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.

virtual Brick Pathway Dedication

Thank you for your participation in Friends of Karen’s Brick Pathway of Compassion and Hope. While we anticipated having an in-person dedication, our plan was not to be given the safety concerns around gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic. We hope you’ll enjoy watching our virtual brick dedication presentation. Watch 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

Sibling Spotlight: Erin

A birthday is a very special day and it becomes even more important for siblings of ill children. They often struggle with getting less attention from parents and not receiving gifts like their brother or sister does in the hospital.

events

View all events

January 8, 2021

Superhero Challenge, thru March 31st

February 26, 2021

Buy Shamrocks for Friends of Karen

March 12, 2021

March Magic Virtual Event

July 21, 2021

Long Island Roaring Twenties Gala

September 17, 2021

Long Island Walk/Run Marathon 3 Day Event

IN THEIR OWN WORDS...

"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

“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

"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

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

Lyla's Dad

"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

"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

"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