Rebecca Ann Peterson Douglas, known as Becky Douglas, is an American philanthropist who founded Rising Star Outreach, a nonprofit organization that supports individuals and communities in India affected by leprosy.[1][2][3]
Early life and education
Douglas was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah[4] and attended Queens College on a full scholarship for violin performance.[5]
Rising Star Outreach
Following the death of her daughter, Amber, Douglas founded Rising Star Outreach in 2001.[6] The organization operates in India where it supports leprosy-affected communities such as medical care through mobile clinics and local hospitals, addressing the physical ailments and social stigma.[7][8] It provides educational programs for children, and clean water, electricity and small loans to communities affected by leprosy.[9][10][11]
Media coverage and recognition
- Featured in PBS documentaries Breaking the Curse that won a Gracie Award,[12] and LIFT - Connecting Humanity[13]
- Interviewed on platforms including BBC,[14] BYU TV[15] and LDS Living[16]
- Covered in the The Atlanta Journal-Constitution[17] and Gulf News[2] for her leadership and advocacy
In 2008 she received a Classic Woman Award from Traditional Home magazine.[18]
Personal life
Douglas is married to John L. Douglas. They have 10 children, including 3 adopted, and live in Peachtree Corners, Georgia.[5]
Douglas is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She and her husband served as mission leaders for the church in the Dominican Republic from 2012 to 2014.[19] D. Todd Christofferson, of the church's Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, described her efforts as "one shining example ... of ministry to severely disadvantaged children."[9]
References
- ^ "See how these LDS activists became 'anxiously engaged' in good causes". The Salt Lake Tribune. Retrieved 2024-11-26.
- ^ a b Douglas, Becky (2008-08-14). "Rising Star Outreach". Gulf News (Interview). Retrieved 2024-11-26.
- ^ "Leprosy Relief Non-Profit Founder to Speak at Devotional Dec. 9". Southern Virginia University. Retrieved 2025-01-29.
- ^ "New mission presidents". Church News. 2012-04-14. Retrieved 2024-11-26.
- ^ a b Townsend, Carole (2016-02-09). "Blind date leads to 41 years of marriage". Gwinnett Citizen. Retrieved 2025-01-06.
- ^ Caba, Susan (2011-05-01). "Against Leprosy--and Stigma". Stanford Magazine. Retrieved 2025-01-29.
- ^ Armstrong, Jamie (2023-07-12). "Helping Leprosy Victims in India: How One Mom Turned a Personal Tragedy into Her Life's Work". Good News Utah. Retrieved 2025-01-29.
- ^ Moses, Alyssa K. "Spreading Love in India's Leprosy Colonies". Y Magazine. Retrieved 2025-01-29.
- ^ a b Christofferson, D. Todd (2023-10-20). "Honoring the Creator". The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Retrieved 2024-11-26.
- ^ "LIFTING THOSE WITH LEPROSY". Rising Star Outreach. Retrieved 2024-11-26.
- ^ "Cake mixing cheer by Marriott with 'rising stars'". The New Indian Express. 2022-11-25. Retrieved 2024-11-26.
- ^ "2008 Gracies Winners". Alliance for Women in Media. 2016-10-19. Retrieved 2024-11-26.
- ^ LIFT - Connecting Humanity. Maryland Public Television. Retrieved 2024-11-26.
- ^ Douglas, Becky. "Soul Music - Series 22 - Bring Him Home". BBC Sounds (Interview). 2m37. Retrieved 2024-11-26.
- ^ Douglas, Becky. "Inspiring Stories 1". BYU TV (Interview). Retrieved 2024-11-26.
- ^ Douglas, Becky (2021-02-04). "After losing her daughter, how helping thousands with leprosy in India led this mother to healing". LDS Living (Interview). Retrieved 2024-11-26.
- ^ "Becky Douglas". Atlanta Journal Constitution. Retrieved 2024-11-26 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Douglas, Becky (2008-11-13). Classic Woman Award Winner-Becky Douglas. Traditional Home. Retrieved 2025-01-30 – via YouTube.
- ^ "New mission presidents". Church News. 2012-04-14. Retrieved 2024-11-26.