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.

Pathway of Compassion and Hope

An engraved brick in the pathway at our headquarters in North Salem 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 meaningful quote or message to observe special occasions like Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, birthdays, graduations or anniversaries. Order now.

COPING WITH COVID-19

As much of the country begins the slow process of reopening after quarantine, there are many concerns families will face related to COVID-19. Here are some helpful resources and books that offer advice, information and inspiration.
Click here to read more.

welcome

Please help Feed A Family

Basic family needs such as food, housing and utilities are among the many financial strains a family endures when having a critically-ill child. No family should choose between paying for their ill child’s medical care and putting nutritious food on the table.

Feed a Family

NICO, NICOLETTE & MATTEO

Raising children, even ones who are such a joy as these three is a challenge and even more so during a global pandemic. In May of 2020 the strength of this family and their bond was tested even further when Matteo was diagnosed with a brain tumor.

Meet Nico, Nicolette, and Matteo

events

View all events

July 21, 2021

Long Island Roaring Twenties Gala

September 17, 2021

Long Island Walk/Run Marathon 3 Day Event

September 25, 2021

17th Annual Journey of the Heart Bike Tour

October 10, 2021

5K Walk in the Park to Benefit the Adina's Angels Fund

October 28, 2021

Shining Stars: Virtual Gala

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

"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

"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

"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

"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

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

Lyla's Dad

“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