White Plains, NY — Westchester County Legislator Erika L. Pierce (D - Bedford, Lewisboro, Mount Kisco, North Salem, Pound Ridge, Somers) is announcing $27,500 in funds to Friends of Karen (North Salem, New York) to support Westchester County families dealing with a child with a life-threatening illness.

Founded in 1978 and based in North Salem, Friends of Karen (FOK) serves families with a child who has been diagnosed with and is actively in treatment for cancer or another life-threatening illness. FOK provides emotional, financial, and advocacy support for these families to help keep them stable, functioning, and able to cope, all at no cost. Since 1978, FOK has served the families of over 18,000 children. Friends of Karen is a 501(c)(3) charity.

For 2024, Friends of Karen received twenty-seven thousand five hundred dollars in Community Based Organization (CBO) funding through Legislator Pierce. By partnering with Friends of Karen, Legislator Pierce and the Board of Legislators reaffirm their commitment to nurturing the well-being and resilience of our community's most vulnerable members.

Legislator Erika Pierce said, "With decades of experience, Friends of Karen offers essential support to families as they navigate the medical system during their most challenging times. But their commitment goes far beyond that. They provide comprehensive assistance, including mental health support, camp scholarships, school supplies, and essential daily needs, including rent and transportation. Their support extends to the entire family, and sometimes for years, ensuring families receive ongoing help. We are deeply grateful for Friends of Karen and delighted to partner with them in these critical efforts."

Judith Factor, Executive Director of Friends of Karen, emphasized the profound impact of the funding, stating, "The contract from The Westchester County Board of Legislators will make a significant impact on the quality of life for Westchester County families whose child is undergoing treatment for a life-threatening illness like cancer. It will ensure an experienced social worker will be by the family's side throughout the child's illness and that the child's illness-related expenses and the family's basic living expenses are paid. This comprehensive support will ensure they remain stable, functioning, and able to cope during a health crisis that upends their lives."

To apply for help from Friends of Karen, a parent or guardian of the ill child must call Friends of Karen and speak to a member of their Family Support team at (914) 617-4057. Their office is open Monday-Friday, 9 am-5 pm. For more information, please visit https://www.friendsofkaren.org/

Watch Legislator Erika Pierce present the $27,500 check here.