2018 AWARD OF EXCELLENCE for humanitarian work in Romania from Occidentul Romanesc a Romanian publication in Spain.
Why Am I Here? by Adriana Henderson (published Nov 2011 in PEN, Parent Empowerment Newsletter, LA Kelley Communications, Inc.)
"Why are we here?” is a philosophical question concerning the purpose of life. I have asked myself many times why I am here, but with the emphasis on here, in the US. In 1970, I seemed destined for a different life, in Romania. My father was sentenced to spend his life in a communist prison for criticizing the government’s decision to deny the family the right to emigrate; and we, his children, were supposed to be sent to reeducation school. But we didn’t know that our situation had been receiving international attention. Following pressure from the United Nations and various churches, the Romanian government asked us to leave Romania immediately. It was a magnificent, magical, miraculous exit. We were the first family in Romania to leave legally, not only with a passport for emigrants, but also carrying an American Green Card.
As a young girl I never once looked back, or even thought about what I had left behind. I thought I would forget Romania, and hoped I would forgive. I pursued everything the US offered: freedom and opportunity. I had a wonderful family, a big house in the suburb, cars, trips around the world, a closet full of designer clothes. Most important, my family was healthy. Yet it felt like something was missing.
When the Iron Curtain fell in 1989 and images of the harsh realities in Romania besieged the world, I could not ignore my country and people anymore. The question “why am I here” started to nag me. As a child, all I could think of was survival. Now, with my newfound freedom came a desire to succeed. When success wasn’t enough, I started to look for significance. I wanted to give back, to make a difference, to acknowledge the blessings that were bestowed on me and possibly see if there was a reason for my being here. I was at a loss about what I could do, and for years I looked for some cause I could identify with. Then I met a woman who was looking for medicine to help a boy with hemophilia in Romania; he needed corrective foot surgery to walk. I barely knew anything about hemophilia, and the little I knew was mostly inaccurate. After a quick and shocking lesson on hemophilia, I began a quest to find the miracle medicine. It wasn’t easy, and the more I searched, the more I lost hope. I made hundreds of phone calls, all over the world, trying to source any kind of donation. It was a test of endurance and tenacity. I had one phone call left to make, the call to Project SHARE. They immediately shipped the factor, and the rest is history. That was more than ten years ago.
Since then, I know why I am here. The boy had surgery and his wish was granted: he is now walking. That’s when S.T.A.R. (Start Thinking About
Romanian) Children Relief was born. S.T.A.R.is a multipurpose organization with an emphasis on healthcare and a focus on blood disorders. Through S.T.A.R.’s efforts and donated factor concentrate, many Romanian boys and adults with hemophilia have had their lives improved or spared. On World Hemophilia Day, April 17, 2004, S.T.A.R. organized the first-ever hemophilia symposium in Romania. Finally, S.T.A.R. organizes and hosts Camp Ray of Hope, in its sixth consecutive year this past summer, the only camp for children with hemophilia in Romania. S.T.A.R. is also Save One Life’s partner for Romania. We have 59 children and adults with hemophilia sponsored through Save One Life. I know most of beneficiaries personally, and have visited them at home or seen them at camp where they play as if nothing is wrong. I get to see them smile and hear them laugh. It feels awesome to be so intimately and personally involved. I never thought I would be involved in charity or volunteer work. I don’t have the personality. I am shy, withdrawn, introverted, not the
type that would organize international conferences and fundraise for summer camps. It’s said that we, in the nonprofit world, change other people’s lives.
That’s true, but in the process, our lives change too. We have a purpose, our life has a meaning, we do things we thought we could never do. That’s a terrific
feeling! We give a little, but we get a lot back.
I know—Romania is close to my heart, and I have a vested interest in helping my people. But to anyone who, like me, is searching and wondering if there is something more than just the fleeting pleasures in life: if you want to make a difference or improve a life, while you improve your own, consider sponsoring a child. Look at the Save One Life website, where many with hemophilia are waiting to be sponsored. Pick a country, pick a child. Put a sparkle in those eyes that look so hauntingly and sadly at the lens. Bring a smile and a chance for a better life. It’s a small gesture that will bring priceless rewards. I know why I am here. Do you?
Adriana Henderson is founder and president of S.T.A.R. Children, a nonprofit dedicated to helping Romanian children in need. She was born in Romania and immigrated to the US, where she has lived for the past 40 years. She is a graduate of UCLA, and lives in North Carolina with husband Tom, who often
helps with her charitable work. They have two daughters.
As a young girl I never once looked back, or even thought about what I had left behind. I thought I would forget Romania, and hoped I would forgive. I pursued everything the US offered: freedom and opportunity. I had a wonderful family, a big house in the suburb, cars, trips around the world, a closet full of designer clothes. Most important, my family was healthy. Yet it felt like something was missing.
When the Iron Curtain fell in 1989 and images of the harsh realities in Romania besieged the world, I could not ignore my country and people anymore. The question “why am I here” started to nag me. As a child, all I could think of was survival. Now, with my newfound freedom came a desire to succeed. When success wasn’t enough, I started to look for significance. I wanted to give back, to make a difference, to acknowledge the blessings that were bestowed on me and possibly see if there was a reason for my being here. I was at a loss about what I could do, and for years I looked for some cause I could identify with. Then I met a woman who was looking for medicine to help a boy with hemophilia in Romania; he needed corrective foot surgery to walk. I barely knew anything about hemophilia, and the little I knew was mostly inaccurate. After a quick and shocking lesson on hemophilia, I began a quest to find the miracle medicine. It wasn’t easy, and the more I searched, the more I lost hope. I made hundreds of phone calls, all over the world, trying to source any kind of donation. It was a test of endurance and tenacity. I had one phone call left to make, the call to Project SHARE. They immediately shipped the factor, and the rest is history. That was more than ten years ago.
Since then, I know why I am here. The boy had surgery and his wish was granted: he is now walking. That’s when S.T.A.R. (Start Thinking About
Romanian) Children Relief was born. S.T.A.R.is a multipurpose organization with an emphasis on healthcare and a focus on blood disorders. Through S.T.A.R.’s efforts and donated factor concentrate, many Romanian boys and adults with hemophilia have had their lives improved or spared. On World Hemophilia Day, April 17, 2004, S.T.A.R. organized the first-ever hemophilia symposium in Romania. Finally, S.T.A.R. organizes and hosts Camp Ray of Hope, in its sixth consecutive year this past summer, the only camp for children with hemophilia in Romania. S.T.A.R. is also Save One Life’s partner for Romania. We have 59 children and adults with hemophilia sponsored through Save One Life. I know most of beneficiaries personally, and have visited them at home or seen them at camp where they play as if nothing is wrong. I get to see them smile and hear them laugh. It feels awesome to be so intimately and personally involved. I never thought I would be involved in charity or volunteer work. I don’t have the personality. I am shy, withdrawn, introverted, not the
type that would organize international conferences and fundraise for summer camps. It’s said that we, in the nonprofit world, change other people’s lives.
That’s true, but in the process, our lives change too. We have a purpose, our life has a meaning, we do things we thought we could never do. That’s a terrific
feeling! We give a little, but we get a lot back.
I know—Romania is close to my heart, and I have a vested interest in helping my people. But to anyone who, like me, is searching and wondering if there is something more than just the fleeting pleasures in life: if you want to make a difference or improve a life, while you improve your own, consider sponsoring a child. Look at the Save One Life website, where many with hemophilia are waiting to be sponsored. Pick a country, pick a child. Put a sparkle in those eyes that look so hauntingly and sadly at the lens. Bring a smile and a chance for a better life. It’s a small gesture that will bring priceless rewards. I know why I am here. Do you?
Adriana Henderson is founder and president of S.T.A.R. Children, a nonprofit dedicated to helping Romanian children in need. She was born in Romania and immigrated to the US, where she has lived for the past 40 years. She is a graduate of UCLA, and lives in North Carolina with husband Tom, who often
helps with her charitable work. They have two daughters.
Aug 18, 2006 – 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 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.
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 low impact 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.
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 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.
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 low impact 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.