Children with Hemophilia Get a Second Chance in Romania

Camp Ray of Hope is a project of S.T.A.R. Children Relief. Through its unique and often life changing experiences the program offers children with hemophilia and other serious illnesses the opportunity to feel normal if only for one week.Cristian arrived at Camp Ray of Hope accompanied by his mother and confined to a wheelchair. His severe hemophilia and lack of access to anti-hemophilia agents had caused his joints to swell, limiting his physical movement.  His need for constant medical attention kept even the simplest play and daily freedom of childhood out of reach.   During his time at the Camp, however, access to affordable care through the AmeriCares-supported program and a passionate determination to participate in camp activities transformed Cristian.Hemophilia is a blood disorder that prevents blood from coagulating due to a missing protein (“a factor coagulant”).  Without treatment, Cristian faces ongoing risks to his joints and internal organs.  Even a minor external injury, a cut or a bruise, can lead to a serious medical emergency.  About 1,600 people in Romania are affected with hemophilia.   No cure exists for the disorder, but it can be managed with doses of the missing blood factor coagulant (typically Factor VIII or Factor IX). Access to these hemophilia therapies is simply not available to many children in impoverished countries like Romania. Once again due to a generous donation of factor coagulants by AmeriCares partner, Baxter International, Camp Ray of Hope was able to give children like Cristian a near–normal life this past summer.For Cristian, this daily dose of factor coagulant helped his joints grow stronger. His enthusiasm and courage to participate in all camp activities, regardless of his restrictions, were an inspiration to everyone at the camp.  Cristian progressed from wheelchair to crutches, and eventually walked on his own in the Camp’s final parade! His remarkable transformation demonstrates the profound importance of Camp Ray of Hope.A happy camper.Adriana Henderson, Founder and President of S.T.A.R. Children Relief, which operates Camp Ray of Hope, sums up the impact of the Camp at the completion of its 7^th consecutive summer:

Not only does the camp provide free medical treatment for those affected, but it also safely gives children like Cristian what every child deserves:  the freedom to build something, play a game, compete, dance, swim and more—without fear.  Without AmeriCares help, there would be no camp for children with hemophilia in Romania.

Camp Ray of Hope is a project of S.T.A.R. Children Relief. Through its unique and often life changing experiences the program offers children with hemophilia and other serious illnesses the opportunity to feel normal if only for one week.Donate Now