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.

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

Despite medical breakthroughs in treatment, cancer remains the leading cause of death by disease in children. You can support the strength of children like Kathleen, Matteo and Briany by GETTING INVOLVED! Click here.

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. Read more.

welcome

Please help Feed A Family

Family needs such as food, housing, and utilities are among the many financial strains a family endures when caring for a critically-ill child. Chemotherapy, radiation, and other forms of medication used for life-threatening illnesses compromises an ill child’s immune system, which makes a simple meal even more essential. No family should choose between paying for their ill child’s medical care and putting food on the table.

Feed a Family

Sibling Spotlight: Meet Caoimhe

Meet Caoimhe, pronounced “Kee-va”. She shares with us her experience with having an ill sibling. Though there were difficult times, what she seems to remember most of all are the helpers; those who showed her and her family kindness. In times like these what a much needed reminder of the power of perspective and how at the end of the day, we take care of each other.

Click here to read more

events

View all events

September 1, 2021

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

September 25, 2021

17th Annual Journey of the Heart Bike Tour

October 5, 2021

Mamma Rosa's Italian Dinner Fundraiser

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...

"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 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

"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

"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

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

Lyla's Dad

"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