If your child has been diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, your whole world has just been turned upside down. Friends of Karen can help guide you through the maze of paperwork, provide an emotional foundation, advocate on your behalf, and give you the tools and encouragement to cope with the extraordinary demands of dealing day-by-day with your child's -- and your family's -- situation.

Are You Eligible?

Each family’s needs are individually assessed by a Friends of Karen social worker. Assistance is available to those families who have a child that meets the following qualifications.

• Under the age of 21 who has been diagnosed with a life-threatening disease. Friends of Karen cannot help children suffering from chronic diseases or conditions.
• United States citizen or a lawful, permanent resident of the United States. A copy of the child’s birth certificate or I-151 form (green card) may be required by Friends of Karen at the time of application.
• Lives in:
  • New York City: Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens or Staten Island 
  • Long Island counties: Suffolk or Nassau 
  • New York counties: Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster or Westchester  
  • New Jersey counties: Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Passaic or Union 
  • Connecticut counties: Fairfield,New Haven or Middlesex

Family Support Program

Our social workers assess each family’s needs and

• Provide supportive counseling and advice as the family copes with their child’s illness
• Maintain close contact with each family by telephone and through visits to the home and hospital
• Advocate for families in their dealings with hospitals, medical insurers, and collection agencies
• Obtain assistance from government programs, and national and community agencies
• Provide referrals for professional counseling and other support services

Financial Assistance

• Families who demonstrate financial need may be eligible for financial assistance from Friends of Karen.
• Requests for financial assistance are considered on a case by case basis, taking into account each family’s individual circumstances. The family must demonstrate that its financial need is caused by the impact of the child’s illness.
• If financial assistance is requested, the parents must complete an application and submit verification of income and expenses.

What Do You Need To Do?

To speak directly to a Friends Karen social worker about what assistance you may be eligible for, call our toll-free number 800-637- 2774 ext. 205.

Para hablar en español, llama 212-308-1378 extención 1.