Micah was a seven-year-old boy who was diagnosed as a one-year-old with Menkes Disease, a genetic disorder that affects copper metabolism. He lived in the Bronx with his mother Cindy and his older brothers, Terrence (17) and Jahziah (12). Friends of Karen assisted the family with emotional support during end of life and has continued bereavement support after he died in December 2024. Cindy shares how Friends of Karen supported her family during this unimaginably difficult time.

“Friends of Karen was truly a lifeline for me and my boys while I was caring for my son, Micah, during his long battle with Menkes Disease. They lifted so many burdens helping with rent, school supplies, Christmas gifts for my kids, birthday cards and always checking in on us. 

They were there to listen, to support, and even after Micah passed, they helped with funeral expenses and comforted us through the grief. They gave me the space to focus on my baby Micah and brought my family so much relief and kindness when we needed it most.

Also, something very important to me is how kind, sweet and compassionate our Friends of Karen social worker Alyssa has been to me. She would listen to everything I say and let me vent without interrupting. It felt great to be heard in the midst of all the chaos and overwhelming feelings my family was going through, and her voice was so comforting. Thank you, Alyssa, for that I’m forever grateful.

Without Friends of Karen, I honestly don’t know how we would have managed. Being a single mom, the financial stress alone would have been crushing on top of the emotional weight of caring for my Micah. I would have been forced to divide my attention between survival and my son, instead of being fully present with him in his final months. Friends of Karen’s support gave us peace of mind, stability, and the chance to focus on loving my beautiful boys during our worst and heartbreaking time.”

—Cindy, Micah’s Mother