the upper respiratory tract,
extremities and eyes.
Treatment for leprosy is done through a
multi-drug therapy (MDT) regimen. About
95% of the worlds population is naturally
immune to leprosy.
If treatment is implemented in the early
stages, it can be cured without lasting
effects or physical deformities.
Leprosy cripples those effected
emotionally, physically and economically
largely due to the social stigma associated
with it.
3. Help the leprosy colonies become thriving self-sufficient communities.
We are accomplishing this through three major initiatives:
OUR MISSION
Economic Rehabilitation
Medical Care India accounts
for 58% of the
worlds new
leprosy cases
Education
4. ECONOMIC
REHABILITATION
Traditionally, leprosy affected individuals sustain themselves through begging. They leave their
colonies for weeks at a time to travel to the nearest city where they live on the streets as beggars until
they collect enough money to return back to the colony. Begging is being replaced with industry as
Rising Star Outreach works to help individuals become self-sufficient.
In June 2003, Rising StarOutreach partnered with PadmaVenkataraman to initiate economic
rehabilitation in the colonies of India. Micro-grants are dispensed to start agriculture businesses, open
snack shops or become tailors or
weavers.
The changes are visible in the
colonies. Dwellings are being
repaired, toilets constructed and
infrastructure improved. Colony
meeting-houses are in demand
and computer labs are being used
to provide technical education for
competitive employment.
We have seen a growth in barber,
laundry, and tailoring services,
indicating an increase in self-
respect and dignity.
More than 1,000 families are being
impacted through Rising Star Outreach’s
economic rehabilitation efforts.
5. Over 2,500 people
benefit from the
medical program.
Leprosy patients often suffer from a lack of feeling in their hands and feet. Without the protection of
pain, injuries occur often by stepping on something with bare feet or burning hands while cooking over
open flames. Open wounds and ulcers are common in leprosy patients and are slow to heal, often
becoming infected or gangrenous resulting in necessary amputations.
The difficulty of transportation makes it challenging for patients to receive regular or proper medical
attention. Many are turned away from hospitals or cannot pay for the necessary treatments. In April
2005, Rising Star Outreach began operating a mobile medical unit to address these needs. Qualified
staff treat patients on a biweekly basis, providing needed medicines, screenings, checkups and education.
MEDICAL
More than 800patients have
been cured of leprosy and are
being treated regularly for the
lasting affects through Rising
Star Outreach’s medical
programs.
6. Many children in leprosy colonies do not have and have never had leprosy. As a family unit, however,
they are often rejected from society due to the lingering stigma surrounding the disease. They are
often unable to acquire adequate education for meaningful employment.
Rising Star Outreach offers life altering opportunities to these children through a boarding school.
Parents enroll their students into the Peery Matriculation school where they receive an education that
greatly increases their opportunities for college and employment success.
The Peery Matriculation school offers a rigorous academic program which includes English, Science,
Mathematics and ComputerTechnology. More than 240 children are preparing to be future leaders in
India as they learn life skills and
develop self-reliance in an
environment that fosters principles of
honesty, kindness and service.
Ranked
In 2013
in the Kanchipuram
district out of 410 schools
EDUCATION
7. POONGOTHAI’S
STORYPoongothai was diagnosed at age eight with leprosy. In the 1980s,
leprosy discrimination in India led to many shops putting up signs
denying entrance to those suffering from leprosy. The inability to shop
or go out to restaurants made life difficult. In 1990 at the age of 15,
leprosy began to cause blisters on Poongothai’s legs. She then moved
to get more treatment at Central LeprosyTeaching & Research
Institute (CLT&RI) located near Bharathapuram. Although Poongothai
was socially isolated, her mother was able to arrange a marriage for her
withGopal, another Rising Star Outreach leprosy patient.Together
they were blessed to have a beautiful daughter namedTheerthy, who is
currently a studentin 6th grade at Rising Star’s Peery Matriculation
School.
A grant of Rs. 10,000 (about $160) enabled them to purchase larger insulated canisters to transport to
construction sites and other areas to make sales. Once this grant was repaid she took out a second grant
to purchase two cows for the milk needed for their tea business. These two small grants allowed her to
be self-sufficient and be able to pay for medical care and other needs, as well as saving for her daughter’s
future. They are able to make a profit of Rs. 2,000 (about $32) per month which she is very proud of.
Poongothai’s dream is to educate her daughter well and live a life of dignity in her society.
Poongothai is a patient of Rising Star Outreach but she is also a
recipient of multiple micro-grants. She and her husband had a
small struggling tea business. Canisters were small and tea was hard to
keep warm before sales.
8. SPONSOR A CHILD
Nutrition
Housing
Medical and
Dental Care
Education
FOR LESSTHAN A
DOLLAR A DAY
Within a leprosy colony, children face challenges of limited
fresh water, healthy food and adequate health care. Far too
often they are taken out and used as beggars on the streets to
help provide for their families. You can help break this cycle
with less than a dollar per day.
Rising Star Outreach provides a
clean and safe environment,
where children receive the
necessities of life and a quality
education. Professional and
volunteer staff ensure that each
child is growing and thriving,
with balanced activities that are
both age and developmentally
appropriate.
A personal connection is created
between a sponsor and a child,
that provides encouragement
and support to the growing
student and blesses both giver
and receiver.
9. VOLUNTEER
A
Education
Medical
Community
Outreach
Volunteers both fund the programs and experience first hand the impact in all three areas of the
Rising Star Outreach Mission. Volunteers participate in three rotations: Education, Medical and
Community Outreach.
Education: Work with
children in the school to
improve English fluency.
Medical: Aid the India
doctors and nurses with
wound care and social
interaction in colonies.
Community Outreach: Variety
of projects and colony visits
are arranged to serve, educate
and improve infrastructure.
10. V
VOLUNTEER
A
ADVOCATE
S
SPONSOR
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
Volunteer and have
an experience you
will never forget!
You will have hands-
on opportunities to
make a difference
and see for yourself
the changes service
can make.
Leprosy is a
forgotten disease,
leaving those who
suffer without a
voice. You can be
that voice.We invite
you to share the
mission of Rising
Star Outreach.
Only $30 a month can
change the future of
a child.
Rising Star Outreach
not only offers
schooling or food
alone with your
support, but provides
comprehensive care
for the children on
our campus.
www.risingstaroutreach.org
801.820.0466
Share the
mission today!
Sponsor a child
today!
Volunteer today!
11. RESPONSIBILITY
D
DONATE
There are over 700
leprosy colonies in
India. To aid more
colonies, families and
individuals we need
your support.
Donations large and
small make an impact
for generations.
Rising Star Outreach is a registered 501(c)(3) charity.
Third-party audits are conducted annually.
Over
leprosy colonies
in India
Rising Star Outreach
aids
colonies
85% Program Services
Education and Boarding
Medical Care
Micro-grants
Colony Development
Education Grants
15% Management & General
1% Fundraising
Donate today!
12. 3305 North University Ave, Suite 250
Provo, Utah 84604
www.risingstaroutreach.org
Want to know more? Scan
for an informational video.
Every hour 15 people
in India are diagnosed
with leprosy
