News Releases

North Salem, NY…Friends of Karen, a charity that provides vital, practical and comprehensive services to families caring for a child with a life-threatening illness, announced the addition of three staff members to its Family Support Services team. The additions come at a time when the demand for Friends of Karen’s services has never been greater, and enable the charity to deliver services more effectively.  Friends of Karen served 554 families last year – the most ever.

North Salem, NY…A hockey stick signed by Wayne Gretzky.  A handmade dollhouse.  GEICO bobbleheads signed by spokesman Brian Carney.  Patrons at the popular Blazer Pub often bring their treasures to bartender Tommy Hunt.  On St. Patrick’s Day, he climbs atop a milk crate to auction them off, raising thousands of dollars for children’s charity Friends of Karen.

“Tommy is an example of having an angel in an unexpected place,” says Judith Factor, executive director of Friends of Karen. “He’s a champion.”

Easter and Passover are very meaningful holidays, and a great time for families to get together.  But when parents are overwhelmed by caring for a child with a life-threatening illness, they often have to skip important family occasions, and the whole family misses out on the memorable holiday festivities.