I soon found my way to India as the medical  long term coordinator. I served throughout the weeks in the leprosy colonies.  I would return to the volunteer hostel wishing I could only do more. It was an honor to work with those affected by leprosy. I wanted to serve, completely, selflessly, but I couldn't help returning from the colonies and not feel as though it benefited even more. I was filled with gratitude, acutely aware of others needs, compassionate, and constantly felt like I wanted to give the world a hug. Yes the world, and I would start with the patients of the leprosy colonies.                                                                                                             Shortly after my time with the people of India an opportunity to continue serving them presented. I was thrilled to put it mildly. I now am fortunate enough to work alongside the very people who make this program possible. I am reminded daily of the power if individuals across the world, and look forward to the changes for good we can and will accomplish individually and together. To those skeptical of my world changing hugs: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed it's the only thing that ever has."-Margaret Mead

Volunteer Program Manager

 I feel that I have had a lifetime of preparation for working with Rising Star Outreach.  I was born with a congenital amputation of my right arm just below the elbow.  It has never really bothered me even though I knew I was different from others.  People would stare and point and sometime they would cry and run away in fear. Others pretended not to notice or even approached in curiosity.  It was because I was different from so many. It wasn't a big deal, it was just the way it was.

I remember when I would have to do reports for health or science classes, I was always drawn to leprosy. In my ignorance, I did not know it was still an issue as I always saw it as a disease from the movie Ten Commandments and other biblical stories. I even used it sarcastically to describe myself. It took years for me to finally understand more about the disease and those that suffer from it.

Callie and Julie

Julie Domm, my best friend and roommate at the time, attended a speaking engagement done by Becky Douglas.  Julie was so moved that she sponsored a child.  I remember when the Christmas ornament with little Hari's picture came and we hung it on the tree.  A few short months later she had the desire to serve in India. Within days she was making arrangements to quit her job and move to India for 6 months!  I was so proud of her, she was so brave.  A video documentary was sent from the office and we watched it together, I was fascinated and troubled all at the same time.

There was a comment in the video that hit me, "they are untouchable."  Untouchable... that was a powerful word for me.  People have always been fascinated or afraid of me, which often left me - untouched. I didn't realize this was different until I had a set of roommates in college that were so loving and were always touching me and hugging me, it changed me.

Rani and Callie

Saroja and Callie

When I heard that there was an entire population, over 700 colonies of people that were left with feeling that they were "untouchable", "unclean", "cursed from God" I knew I couldn't stand by and let people feel that alone and unwanted. It became my mission to love them, what I did not expect was the love they gave me, the acceptance and the concern they showed me in the colonies.  Often they were confused at why this American girl was missing a limb like to many of them, they cried and blessed me and hugged me and took me to meet their family.  I helped them with their shoes and walked them home, hugging and touching them and showing them the love they deserve.  They are the reason that I work with Rising Star Outreach and that I care so much about what I do.  A person suffering whether they are in my country or another is a person suffering.  I want to be a person that will help another in need and through Rising Star Outreach and because of my friend Julie, I can be that person everyday.

Callie and Miskin from Villivakkam

Callie and Panasamy (the Barber)

A hug from Thiyagarajan

Before I left for India my Mom said something I will never forget, "Callie, I am afraid for you to go, but I am more afraid of you not going." She knew that I needed this experience and that it would forever change my path.

When I take pictures of out patients and students and I see the love, trust and hope in their eyes I know that we have done something right. Their smiles, successes, and hard work make every sacrifice worth it. I am blessed to be with Rising Star Outreach and I am forever changed by our patients and students and staff that work so hard every day.  I believe our volunteer theme for the year  - Together we are more!
--Callie Reagan
Director of Programs and Outreach

Bharathapuram Leprosy colony 2010

The leprosy affected had an immense impact on me. Their strength and optimism in face of trial was an example I gravitated towards. At the end of the session, I realized that although I came to help them, they helped me more than I ever could reciprocate. I left India inspired with a desire to continue volunteering with this organization. I was able to return to India two more times. I was a long term volunteer from January to April 2011 and went once more July 2011. Volunteering in India wasn't enough, I wanted to contribute even when I was in the states. I have been fortunate enough to have been involved in the states after my first session in 2010. I was then offered to work for Rising Star Outreach in November 2012 and accepted my dream job here in the office. 

Moot Colony 2011

One of my favorite quotes from Gandhi says, "The best way to find yourself, is to lose yourself in the service of others." This organization has changed my life!  It has offered me many opportunties to "lose" myself. I am able to collaborate and work with dedicated people who do make a difference. I am empowered in my personal ability to make contributions to those in need. I am able to witness the successes and growth of Rising Star Outreach. I am able to make a difference. Words cannot express my appreciation for all that Rising Star Outreach has done for me and all that it continues to do for the leprosy affected in India.

Sudha 2011

--Audrey Hunter

Sponsorship Manager

I grew up in Atlanta, Georgia and attended schools that were very diverse in culture (Hispanic, Indian, Pakistani, Korean, Chinese, Japanese, and African-American). I learned very quickly that no matter what your origin, people are all the same. We all expect to be noticed, respected, and loved. We all have families, lives, ambitions, challenges, and fears. I also learned at a young age that food, clothing, shelter, education, employment, and access to health-care are not always afforded everyone. Coming from a family that did not have very much, I learned to be thankful for what I do have, and, where much is given, much is expected. 

Rising Star Outreach has used hygeine and sanitation as one of the first line of defense against the spread of disease and overall health in the leprosy colonies. Partnering with companies like the Courtyard Marriott and DePuy in India, we have together educated the hundreds children attending the Peery Matriculation School and their communities they come from.  Teaching them proper oral health care and the need for washing hands and proper food preparation techniques .  We also have volunteers that spend hours in the sun constructing toilets in the colonies for safe human waste disposal.

Why is this effort so important?  Please read the article found in the New York Times from July 13th regarding sanitation and the irreversible health issues that accompany malnutrition.

 “It was so interesting and so moving to hear about this colony, and how they work together to support one another and the colony. Watching the people interact you could just tell there was a great sense of family there,” said Tregani Barney.

Ever since I was 15 years old I've wanted to travel to India. My ostensible passion for the country came from my AP Human Geography class where we studied India’s culture, religion, and social systems. But if I’m being honest, I fell in love with India because I fell in love with an Indian boy. Ridiculous, I know, but very true. My point in relating this is to show that for 11 years I've tried to find the best way to come to India, and I absolutely found it with Rising Star Outreach. I came to Rising Star expecting to give, serve, love. What I didn't realize, however, is that I would be receiving so much more than I could ever give. I've been taught lessons I didn't anticipate through my experience and the people I've had the privilege of interacting with.

The first lesson is the power of positivity. Working in the colonies, especially on medical days, you see the pain and suffering of the leprosy affected first hand. It is a shocking experience to see your first patient who doesn't have fingers or an ulcer so deep you wonder if it can ever heal. Despite the overwhelming odds facing those who struggle with this debilitating disease, they remain positive. They literally have every element of society working against them, extreme pain, and live in conditions that would make it difficult to ever feel comfortable and yet, I see smiles of gratitude and happiness. I don’t understand it, I truly don’t.




The house mothers on campus are ready and willing to do a volunteer’s henna or wrap a sari. The students will ask you how your day was and keep asking questions, taking no thought about themselves (well, most of the time they are kids, after all).

Again in Chettipuniyam, I was handing bricks to construction workers Deveraj and Milo, where they were building the foundation for a latrine. The woman’s whose latrine we were working on came out of her house and started talking to me. She invited me to stay at her house next summer, eat her food, and sleep comfortably- all because I was handing a couple of bricks to the actual workers. I want to spend every second of my life thinking about others; the we, not the me, needs to become my priority.

I've seen firsthand the beautiful effects that one act of generosity can have. I want to live life fully and lose myself in generous service daily.

The third lesson I've learned is less tangible. India has made me want to be better. Loving people, truly and fully, and having that manifest through your actions, as well as the management of your time, is all that matters. I simply want to be better. My time with Rising Star Outreach has not been long enough; I haven’t given all that I want to give just yet. I am forever grateful that I was able to be a part of something so great, so powerful.

-- Alexandra Sullivan
Summer 2014 Volunteer
(United States)

            "I think one of the most beautiful parts of any country are the people that reside there. I've definitely seen this to be true in India. My favorite experiences have been talking and playing with the children, laughing with the Indians we work with, or hugging those we serve. A highlight from the trip was the day I was asked to be a substitute teacher at the school. I was a little nervous, and I wasn't sure what cultural differences to expect in the classroom. The day turned out to be incredible! Each class started a little crazy as students got back from their breaks, but once we were going they were extremely enjoyable classes. The students were so respectful, quietly standing up by their seat each time they answered a question and very participative and engaged in the class. I feel so privileged to have had that opportunity here. I’m really going to miss the kids here, but I’m excited to bring all my experiences back and use in my classroom in America. I hope I can share piece of my experience with my students there."

Original Article HERE

Debbie Mata is one of the few leprosy nurses in the country. Filipa Rodrigues for KUT

Leprosy causes numbness. That's its signature. One of the ways Debbie Mata determines how much damage the bacteria has caused is by running the fine fibers she's holding on the patient's arms, legs, fingers and toes.Filipa Rodrigues for KUT

As Debbie Mata examines her new patient, she notices he has lost all feeling in some of his toes. She urges him to start wearing white socks. If he gets hurt and bleeds he won't feel it, but the blood will alert him. Filipa Rodrigues for KUT

The examination lasted hours. During that time, James Landolt discovered he had lost feeling in some of his fingers. That may be why just a couple of weeks before, his fingers lost control of his steering wheel. He crashed into incoming traffic in Austin. Filipa Rodrigues for KUT

Saturday, July 12th, was Parent's Day on campus. The children were so excited all week, looking forward to Saturday with great anticipation. On Friday, kids were excitedly telling the volunteers, "My mom is coming tomorrow!"

On Saturday morning, all the children were dressed in their very best and gathered on the school lawn. The parents are no less excited as they stream out of the vans that have brought them from the nearest bus stop. They all come carrying a bag of food and a blanket. The families spread out under the trees and share their meal. I noticed many children happily eating ice cream treats first, since they were already melting in the heat.

As I walked through the group, individual children would call out "Rebecca! Rebecca!", motioning me over to meet their parents. It was so fun to see that many of our students have little siblings that look exactly like them.

This is Roseline and her younger sister (whose "middle" name is Rebecca!)

This is Abirami and her little "Mini Me"

This is Pavithra and her family.