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Spotlight

Luke and Cara. Friends of Karen is a non-profit that provides vital financial, advocacy, and emotional support to families navigating the challenges of having a critically ill child in the New York tri-state area, including during end-of-life and bereavement.

Will I Feel Anything?

With the imminent passing of my dear son Luke upon us, his last question to me was, “Will I feel anything?” I was sure he was referring to the pain he was enduring as a result of being ravaged with osteosarcoma (bone cancer) which had spread throughout his body. I immediately answered, “No sweetheart, you will just fall into a beautiful peaceful sleep.” Only by the grace of God did he hear those words.

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Feed a Family

Friends of Karen’s Feed A Family Program provides supermarket gift cards to families in need.

Supporting Critically Ill Children & Their Families

Watch this video to learn more about Friends of Karen.

EVENTS

Family Support

79¢

of every dollar supports children and families

Family Support

18, 311

children helped since our founding in 1978

32%

below poverty line family income

304

Families Supported in May

Become a Volunteer

Our volunteers come in all sizes: children, teens, young professionals, retirees, and all ages in between. We even have multi-generational families who volunteer! We’ll match your time and talents to programs, projects and needs that enable Friends of Karen to support families.

Partners

We are proud to have the support and confidence of our corporate partners. Their generosity strengthens our ability to be a lifeline to our families.