Alex was two months old when he was diagnosed with a genetic disorder affecting his mitochondrial metabolism that impaired his body’s cells from producing energy. There is no cure for these disorders, so Alex received supportive care. When Alex’s condition worsened, he was enrolled in hospice and his mother, Xheni, and father, Serdi, were referred to Friends of Karen. The family from Queens, NY was paired with Friends of Karen social worker Alyssa who arranged for them to receive financial support from the organization towards food, clothing, utilities and car payments. The whole family, including Alex’s two-year-old brother Enzo and his grandparents, had emotional support from Alyssa during this difficult time.

Friends of Karen provided a thumbprint kit so the family could create a lasting remembrance by preserving an impression of Alex’s fingerprint that gets cast into a silver keepsake. The family also was assisted with funeral expenses when Alex passed at 10 months of age in March 2024. The family continues to receive bereavement support to help them cope with their devastating loss. Xheni recently shared how appreciative she is of the support the family has received. “Friends of Karen has been a great help for our family,” Xheni said. “They helped us with our financial struggles. The amazing social workers of this organization have been there for us to talk during the most difficult times of our lives. It would’ve been much harder for us if we did not have the support Friends of Karen gave us. We are forever grateful.”