Hockey With a Heart
Our Long Island Advisory Board and Jr. Advisory Board helped make the New York Islanders Hockey With a Heart night a success. Friends of Karen was the selected nonprofit for the October 26th game at UBS Arena.
New York City Gala Honorees
Jim Witt, Maria Karalis, and Susan Eisner were honored at the 2024 New York City Gala for their inspiring dedication and commitment to Friends of Karen.
Autosport Designs Cars & Coffee
Long Island Advisory Board Member and 2025 Long Island Gala Honoree, Tom Papadopoulos and his wife Farelle hosted “Cars & Coffee” at Autosport Designs benefiting Friends of Karen.
Because of You
How is Friends of Karen able to provide these comprehensive support services for children with cancer and their families at NO cost to them? The answer is YOU. We depend on compassionate and generous friends like you to make Friends of Karen’s assistance possible. Your contributions give us the capacity to help New York Tri-State area families with a…
Helping Classmates Understand Their Friend’s Illness
One of Friends of Karen’s strengths is meeting a family where they are and tailoring our support to their needs. Often that’s an opportunity to provide our expertise in new, creative ways. A perfect example of our creativity is how Jennifer, one of our Sibling Support Program professionals, worked with Michael in September 2023 when his little brother John was…
Bobo’s Café
Bobo’s Café hosted a golf fundraiser for Friends of Karen in October at Angelbrook Golf Club in Somers. The day’s highlight was guest speaker Sterling whose family received assistance from Friends of Karen.
Galentine’s Day
Jaclyn Sandoval and her Galentine’s committee hosted their 3rd annual heart-filled Galentine’s in February that raised $53,000 – triple what they raised the first year of the event in 2023.
April is Volunteer Recognition Month -We Love Our Volunteers
We recognize and thank our corporate, group and individual volunteers for their time and talents to help bring smiles to critically ill children and their families through our gift programs.
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.
How To Support A Family Grieving The Loss Of A Child
There is no totem pole of grief, but if there were, the loss of a child would be at the top. It is the most profound, devastating loss a parent can experience.
![BBB seal](/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/candid-2025.jpg")
