Friends of Karen is a charity that provides vital, practical and comprehensive support – at no cost – to families in the New York tristate region caring for a child with cancer or another life-threatening illness.
Each Journey of the Heart rider commits to collecting $2,500 in sponsorship donations and rides in honor of a Friends of Karen child. The child’s battle with illness can motivate a rider to keep going when the going gets tough.
“I was tired, I was hurting, but as I went up that hill, I spoke through my heart to the Friends of Karen child I was riding for, and said, ‘This is for you, Hanna, and for all the kids.' Then I felt as though I had rockets on my feet,” said Vinnie Liscio of the Somers Lions Club.
“The joy I feel when I know my efforts are helping local children is unparalleled to anything else I do,” said insurance executive Karen Merritt.
The goal is to raise $150,000. All expenses are underwritten, so every dollar raised goes directly to help Friends of Karen children and their families.
“September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, but cancer has no calendar,” says Judith Factor, executive director of Friends of Karen. “We help relieve our families’ everyday needs and concerns throughout their frightening ordeal. No family should have to face cancer alone.”
The Bicycle Tour Co. is mapping the route, managing logistics and helping ensure the safety of all riders.
This year’s event only has few spots left. To sign up or for more information, contact Gwen Salmo at 617-4051 or GwenSalmo@FriendsOfKaren.org
To find out more about what Friends of Karen, visit www.FriendsOfKaren.org.
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