A Life Dance Performance: "My Sister and the Storm"

Students

Those of you that have been to Rising Star's Campus of have been involved with the program have hear of LifeDance which is a troupe led by Promethean Spark International Dance Masters all year long. This program has dance practice everyday after school for about 1 hour combining strength activities, dance instruction along side life skills such as: leadership, goal setting and perseverance.

The end of 2013 was the completion of two Dance Master's instruction, Kellyn Uhl and Peter Mills. At their completion they choreographed and taught a new dance to the troupe. Here is their creation:

Choreographers: Kellyn Uhl and Peter Mills

Title of Dance: "My Sister and the Storm"

Music: "The Bathtub" and "I Think I Broke Something" by Dan Romer and Behn Zeitlin

Performers: Promethean Spark Lifedance Troupe

Story Behind the Dance: Two sisters are separated and injured during a cruel storm. After the storm, each sister takes a unique and courageous journey to rebuild her own faith and ultimately reunite with one another. Throughout their individual journeys, each sister is encouraged and loved by different communities of kind people. It is through the loving kindness of others and a cultivation of the love that exists within each of them that the sisters are able to finally "come home" again. -- Kellyn Uhl

Why did you select this song/message?: We love this music because it is story-telling music...it is music that evokes an emotional response and it is extremely dynamic and begging to be danced to! The music itself is a journey and it helps us narrate our tale. We wanted to choreograph a dance about challenge and growth, perseverance and mostly, love. The storm is the symbol of the circumstances in our lives that threaten our faith and our love. The challenge is not letting anything disturb our peaceful nature. In order for the girls to do this, they learn from communities of wonderful people and through their example they learn to love themselves. In the end they are reunited and we are reminded that love is the only thing that endures. --Kellyn Uhl

Friday, February 21, 2014
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The Hindu: On an average, every hour more than 15 new leprosy cases are diagnosed in India

Click HERE to view online article on THE HINDU from Feb 9, 2013

The persisting challenge of leprosy eradication

G. SRINIVAS

To commemorate Mahatma Gandhi’s selfless efforts to care for those affected by leprosy, January 30, the day of his martyrdom, is observed as Anti-Leprosy Day.

Leprosy affects close to a quarter million people (2,32,857 new cases in 2012) across the world. About 58 per cent of them are in India, where transmission continues in spite of it being declared as eliminated as a public health problem in 2005. India has the world’s highest burden of the disease: 1,34,752 new cases were detected in 2012-13. On an average, every hour more than 15 new cases are diagnosed here; that adds up to some 1,34,000 cases a year. These include 13,387 children. Importantly, 4,650 (35 per cent) of these children have presented a visible disability at the time of diagnosis, indicating late or delayed presentation. The next high-burden country is Brazil, with 33,303 cases. Interestingly, China in spite of a higher population as compared to India, has reported only about 1,000 cases a year since 2005. So is the case with most African countries.

Leprosy is the world’s oldest recorded disease. It affects the nervous system, especially the nerves of the hands, feet and face, and is the leading infectious cause of permanent disability. It is curable, but left untreated it can cause nerve damage, loss of feeling, paralysis and blindness. It is a disease caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae, and is not hereditary. It has an incubation period running up to 10 years before symptoms appear. The mode of transmission is still not conclusively proven, although person-to-person spread via nasal droplets is believed to be the main route. A majority of people contract it through close long-term contact with an untreated patient. It is not transmitted by mere touch. Health care workers work for years with leprosy patients without contracting it.

Leprosy is not very contagious, and approximately 95 per cent of the people have natural immunity. The earliest sign is a patch on the skin with loss of sensation. Left untreated, it can progress to cause disabilities. Irrespective of age, gender and social class, anyone could be hit.

Early diagnosis and adequate treatment are essential to cure the disease and prevent disabilities. Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT), which combines three drugs to kill the bacteria if used in the early stages of the disease, can help avoid disability and disfigurement. Globally there has been much progress since 1982 with the introduction of MDT, a miracle treatment; over 15 million people have been cured.

In spite of declaring elimination — an epidemiological term defining the number of leprosy cases as fewer than one per 10,000 population — much has remained the same with regard to the number of new cases. Individuals with leprosy are still diagnosed late or not treated in the early stages and land up with a deformity. Disabilities lead to their being shunned, isolated and stigmatised; the fear is worse than the disease itself.

The global situation continues to be influenced by the Indian scene. Efforts taken by various stakeholders — the Government of India, State governments, the International Federation of Anti-Leprosy Associations, non-governmental organisations, Novartis, the World Health Organisation and others in India is contributing a lot to address the challenge. The government’s efforts to conduct special campaigns and implement action plans in districts with high burden in 2013 and 2014 help. But innovations such as systematic contact surveys, molecular diagnostics, and chemoprophylaxis should be stepped up. Heightened awareness of symptoms suggesting leprosy, and of the fact that leprosy still exists in India, should help control activities.

While India celebrates its near-victory over polio, leprosy continues to haunt it. Concerted efforts are required to ensure timely diagnosis so that disabilities can be prevented, patients are cured and the cycle of stigma and discrimination is broken.

(Dr. G. Srinivas is National Medical Adviser to the German Leprosy & TB Relief Association, GLRA India, and is based in Chennai. E-mail: srinivas@glraindia.org )

Friday, February 21, 2014
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President's Letter: February

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“People who really want to make a difference in the world usually do it, in one way or another. And I’ve noticed something about people who make a difference in the world. They hold the unshakable conviction that individuals are extremely important, that every life matters. They get excited over one smile. They are willing to feed one stomach, educate one mind, and treat one wound. They aren’t determined to revolutionize the world all at once; they’re satisfied with small changes.

Over time, though, the small changes add up. Sometimes they even transform cities and nations,
and yes, the world.” --Beth Clark

January started out with a bang as Rising Star marks its 10 Year Celebratory year! The last few months have been incredibly busy and rewarding for Rising Star Outreach, and I will highlight a few exciting events that are creating positive changes toward transforming and lifting lives. If our year continues at this pace we will change lives at a rate that is unimaginable!

Goals for Girls

Goals for Girls is an international initiative of girls helping girls through the game of soccer. An earlier blog post describes the visit to Rising Star where the lives of many of our female students were enriched as they gained skills that will empower them to do well in soccer, in academics, and in life. Thank you Goals for Girls!

Highway to Marriott

When I first heard that Prem Joseph, an employee at a Marriott in India, would travel 6900 kilometers and visit 22 Marriotts throughout India, I thought it was unbelievable. Then I realized he would be riding a motorcycle and thought he was crazy! However, when I learned that Prem was doing it to raise money for Rising Star, I acknowledged it as a miracle and a blessing. As riders roared through the Rising Star campus, we enthusiastically welcomed Prem and his friends to Rising Star and gratefully accepted the $14,000 he raised during this ride!

We were also pleasantly surprised to see Ankush Sharma, General Manager of the Courtyard Marriott in Chennai and Chairman of our School Board, rumble onto campus riding his motorcycle and sporting a black leather jacket!

“While some may see certain individuals as the crazy ones, we see generosity and courage. Because people who are crazy enough to think they can make a difference in the world are usually the ones who do” (Apple Inc.). We express our sincere appreciation to Prem and all those who supported this incredible ride, which will make a difference in the lives of many at Rising Star.

Women to Women Volunteer Session

In January Rising Star welcomed 35 volunteers—all women but one—for the Women to Women session. They came with willing hands to serve and worked from sun up to sun down. The session began with a tribute to the many individuals who helped launch Rising Star and included the story of Becky Douglas, founder of Rising Star, and of her daughter, Amber and Padma Venkatraman. Each woman gave love and dedication to the children by tutoring, reading, and enjoying joyous moments with them. They tenderly washed leprous wounds on hands and feet of those who yearn for the gift of touch and healing, and they worked tirelessly during the construction of an outhouse for the Mogalvadi Colony. The women were very impressed with the leadership on the Rising Star campus and expressed appreciation for the kindness of Dr. Susan, the Rising Star staff, Dale and Lily Simpson, and all the long-term coordinators who helped make their time at Rising Star an experience they will cherish for a lifetime.

The women also had the opportunity to meet members of the Rising Star Boards from India and the USA. Callie Reagan and Amy Humphrey, staff from the USA, received high accolades for planning and facilitating the Women to Women session.

Because so many new friendships were formed, many participants expressed a desire in making the Women to Women session an annual or bi-annual tradition! “Human suffering and need are everywhere, yet people are people. They all need food and water and medicine, but mostly they need love, …and with that love God makes the impossible, possible” (Beth Clark). I express gratitude to these beautiful women for sharing their love so abundantly with everyone at Rising Star.

Sport’s Day and Talent Show

It was a thrill to be on the Rising Star campus for Sport’s Day. It took countless hours to organize and prepare this exciting event where the students showed their skills in marching, dance, individual races and relays, and team competition. The best part was watching the sportsmanship of the team members as they congratulated each other after the events.

Shortly after the sporting events the campus was filled with music, displays of academic achievements, a short play, and incredible performances by our LifeDance Troupe led by their Promethean Spark dance instructors, Kyla Threlfall and Shynee Narang. All of us, including Board Members, Ankush Sharma, and his wife, Kelly, and Sakthivel Venkatraman enjoyed the Talent Show and delighted the children by displaying their own dance skills. It was an amazing day showcasing many Rising Stars!

(left to right) Sally Read, Sakthivel Venkatraman, Kelly Sharma and Ankush Sharma

Durga Devi and Sakthivel

Ankush Sharma, Sharon Thompson, Kelly Sharma, Sakthivel Venkatraman and Sally Read

(left to right) Ann Herlin, Sandra Rigby, Sally Read, Saktivel Venkatraman, Christine Cronquist and Sharon Thompson

Nehru Award for Outstanding Service to Children

Rising Star won the Jawaharlal Nehru Award for service to children instituted by Pulse of India. This is an annual award given to NPOs during Children's Day Celebration. Congratulations to our staff in India for this remarkable achievement!

Thottanaval Village Projects

Rising Star participated in the tree plantation project Thottanaval Village near our campus and 450 saplings were planted. A water tank was also installed in the village helping many receive clean water.

Necessary Toilets in the Colonies

27 toilets were renovated and 10 new toilets were built in several colonies this year. These toilets provide much needed clean sanitation and convenience for those living in the colonies and everyone is grateful for this blessing.

As you can see, our Celebratory Year has begun with many exciting events and accomplishments, and we look forward to the months ahead during this special year. Come join us and become involved in the exciting work of lifting those affected by leprosy: sponsor a child who will benefit from the gift of education or volunteer with us and have your very own amazing experience in India. Check out the availability of our Volunteer Sessions at risingstaroutreach.org or contact Callie Reagan at creagan@risingstaroutreach.org.

We appreciate your continued support and wish you a happy February!

Sally

President

Rising Star Outreach

Two of the Women to Women volunteers shared their thoughts about their time spent at Rising Star: Suzanne Stott and Ann Herlin

Monday, February 10, 2014
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Suzanne Stott: Women to Women and Rising Star Outreach

service

Being a participant in the Women to Women volunteer session gave me the opportunity to return to the Rising Star Outreach campus after an absence of six years. It was very meaningful and nostalgic and although I noted many changes, the most important aspects of the Rising Star experience have NOT changed: 1) Enthusiastic, beautiful students; 1) Capable and dedicated administrators, teachers, and staff; 3) Meaningful service in the Colonies; and 4) The kind and gracious ways of the Indian people.

I was first impressed with the new buildings on campus and the growth of the trees and plants. One quickly senses the beauty and peace of this extraordinary oasis of learning and positive change. I enjoyed staying at the Elephant House, a hostel with spacious rooms and storage, which blends Western convenience with ornamental elephants, plants, and charming décor. Each room has an Orientation Binder containing well-written information on pertinent topics, such as cultural sensitivity, hostel rules, and health and safety measures. Most importantly it provides details on all Rising Star Outreach programs --from Sponsorship to overviews of each Colony Rising Star serves. The end of the Binder has pictures and writes ups of the Rising Star team in India, including management, administration, and staff. I greatly enjoyed putting names to the faces of these dedicated people!

I also learned at the Volunteer Orientation meetings which not only outline the activities of the next day, but now volunteers are given a packet detailing each task to be performed in a simple step by step format, which lessens confusion and helps volunteers more ably perform their duties. I was very impressed with the Community Education meetings. As the term implies, volunteers received a packet containing valuable information on many aspects of leprosy and its treatment, including patient biographies, statistics, patient care, and rehabilitation efforts. Another highlight was the latest information on small business growth through micro-grants in the Colonies.

Meeting the child I sponsor was wonderful! Ostensibly my donation helps her gain an education, but learning her story and witnessing her tremendous efforts to complete her studies taught me much about sacrifice and courage. I heartily applaud the Sponsorship Program. It is a great way to help sustain the education of these resilient and amazing children.

For me, the most meaningful time at Rising Star was spent assisting students in their classrooms. The schedule is rigorous and they must be diligent at their studies. Education is the vehicle that will lift them and their families from poverty to employment and meaningful careers and lives. Education provides the opportunity for these Rising Stars to continue moving upward!

My gratitude to those who planned and arranged the Women to Women Volunteer Session. I feel fortunate to have been part of an experience that enabled me to give service, but the outcome is that those at Rising Star have given me more than I gave!

--Suzanne Stott