Friends of Karen began in 1978 when Sheila Petersen wanted to sustain her close friends through the devastating illness of their daughter Karen. Since then, we have helped over 15,000 children and their families. Charity Navigator, an independent evaluator of the financial health, efficiency and responsibility of U.S. charities, has given Friends of Karen a 4-star rating -- their highest award -- for 8 consecutive years. Friends of Karen is a registered 501(c)(3) charity and the only organization in the New York Tri-State area that provides comprehensive support, at no cost, to families caring for a child battling cancer or another life-threatening illness. We're there for the child and the families from diagnosis through treatment.