Help Starts Here

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

Friends of Karen addresses Public Health Concerns

At this unprecedented time of the COVID-19 emergency, Friends of Karen stands committed to the health and well-being of our children, families, staff, volunteers and all in our many communities throughout the Tristate area.

We made the decision earlier this week to suspend all home and hospital visits with parents and children until national public health and state authorities declare it safe to resume normal activities. Please be assured that Friends of Karen is dedicated as ever to serving our children and families by continuing to cover illness-related and everyday living expenses and through the ongoing support of our Family Support Team who are in touch with families by phone, emails and Skype. Especially now, when many families feel isolated and are so concerned that their ill children are at even greater risk, they need Friends of Karen by their side more than ever. We are experienced and well positioned to help families through health crises and are continuing to do so now with as little disruption of our services as possible.

At present, our North Salem and Port Jefferson offices remain open. Families who have questions or would like information regarding our services may call Friends of Karen at (914) 617-4057.

Please note that we have postponed our two special events in March – March Magic! and the Long Island Roaring Twenties Gala -- which will be rescheduled in the coming months.

With the rapidly evolving situation, we will keep our website updated with significant new information. We continue to monitor the latest information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and local agencies, and are taking 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 egraved 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 like Father’s Day, birthdays or anniversaries. Best of all, you will receive a small replica keepsake brick with the same message, perfect for displaying or gift giving. Your brick will be placed outside Friends of Karen headquarters in North Salem NY.

Click here to get started.

Sibling Spotlight

When Rhonda Ryan, Director of the Family Support Program at Friends of Karen, developed the Sibling Support Program over a decade ago, she had the foresight to enlist certified Child Life Specialists and Licensed Creative Arts Therapists to bring her vision to life as Sibling Support Specialists. Trained in child development, psychology, and creative and therapeutic techniques, Art Therapists and Child Life Specialists help...

Click here to read more

events

View all events

FITNESS CHALLENGE DO IT "TOGETHER"

September 12, 2020

16th Annual Journey of the Heart Bike Tour

October 2, 2020

LI Marathon Day 1(Night), New Date Oct. 2nd

October 3, 2020

LI Marathon Day 2, New Date Oct. 3rd

October 4, 2020

LI Marathon Day 3, New Date Oct. 4th

October 21, 2020

NYC Gala, Guastavino’s, NYC

IN THEIR OWN WORDS...

"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

"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

"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

"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

“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 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