Help Starts Here

"Your child has cancer." What do you do?

Your child has cancer

No one is prepared to hear those words. Where do you turn for help? No family should have to go it alone. Friends of Karen is a lifeline of support for families in the NY Tri-State area. Watch our short video to learn more.

HOW TO APPLY FOR HELP

Since 1978, Friends of Karen has guided families caring for a child with a life threatening illness through their difficult journey. We have helped families navigate the emotional and financial confusion that lies ahead. Click here to learn more.

Fiscal Year 2021 Annual Report

We’re proud to report that even at the height of the pandemic Friends of Karen continued to provide crucial assistance to hundreds of vulnerable families in the New York metro area without interruption. Your generosity and caring is the glue that has kept Friends of Karen going strong. Click here.

What does love mean to you?

Our Sibling Support Specialists asked our Friends of Karen children to share who and what they love and answer the age old question: “What does love mean to you?”

welcome

Brick Pathway of Compassion and Hope

A gift that will last a lifetime! Your brick contribution is a great way to recognize milestones and achievements for yourself or a loved one. Celebrate the Holidays, a special occasion, birthday, anniversary, graduation or in honor or in memory of someone special. Order now.

Click here to learn more

Sibling Spotlight: Gratitude Poem

One of our very favorite traditions at Friends of Karen is creating a gratitude poem (sometimes art, sometimes video) with the extraordinary children that we work with. Reflecting on what we are thankful for is a tradition that research suggests can actually lift the spirits.

events

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December 25, 2022

Holiday Adopt a Family

December 31, 2022

Hope For Youth Foundation 2023 Calendar

IN THEIR OWN WORDS...

“I can’t thank you enough for all you’ve done for our family during this tough time…It makes everything we’re going through a little easier.”

Julia's Mom

"When our 2-year-old son was diagnosed with leukemia, Friends of Karen reached out a helping hand to pull us up when we felt we were falling off a cliff, with understanding, guidance and emotional support."

John's mom

"At a time when our world was upside down and we didn't know how we were going to tackle our day-to-day lives, Friends of Karen was there to pick up the pieces."

Sofia's mom

"Friends of Karen gave much needed sibling support for our 5-year-old daughter who was filled with so much confusion and mixed emotions about what was happening to her brother, her family and the life she knew."

John's mom

"I wish I never had to learn about your organization and everything you do. But while my wonderful son, Eric, was so horrifically sick, I'm glad to have had Friends of Karen on my side helping us out every step of the way. I will forever be grateful to all of you."

Eric's mom

“Thank you, Friends of Karen, for allowing us to stop spending time stressing and to begin healing.”

Lyla's Dad

"Friends of Karen has earned our 9th consecutive 4-star rating. This is our highest possible rating and indicates that Friends of Karen adheres to sector best practices and executes its mission in a financially efficient way. Only 1% of the charities we evaluate have received at least 9 consecutive 4-star evaluations, indicating that Friends of Karen outperforms most other charities in America."

Michael A. Thatcher, President & CEO, Charity Navigator

"Our outcomes are unquestionably enhanced by the support our patients receive from Friends of Karen."

Jeffrey M. Lipton, M.D., Ph.D. Director, Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Steven and Alexandra Cohen Children's Medical Center of New York