SIBLING SUPPORT: Unmasking the Power of Self-Expression

The little children and teens that Friends of Karen Sibling Support Program professionals work with are carrying some big feelings. How can they not? They are experiencing unimaginable stress, change and worry. Those feelings are hard to talk about, but Friends of Karen’s four licensed creative arts therapists and child life specialists know from experience feelings will only grow if…

A MOTHER’S STORY: Finding Consistent Support

Ellis is a five-year-old boy who was diagnosed in 2023 with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), a cancer of the blood and bone marrow. His mother Jennifer shares how the diagnosis and Ellis’s treatment affected her, her husband Eric, and their four-year-old son Jay. “During the summer of 2023 things were going along well for our family. My husband Eric had…

Thank You, Denise!

For the past 25 years, Denise Tredwell has been Friends of Karen’s Volunteer Coordinator. Among her responsibilities, Denise has managed the gift programs, including Back-to-School, holiday Adopt-a-Family, and birthdays. She has worked with hundreds of wonderful people of all ages and backgrounds who generously give their time and talents in a multitude of ways to benefit the children and families…

A MOTHER’S STORY:Finding Angels on Earth

Shameka is the mother of three: 14-year-old twins Ava and Amber, and their older brother Malachi, age 15. In 2023 Amber was diagnosed at 13 with Dilated Cardiomyopathy, a disorder in which the heart’s main pumping chamber is enlarged. Shameka shares how Friends of Karen has been there for her family. “Amber came to me complaining of chest pains which…

Chi Omega Tag Sale

Westchester Chi Omega Alumnae Association hosted their 30th Annual Tag Sale. Gwen Salmo, Friends of Karen’s Special Events Coordinator, and her Chi Omega sorority sisters organized the tag sale for the 30th year!

J&B Body Works Car Show

J&B Body Works and Spectrum Painting Corporation organized a car show in Armonk, NY to benefit Friends of Karen. More than 100 cars showed up at the car show and everyone who participated was very generous. Over $73,000 was raised to help Friends of Karen’s children and their families.

Mamma Rosa Italian Dinner Party Fundraiser

A former Friends of Karen family – Filomena, Fortunato and their son, Joseph Multari – organized their 10th Annual Italian Dinner Party for more than 80 guests. The event was held at Mamma Rosa Ristorante in Somers, which the Multaris own with their partner Rigo Giron. The Multari family has raised close to $100,000 over the years for Friends of…

Summer Fun – Tips for Parents 2024

When the school year ends, a large portion of our day that had been structured activity is now open. Siblings of ill children are kept engaged at school so they typically do not have to go to doctor appointments or stay long hours at the clinic with their ill brother or sister. But when school ends, parents may feel more…