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

Please help Feed A Family. Don't leave a plate empty

Family needs such as food, housing, and utilities are among the many financial strains a family endures when caring for a critically ill child. Chemotherapy, radiation, and other forms of medication used for life-threatening illnesses compromises an ill child’s immune system, which makes a simple meal even more essential.

Feed a Family

SMALL MOMENTS CREATE LASTING MEMORIES

This summer spend time together as a family forming new memories by enjoying each others’ company. When a child in a family becomes ill most people typically realize how precious small moments are. We have compiled a list of resources for families to use to find fun, low cost entertainment this summer.

Click here to read more.

events

View all events

July 18, 2022

14th Annual Golf Tournament in Memory of Erin O’Connor

August 4, 2022

Mets vs Braves, Spirit Award

September 17, 2022

18th Annual Journey of the Heart Bike Tour

October 2, 2022

5K Walk in the Park to Benefit the Adina's Angels Fund

October 18, 2022

Mamma Rosa's Italian Dinner Fundraiser

IN THEIR OWN WORDS...

"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

“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

"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

“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

"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

"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