Rising Star Outreach

Congratulations to this year's green team for winning overall at our southern campus Sports Day! 🏆💚

For a single day, our students exchanged their seats in the classroom for barefoot laps around the track. They participated in games and sports including kabaddi, track and field events, cricket, volleyball, and dancing.

Our students came together not just to win but to experience the joy of unity in sportsmanship. Even while competing, they found the strength to support each other and celebrate one another's victories.

Have you ever seen hope in the form of a cow?

Mrs. Saraswathi is a 79-year-old woman who has persevered through the challenges of leprosy, widowhood, and raising four children, all while striving for dignified work. For years, she found joy and stability in caring for her beloved cow, Lakshmi. The milk Lakshmi provided brought in a monthly income of about 5,000 rupees (almost $60), allowing Mrs. Saraswathi to cover her household expenses and achieve the self-reliance she once only dreamed of. But in June 2024, Lakshmi passed away, leaving Mrs. Saraswathi not only heartbroken but also uncertain about how she would manage.

Recently, she requested and was approved for a Rising Star Outreach colony development grant, which will help her purchase a new dairy cow so she can continue on her path to self-reliance. 🐄 ⭐

Meet Kishan*, a bright and determined 11th grader with a heart full of ambition! 🌟

His favorite part of being a student is strengthening his mind to fully embrace his studies and prepare for a bright future. He also really loves the food on campus. His favorites are veggie biryani along with brinjal and eggplant gravy. 🍛

As for his dreams after graduation, he’s considering becoming either a physical education teacher or a police officer.

*Name changed to protect student's privacy

Happy Independence Day to India!! 🇮🇳

Due to unforeseen circumstances, we have found it necessary to cancel our Over The Edge event on Sep 13-14th. However, we are grateful to all those who expressed interest in the event and supported our mission through it! We will be contacting each participant, personally, to address any questions. While the event will not proceed as planned, our mission to help persons affected by leprosy continues unimpeded and we are grateful for all that each of you do in assisting that mission!

Meet Dr. Nethaji Rajasekar, a dedicated member of our medical team. From a young age, he knew he wanted to serve those in need, and today, he’s fulfilling that calling with compassion and care. His favorite part of the job? Connecting with patients, treating their health concerns, and offering emotional support when it's needed most.

His hope for the future is that the lives of people affected by leprosy in India will continue to improve, and he's committed to making that hope a reality.

Join us in thanking Dr. Rajasekar for his unwavering dedication to our mission! 💛

Our mobile medical vans are a lifeline for people living in rural leprosy-affected communities. ⚕ Hospital trips can be expensive, unhelpful, and sometimes impossible for those with limited mobility or finances. That's where our vans come in, bringing medical resources to those in desperate need. Ever wondered how far these vans go? 🚑

Starting from our Thottanoval campus in Tamil Nadu, our team packs up the van with supplies and hits the road. They drive anywhere from 46 to 120 miles a day to reach those who need it most.

Our Trichy medical team takes care of our extension colonies, driving 55-125 miles a day, sometimes up to 175 miles for mid-range visits. They cover 10-15 remote colonies, navigating poor roads and unpredictable weather.

These vans are more than just vehicles—they're a beacon of hope. 🌟 That’s why we take their upkeep seriously, ensuring they’re ready to bring life-saving services where needed!

MYTH: Leprosy is highly contagious. FACT: Over 95% of the world's population has a natural immunity to the disease. People who do not have this immunity would need to have "prolonged, close contact with someone with untreated leprosy over many months" to even be at risk of contracting it. Most importantly, leprosy can be treated and CURED!

source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Sixty patients were treated during our medical team's visit to Thiruvallur. When patients receive care through Rising Star Outreach's medical program, they have access to:

⭐ Wound care
⭐ Leprosy screenings to identify new cases
⭐ Mobility assistance devices
⭐ Dental & vision care
⭐ Routine check-ups
⭐ Education about how to care for themselves between medical visits

These four BBFs wish you a happy International Day of Friendship! They met at our southern campus and have uplifted and helped one another since, forging strong friendships.

Kumar*, second from the left, is a couple of years younger than his three friends and is grateful that he has such great role models to look up to. He’s learned a lot about how to treat others by watching their kind examples.

Deepak*, first on the left, and Aadesh*, second from the right, are from the same neighborhood, so when Deepak arrived on campus feeling terribly homesick, Aadesh comforted him and introduced him to his friends. The group of four have been besties ever since.

*Names have been changed to protect the students’ privacy

Vijyr became a single father to his two children after losing his wife three years ago. The small family lives in an especially impoverished leprosy colony, with no access to medical care or real educational opportunities for the children. Malnourishment is rampant, evident by the orange tinge in Vijyr and his children's hair, a common sign of severe malnutrition.

Vijyr wishes to provide for his family but is unable to work steadily because he must stay in the colony to care for his children, who have no school to attend. It is the same for most of the 70+ children who live in this colony. Vijyr has put his son and daughter on the enrollment waitlist for our school in Bihar, hoping they will be able to attend to gain a quality education and receive proper nutrition. This would also allow him to work and better provide for his family.

Many children like Vijyr's are on that waitlist. As we gain more sponsors to help sustain the education of these students, we will be able to enroll more children.

If you are interested in becoming a student sponsor, and allowing children on our waitlist to attend our school, please click on the link to sign up today!

Feeling brave? Rappel off the side of the Podium building in Lehi, UT in support of Rising Star Outreach's mission to empower families who are affected by leprosy in India!

Rising above the stigma of leprosy takes new heights with Over The Edge. Click the link in our bio to learn more and register as a rappeller!

During a routine visit by our medical team, patients living in the Chettipunnyam leprosy colony received check-ups and wound care as well as extra care in the form of manicures! With hand massages to ease joint stiffness, nail trims, and even a touch of polish for those who wanted it, our medical team aimed to bring joy and comfort.

"You people are like angels to me," one patient told our doctor after her treatment. It's moments like these that remind us the care we provide heals visible wounds and the heart as well. 💛

In honor of Youth Skills Day, we asked a few of our students what they aspire to be when they grow up and what skill they’ve learned at school that they believe will help them get there. 💫

“I want to get a bachelor’s degree in nursing and serve people who are affected by leprosy. Rising Star Outreach has helped me have a polite and helpful attitude.” - Anika*

“I want to pursue a Bachelor in Computer Application and then a Master of Computer Application. I want to be a software developer. Rising Star Outreach has helped me improve my listening and communication skills.” - Ivaan*

“I want to become a cardiologist and teach people about the importance of a healthy life. Rising Star Outreach has taught me how to be persistent.” - RJ*

*students’ names changed to protect privacy

Our rising stars often gain access to medical care for the first time in their lives when they come to our campus. 🩺 We prioritize our students' mental and physical well-being by offering comprehensive medical and dental care, a variety of extracurricular activities, and dedicated meditation spaces. We also ensure they receive healthy meals three times a day 🍛, supplemented with nutritious snacks. 🥭

When you sponsor a Rising Star student, you’re not just supporting their educational journey. You’re helping to provide for their overall well-being! Your sponsorship ensures they have access to essential healthcare, nutritious food, and opportunities for personal growth and development. 🌠

If you're interested in learning more about becoming a sponsor, click the link in our bio!

Ten years ago, Baliammal and her husband opened this small grocery shop with the support of a Rising Star Outreach colony development micro-grant. The shop is where her neighbors can shop for spices, snacks, and simple household items. Managing this shop has lifted her family and brought her a lot of joy over the years.

Rising Star Outreach's colony development micro-grants help people affected by leprosy access the resources needed to secure safe, dignified work and financial independence!

Happy International Day of Yoga! Our students gathered outside for a yoga and meditation activity to celebrate. What a good day to end a week of classes and studying!

Tag a friend that you'd do yoga with!

Our students are back at our Peery Matriculation campus in Tamil Nadu after enjoying their summer break!! 🎒 Students wore big smiles as they were greeted by teachers at the front doors of campus and welcomed back for another wonderful year! 📚

Students from Bihar traveled THREE DAYS by train to be there. We are in awe of the sacrifices those students and their families make for quality education. 💛 We're looking forward to having a campus in Bihar that will make it possible for students to remain close to their families while on the path to a bright future!

Feeling brave? Go Over the Edge to support Rising Star Outreach's mission to empower people affected by leprosy and its stigma!!

Fundraising reaches new heights as participants rappel down the five-story Podium Building in Lehi, Utah. No experience is needed – individuals of all abilities are welcome!

🗓 September 14, 2024
📍 Lehi, UT

Click the link below for more info about the event and how to register as a rappeller!

https://risingstaroutreach.org/get-involved/events/rappel/

Happy Father's Day! We're excited to celebrate the men who have embraced the role of "dad". Thank you for the pep talks, belly laughs, and unwavering support. Your love and guidance shape the futures of our children and communities. Here's to you, the everyday heroes who make the world a better place. 🦸‍♂

It is amazing to witness the bright futures of remarkable children being built from the ground up. Our brand new campus in Bihar won't just be a place of education but also of support, hope, health, and joy. Education empowers students, their families, and communities for generations to come!

The site engineer and many construction crew members are locals from Bihar. They view the school as a beacon of hope for their community. They're eager to do their very best work because this project feels personal. Bihar is their home, and they're excited to see it become a place where lives change!

As a result of the intense stigma associated with leprosy, many people living with the disease are called the "untouchables". It can be difficult for them to find the courage to seek medical attention or even doctors willing to treat them. Rising Star Outreach's medical team offers the care they need and understands it is more effective when patients are treated with compassion, dignity, and respect.

Rising Star Outreach medical care includes:
⭐ Wound care
⭐ Leprosy screenings to identify new cases
⭐ Mobility assistance devices
⭐ Dental & vision care
⭐ Routine check-ups
⭐ Education about how to care for themselves between medical visits

Do YOU know the TRUTH about leprosy? 🔍

"Leprosy was once feared as a highly contagious and devastating disease, but now we know it doesn't spread easily and treatment is very effective.

"With early diagnosis and treatment, the disease can be cured. People with [leprosy] can continue to work and lead an active life during and after treatment." - CDC

Many people worldwide have limited knowledge about the disease, which feeds the stigma that prevents people affected by leprosy from seeking and receiving the medical treatment they need. Help us increase awareness by sharing this post! ⭐

"As a differently abled person, my options for work are limited. My husband was an auto driver and took care of me. Unfortunately due to medical reasons, he had to stop driving. After that, our children started to take care of us, but I wanted to help with expenses. So, I started this doing this."

Pushpavalli started her small purse-making business with the assistance of a Rising Star Outreach colony development grant. These micro-grants help people affected by leprosy access the resources needed to secure safe, dignified work and financial independence!

Searching for a summer that will change your life? Look no further! Experience the excitement and beauty of India while creating a lasting, positive impact on the lives of many, including your own!

Click the link in our bio to learn more about Rising Star Outreach Abroad and sign up while Summer 2024 spots are still available!

We are grateful for the opportunity to host our Annual Charity Golf Invitational for the 15th consecutive year! 🏌 We hope you’ll join us.

June 25, 2024 at
Red Ledges Golf Course in Heber City, Utah ⛳
with special guests Kalani Sitake, Robbie Bosco, and Chad Lewis!

You can expect an incredible view, friendly competition, delicious food, fun contests, special guests, and thrilling prizes! Your support and participation directly impact the lives of people who are affected by the stigma of leprosy.
We can't wait to see you on the green! Link to register in bio!

Transforming lives, one family at a time. 🌟 Together, we're able to bring education, medical care, and opportunities to people affected by leprosy, empowering them to lift their families and communities for generations to come!

Kavita is adored by her three children. 💗 When we asked them what they love most about her, this is what they had to say:

"I love her cooking!" -Yashvanth, 7th grade
"I love the way she loves us and how she cares for us." -Prabhakaran, 6th grade
"She is my mom. So, I love her." -Saran, 3rd grade

While Kavita is away from home at work, she's extra grateful for her own mother, who helps so much by caring for the three kids.

Happy Mother's Day to all the incredible women who brighten the lives around them with love! 💐

Mrs. Umi has been working as a Rising Star Outreach nurse for nine years. 🌟 She adores the patients she works with and finds joy in bringing medical treatment to their communities. It's important to her that they feel hopeful for a healthy future. 💛

"If I worked at other hospitals, I'd strengthen my skillset only, but working with Rising Star Outreach strengthens my skillset and my compassion."

After Peachiammal's husband passed away three years ago, she took over the small grocery shop that he started with the assistance of our colony development micro-grants. Though this chapter of her life has been challenging, she has found joy in her new strength and independence.

"Before the shop, I was a housewife. I depended on my husband for everything. But now I know how to handle difficult situations. I can face anything with courage."