Help Starts Here

"Your child has cancer." What do you do?

Your child has cancer

No one is prepared to hear those words. Where do you turn for help? No family should have to go it alone. Friends of Karen is a lifeline of support for families in the NY Tri-State area. Watch our short video to learn more.

HOW TO APPLY FOR HELP

Since 1978, Friends of Karen has guided families caring for a child with a life threatening illness through their difficult journey. We have helped families navigate the emotional and financial confusion that lies ahead. Click here to learn more.

Fiscal Year 2022 Annual Report

On behalf of the Board of Directors and staff of Friends of Karen, thank you for standing with our children and families, and with all of us. Your steadfast support assures that no family will face their child’s life-threatening illness alone. Please enjoy our FY22 Annual Report.Click here.

Light in a Time of Darkness

For our annual memorial candle lighting service this December, Friends of Karen siblings shared with us what brings them happiness/illumination in the darkest of times. Please see the video of these amazing children.

welcome

Please help Feed A Family. Don't leave a plate empty

Family needs such as food, housing, and utilities are among the many financial strains a family endures when caring for a critically ill child. Chemotherapy, radiation, and other forms of medication used for life-threatening illnesses compromises an ill child’s immune system, making a simple meal even more essential. No family should choose between paying for their ill child’s medical care and putting food on the table.

Feed a Family

Sibling Spotlight: Gratitude Poem

One of our very favorite traditions at Friends of Karen is creating a gratitude poem (sometimes art, sometimes video) with the extraordinary children that we work with. Reflecting on what we are thankful for is a tradition that research suggests can actually lift the spirits.

events

View all events

December 31, 2022

Hope For Youth Foundation 2023 Calendar

February 17, 2023

Buy Shamrocks for Friends of Karen

March 9, 2023

AlwaysGold Gala: An Evening in Emerald City

May 5, 2023

Long Island Walk/Run Marathon 3-Day Event

IN THEIR OWN WORDS...

"Friends of Karen gave much needed sibling support for our 5-year-old daughter who was filled with so much confusion and mixed emotions about what was happening to her brother, her family and the life she knew."

John's mom

"I wish I never had to learn about your organization and everything you do. But while my wonderful son, Eric, was so horrifically sick, I'm glad to have had Friends of Karen on my side helping us out every step of the way. I will forever be grateful to all of you."

Eric's mom

“Thank you, Friends of Karen, for allowing us to stop spending time stressing and to begin healing.”

Lyla's Dad

"Our outcomes are unquestionably enhanced by the support our patients receive from Friends of Karen."

Jeffrey M. Lipton, M.D., Ph.D. Director, Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Steven and Alexandra Cohen Children's Medical Center of New York

"At a time when our world was upside down and we didn't know how we were going to tackle our day-to-day lives, Friends of Karen was there to pick up the pieces."

Sofia's mom

"When our 2-year-old son was diagnosed with leukemia, Friends of Karen reached out a helping hand to pull us up when we felt we were falling off a cliff, with understanding, guidance and emotional support."

John's mom

“I can’t thank you enough for all you’ve done for our family during this tough time…It makes everything we’re going through a little easier.”

Julia's Mom

"Friends of Karen has earned our 9th consecutive 4-star rating. This is our highest possible rating and indicates that Friends of Karen adheres to sector best practices and executes its mission in a financially efficient way. Only 1% of the charities we evaluate have received at least 9 consecutive 4-star evaluations, indicating that Friends of Karen outperforms most other charities in America."

Michael A. Thatcher, President & CEO, Charity Navigator