Moorpark benefactor provides aid for Romanian children
By Sylvie Belmond belmond@theacorn.com

HAPPY CAMPERS-Children suffering from hemophilia pose with the counselors and medical staff at a week-long camp organized by Moorpark resident Adriana Henderson and her organization, STAR (Start Thinking About Romanian) Children Relief.

When Moorpark resident Adriana Henderson takes on a cause, she follows through with dedication.
The Romanian native came to the United States in 1971 when she was 19 but she hasn’t forgotten the plight of young people in her home country.
In 1999, Henderson founded the STAR (Start Thinking About Romanian) Children’s Relief Organization, which primarily works to supply needed medication to youth afflicted by hemophilia, a disorder that prevents blood from coagulating.
Henderson’s nonprofit also helps orphaned, abandoned and disabled children in Romania . The organization supervises the distribution of donated items and services to children and to organizations qualified to administer charitable aid.

“Our objectives are simple,” said Henderson. “We are a multipurpose organization that places a special emphasis on healthcare and we focus on blood disorders treatment and education.”
Earlier this summer, Henderson spent a month in Romania organizing and hosting a weeklong camp by the sea to provide relief for 38 hemophilic children.
“The camp was an opportunity (for the children) to get away from home and the hospital to have fun with others,” she said.

It was the first time the children had had the opportunity to go to a summer camp especially organized for them, she said.

DIVE IN-Adriana Henderson poses with a group of Romanian children who can’t wait to jump into the pool at a camp especially designed for youth afflicted with hemophilia.

“Most had never been to the beach, or in a pool. Naturally, that’s exactly where they all wanted to spend most of their time,” said Henderson.
Other activities included painting, arts and crafts, English lessons and medical education. “We taught the children about their blood disorder, the importance of better nutrition, and lowimpact physical activities such as swimming and water exercises,” said Henderson, who supervised the camp activities.
The children also learned and practiced how to self-infuse medication, using a latex arm.
The children spent time on the beach where they learned how to swim and play water games. Water is the best element for them since they can move freely without the fear of hurting themselves, Henderson said.

Evening programs included a talent show, an astronomy night and storytelling. “Thirty-eight children with hemophilia were able to do what other children do-run, play and dance,” she said. “It was an awesome feeling to be there and see them laugh.”

William Boughton and Andrew Clements of England, helpers from Romania , and volunteers Laureen Kelley, Robert Wiseman, Zuiho Taniguchi, Lee Hall, Jennifer Overholt and Heather Tolliver from the U.S. assisted with the camp.

Several local companies such as Baxter, Factor Support Network of Camarillo and Wyeth Pharmaceuticals donated large quantities of the blood clotting factor that patients with hemophilia use to prevent uncontrolled bleeding. The firms also provided backpacks and beach supplies.
The Women’s Fortnightly Club was very supportive and helped with fundraising, said Henderson, who is a member of the group.

This year’s camp was sponsored by the Rotary clubs of Moorpark and Newbury Park, and Rotary International. “I’m amazed that one person can accomplish so much, benefit so many and affect their lives in a positive way,” said Henderson’s husband, Thomas.

In the past, STAR has shipped containers with clothes, toys and medical supplies and equipment. The organization also purchased 110 mattresses for a psychiatric hospital, remodeled a school and organized World Hemophilia Day, sponsored by Bayer in Romania .
The organization was conceived after Henderson met a woman who was trying to raise funds so that Nicusor, a 13year-old Romanian boy, could have an operation he needed. His medication was going to cost $50,000. Realizing it would be impossible to get anyone to donate that much money, Henderson started looking for donations of medicine.

Finding the medication for Nicusor became a mission of hope and an experience in charitable soliciting for Henderson, who decided to make an even greater impact. She has made numerous trips to Romania since she started the organization.
The Hendersons own a sales and consulting textile company in Moorpark , representing domestic and international yarn manufacturers that sell yarn to mills in the western U.S. They have two daughters.

S.T.A.R. Children is joining Shaklee Corp. in an effort to help raise funds for our projects. All monies derived from sales through starchildrenrelieforg.myshaklee.com will benefit S.T.A.R. Children Relief.