My wife Kathy and I first met Dr. Nancy Hendrie in 1996.  At the time, she had retired from her pediatric practice and was working for an adoption agency here in Maine. In early 1998, we travelled with her to Cambodia, to complete the adoption of our first child, David.

Several times during that trip, Nancy expressed great concern for the suffering that occurred among Cambodia’s poor due simply to the unavailability of basic medical care. Nancy also recognized the plight of children who, for one reason or another, could not be adopted by U.S. citizens, such as those who had tested positive for HIV.  Nancy felt that we really had a duty as adoptive parents to do something more for Cambodia. On the plane ride, Nancy asked us if we would like to be involved with a group to help orphaned and severely disadvantaged children. Of course we said yes.

Shortly after we returned with David, Kathy and I met with Nancy, Judy Jones, and three others to discuss the formation of a 501(3)(c) non- profit group. The first project was the construction of a small masonry building at the Cham Chou Orphanage. It was roughly the size of a large mobile home. It served as both a clinic and a school. The total cost was only about $18,000 US, and it was completed in September of 1998. In the years since, Nancy’s dedication to the well-being of Cambodian children never faltered.

Our volunteer group and donor base grew immediately, and The Sharing Foundation’s programs also expanded quickly. In 2000 the Roteang Orphanage opened, providing a new standard of care for Cambodian children.  Under Nancy’s oversight, The Sharing Foundation grew to serve over 1,500 children each day in orphanage, health, educational, and vocational programs. Within those programs Nancy organized countless initiatives which procured such things as toys, reading materials, and medical supplies and equipment.

Very early on, David Boardman and Shirley Brook, adoptive parents and TSF volunteers in Maine, saw the need to fund an endowment to permanently secure key projects. With Paul Brook, also of Maine, they made the initial donations. Thanks to the leadership of Nancy, Judy Jones, Lisa Hicks, and the hard work and great gnerosity of many, the endowment project recently came to fruition.

I was once told by a United States Navy Admiral that the difference between a good person and a great person was physical and mental stamina. Nancy always had a world of both, and a world of kindness.