Westchester County Legislator Erika L. Pierce (D - Bedford, Lewisboro, Mount Kisco, North Salem, Pound Ridge, Somers) delivered $27,500 in funding to Friends of Karen, a North Salem-based nonprofit supporting families with children facing life-threatening illnesses.

Friends of Karen (FOK) serves families whose children are diagnosed with and actively receiving treatment for cancer or other life-threatening conditions. FOK provides critical emotional, financial and advocacy support to help families remain stable and cope, all at no cost. The 2025 Community Based Organization (CBO) funding from Legislator Pierce will help FOK continue offering psychosocial support, case management and financial assistance to families who have lost income due to their child's illness.

Since its founding in 1978, FOK has served the families of more than 18,400 children. In 2024, most families served had children with cancer who were often very young, with many families living below the poverty level, highlighting the acute need for assistance.

By partnering with FOK, a 501(c)(3) organization, Legislator Pierce and the Board of Legislators reaffirm their commitment to supporting Westchester's most vulnerable residents.

Legislator Erika Pierce said, “Friends of Karen provides critical support to families facing the unthinkable. With decades of experience, they help families navigate the medical system while also providing mental health support, camp scholarships, school supplies and daily needs like rent and transportation—sometimes for years. They prevent families from losing their homes while navigating these difficult waters and ensure children can still celebrate birthdays and receive holiday visits. We're grateful for their work and thrilled to partner with them.”

Executive Director Judith Factor said, “We're grateful to Legislator Pierce and the entire Board for ensuring no Westchester County family faces their child's life-threatening illness alone. This funding enables Friends of Karen to help vulnerable families stay securely in their homes and cover illness-related expenses, with experienced, compassionate social workers guiding them through an unimaginably difficult time.”

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 through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. More information can be found at www.friendsofkaren.org.