Friends of Karen was founded in 1978 to support children (birth-21) facing a life-threatening illness and their families. As part of this mission, Friends of Karen provides emotional, financial and advocacy support to children and their families during and after major medical events. This includes its core Family Support Program, through which Friends of Karen provides emotional support and guidance, financial support for illness-related and daily living expenses, and facilitation of communication with healthcare providers, all at no cost to the family. This grant provides general operating support for Friends of Karen to bolster its work and accomplish its goals.