FRIENDS OF KAREN FAMILY SUPPORT MORE VITAL THAN EVER THROUGH COVID-19
At this unprecedented time of the COVID-19 emergency, Friends of Karen stands committed to the health and well-being of critically ill children, their families, our staff and volunteers, and all in our many communities throughout the Tristate area.
Throughout this public health crisis, Friends of Karen remains as dedicated as ever to serving our children and families. We are responding to the urgent need to cover illness-related and everyday living expenses for our families, many of whom have lost jobs as a result of the pandemic. Our Family Support Team of experienced and compassionate social workers, child life specialists and creative arts therapists are working with families by phone, emails and video communication platforms such as Zoom and Facetime, guiding and supporting parents, caregivers and siblings at this difficult time. Especially now, when families are feeling even more isolated and overwhelmed, and are so concerned that their ill children are at greater risk, they need Friends of Karen by their side. We have 41 years of experience helping families through health crises and we are continuing to do so now with as little disruption of our services as possible.
At present, our offices in North Salem, Port Jefferson and New York City are officially closed, however all Friends of Karen staff members are working and available. They may be reached by calling their office number, by email or by sending a message through this website. Families seeking assistance should call Friends of Karen at (914) 617-4057.
Our special events through the summer months are cancelled. Stay tuned for announcements about events planned for the fall. We continue to monitor the latest information from national public health and government organizations, as well as local agencies. We are taking all the necessary precautions, always with the health and safety of Friends of Karen families, staff and volunteers as our highest priority. Thank you for being part of our caring community. Be well.
Urgent, Please Help!
COVID-19 is radically affecting the safety and care of children with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. Please watch a special message from Rhonda Ryan , Director of Friends of Karen’s Family Support Program.
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.
Talking to children about Covid-19
We understand this is a stressful time, and as a parent, you may not know what to say to your children about this health crisis. Check out these helpful tips from Friends of Karen sibling support specialist Siobhan.
welcome
Consider an engraved brick
An engraved brick contribution is a great way to remember or honor a special friend or loved one. It’s a perfect gift that will last a lifetime! Add a special quote or message to observe special occasions. You will also receive a small replica keepsake brick with the same message, perfect for displaying or gift giving. Your brick will be placed outside our North Salem, NY headquarters.
Our Sibling Spotlight this month highlights ways to get through this difficult time with activities that are both entertaining and maintain social distancing. In a word, the great outdoors. There are so many benefits for everyone to getting outside. Check out the article for lots of ideas for fun things to do outside and resources for finding more.
"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
"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
“Thank you, Friends of Karen, for allowing us to stop spending time stressing and to begin healing.”
Lyla's Dad
"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
“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
"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
"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
"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."
