It has undoubtedly been a year like no other for all of us, but for the critically ill children and their families served by Friends of Karen, life remains complicated. As the rest of the world prepares to return to something a bit more normal, our families are still experiencing severe financial hardships added to the overwhelming stress of their child’s illness.

Friends of Karen’s 2021 Back to School program will address today’s educational needs for our critically ill children and siblings, who may or may not be able to attend in-person school programs due to their illness. The children need your help NOW. 

Friends of Karen’s mission is to help families with a child battling cancer or another  life-threatening illness in NY, NJ and CT. The organization is unique in that it customizes the assistance they provide. When a child is seriously ill, it affects the entire family so Friends of Karen social workers work with each family member. This includes child life specialists and creative arts therapists who provide sibling support to the other children in the family. Treatment can last many months or even years, but Friends of Karen is there with an individualized program of emotional, financial and day-to-day practical support. No family is ever the same after a diagnosis like this, but they can remain strong and functioning if they are not alone. Friends of Karen is there every step of the way.

Will you help our children have a successful school year?

You can help us reach our goal to provide 750 children with gift cards for school supplies and new clothing, and funds to cover internet access for school work and support from Friends of Karen’s family support team.

We cannot reach our goal without you!

Here’s how you can help.   

• $25 – $100 cash or gift card donations to Target, Walmart, Amazon, Staples, Visa and Mastercard will help provide necessary school supplies and new clothing for Friends of Karen children.
• $150 will help provide an ill child and well siblings with school supplies, and internet access for school work, and support from our family support team.
• $250 will help provide an ill child and well siblings with school supplies, new clothing, and internet access for school work, and support from our family support team.

Please Support Back to School 2021. Donate online using our secure server
https://secure.acceptiva.com/?cst=GwKu9L

Send checks and gift cards to:

Back to School c/o Friends of Karen;

118 Titicus Road; North Salem NY 10560

Unfortunately, at this time we are unable to collect school supplies.

For more information: denisetredwell@friendsofkaren.org or call 914-617-4052

LI donors please call 631-473-1768.