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 2022 Annual Report

On behalf of the Board of Directors and staff of Friends of Karen, thank you for standing with our children and families, and with all of us. Your steadfast support assures that no family will face their child’s life-threatening illness alone. Please enjoy our FY22 Annual Report.Click here.

National Volunteer Month

April is National Volunteer Month. Join us in honoring and celebrating volunteers who put others before themselves by sharing their time and talent with Friends of Karen. We love our volunteers!

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, making a simple meal even more essential. No family should choose between paying for their ill child’s medical care and putting food on the table.

Feed a Family

Overcoming Back to School Jitters

Employees and volunteers have been tirelessly working to fulfill school supply lists for our Friends of Karen children and their siblings. It is all well worth it when we receive photos of the adorable children smiling ear to ear with the wonderful backpacks of freshly packaged school supplies that have arrived at their doors.

events

View all events

September 29, 2023

1 WTC Lights Up Gold for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

September 30, 2023

Journey of the Heart Bike Tour

October 8, 2023

Adina's Angels Walk

October 24, 2023

Mamma Rosa's Italian Dinner Fundraiser

November 3, 2023

NYC Gala at Guastavinos, NYC

IN THEIR OWN WORDS...

“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

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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