Some sisters share a bond. Alessia and Vida share a gift that changed everything. Eight-year-old Alessia and her two-year-old sister, Vida, are as different—and as close—as two sisters can be. Alessia is a thoughtful, studious observer with a playful side. Vida brings the spunk, whether she’s swiping Alessia’s paintbrush during an art therapy session with Friends of Karen’s Siobhan or

Eight-year-old Hailey is creative, clever, and incredibly caring. She loves playing board games, being silly, and spending time with her four-year-old brother, Jaxson. This summer, Hailey is so excited to be at camp making memories with her friends. But these past several months have also been a big transition for Hailey and her family. Jaxson is currently undergoing treatment for

One of the core values at Friends of Karen is caring for the whole family. We understand that a serious illness doesn’t exist in isolation—a diagnosis can reshape the lives, plans, and dreams of every family member. When we enter the lives of a family in crisis we keep our eyes peeled for ways in which each member may be

June is National Cancer Survivors Month, a time to honor the strength, resilience, and courage of children and families who have faced cancer. Now seven years old, Ellis reunited with his Friends of Karen Sibling Support Specialist/Child Life Specialist, Melissa, to look back on his treatment journey, reminisce about their time spent together and reflect on how far he has