Liftingthose withleprosy

LEPROSYLeprosy 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.

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

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 Star Outreach partnered with Padma Venkataraman to initiate economic rehabilitation in the colonies of India. Micro-grants are dispensed to start agriculture businesses, open snack shops or become tailors orweavers.

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.

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 800 patients have

been cured of leprosy and are being treated regularly for the lasting affects through Rising

Star Outreach’s medical programs.

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 Computer Technology. 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.

RankedIn 2013

in the Kanchipuram

district out of 410 schools

EDUCATION

POONGOTHAI’S STORY

Poongothai 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 Leprosy Teaching & Research Institute (CLT&RI) located near Bharathapuram. Although Poongothaiwas socially isolated, her mother was able to arrange a marriage for her with Gopal, another Rising Star Outreach leprosy patient. Together they were blessed to have a beautiful daughter named Theerthy, who is

currently a student in 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.

SPONSOR A CHILD

Nutrition

Housing

Medical andDental Care

Education

FOR LESS THAN 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.

VOLUNTEER

AEducation

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.

VVOLUNTEER

AADVOCATE

SSPONSOR

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!

RESPONSIBILITY

DDONATE

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 ServicesEducation and Boarding

Medical CareMicro-grants

Colony DevelopmentEducation Grants

15% Management & General

1% Fundraising

Donate today!

3305 North University Ave, Suite 250Provo, Utah 84604

www.risingstaroutreach.org

Want to know more? Scan for an informational video.

Every hour 15 people

in India are diagnosed with leprosy