Sibling Spotlight: Brandon the Wonder

The feeling of support and connection between the families and staff is deep rooted and families will often look to the Family Support team as a lifeline in challenging times. This month’s very special Sibling Spotlight, Brandon, was only two years old when his older sister Melanie died after a long battle with cancer.

Summer Fun, Tips for Parents

As we near the end of school and transition into summer, shifting schedules and routines can sometimes feel overwhelming.  The end of the school year is often very busy; add in treatment, the hospital, and clinic, and there can be a feeling of exhaustion for both children and parents. Here are a few tips and tricks for a smooth transition…

A SIBLING STORY: Finding A Way Through Grief

Cooper, now seven years old, participated in the Friends of Karen Sibling Support program with creative arts therapist Siobhan. Cooper’s mother Joan shared that Friends of Karen’s ongoing support has been helpful as they grieve the loss of Cooper’s older brother Astor. Astor passed away at age eight after being treated for Childhood Cerebral Adrenoleukodystrophy, a progressive neurodegenerative disorder

Mother’s Day 2023

The Friends of Karen Family Support Team develops strong bonds with the families they work with through the span of many months and at times years. Though every family is unique and we view each member of the family as special, the boundless love and strength of the mothers inspire our continuous and steadfast support. We know that so often…

A Mom Story: The gift of more time to care

Logan is a four-year-old boy who was diagnosed in 2022 with Aplastic Anemia, which is characterized by bone marrow failure when the body stops producing enough new blood cells. His mother, Elizabeth, a registered nurse, shares how Friends of Karen helped her, Logan and his twin sister Gianna, his older siblings Jayda and Jeremy, and his father Ismael as they…

Sibling Spotlight: Demario

In the height of the Covid pandemic, Demario’s then one-year-old brother, Kemario, diagnosed with Sickle Cell Anemia at birth, moved to New York with their mother, Sasha, to find the best treatment she could while Demario, age seven, remained in his home country of Jamaica with his father and extended family. Kemario underwent a bone marrow transplant and suffered repeated complications in its wake. As Sasha sat beside her youngest child throughout his treatment, Demario was unable to see his mother and brother for two years.

Friends of Karen Celebrates Selection as an ACME GIVE BACK WHERE IT COUNTS Reusable Bag Program Beneficiary

North Salem, NY, May 1, 2023 – Friends of Karen was selected as the May beneficiary of the “ACME Give Back Where it Counts” program by store leadership at the ACME located in Goldens Bridge, NY. Friends of Karen will receive a $1 donation every time the $3.00 reusable GIVE BACK WHERE IT COUNTS Reusable Bag is purchased at this location during the month of May, unless otherwise directed by the customer through the Giving Tag attached to the bag.