On March 11, 2026, at 2:03 PM, we lost our mother, NYPD Officer Karen S. Hill (Shield #28496), after a long and courageous 10-year battle with 9/11-related breast cancer.

Our mother was more than a police officer—she was the strongest, most selfless person we have ever known. She was always laughing, making others laugh, and giving whatever she could to anyone who needed it. She was generous, mentally and emotionally strong, and the heart of our family.

Karen’s life was not easy. She overcame a childhood filled with hardship—losing her father at 16 and growing up with a mother battling addiction. At just 17 years old, she became a mother. By 21, she was raising a sick child—her oldest daughter, Quadina, who bravely fought leukemia at just 4 years old.

Instead of letting life break her, our mother used every hardship as fuel. She worked multiple jobs, went to school, became a foster mother, and even adopted her own younger sister. She was on her way to becoming a registered nurse when she received the call she had always dreamed of—the call from the NYPD.

While still in the police academy, September 11th happened.

Her class became the first in NYPD history to be pushed into active duty before graduating. At a time when many would have stepped away, our mother stepped forward. She was proud to be part of something bigger than herself—something meaningful, something that mattered.

She served the people of New York City with honor for 16 years, beginning at the 103rd Precinct and later serving at the 111th Precinct, where she ultimately retired in 2017 after being diagnosed with 9/11-related breast cancer in 2016.

For 10 years, she fought with everything she had.

In the end, the cancer spread throughout her body, including to her brain. She passed away at home, surrounded by love, under hospice care. In her final days, this once strong and independent woman could no longer eat, drink, stand, or even turn in bed on her own—but she never lost her strength in spirit.

She leaves behind her two daughters, Quadina Hill and Sabrina Levy.

Sabrina, her youngest, was still her dependent while attending college full-time.

We are now facing an overwhelming financial burden. Our mother carried the responsibility of our home, which has a monthly mortgage of $3,533, along with essential expenses including electric, water, and heating oil—which has become extremely expensive—as well as caring for our two dogs.

This home is not just a place to live. It is where our mother built our lives, where her love still fills every room, and where we are trying to hold on to a piece of her while navigating this unimaginable loss.

We are asking for help to keep our home and cover basic living expenses during this incredibly difficult time.

Our mother dedicated her life to helping others—even when it cost her everything.

Now, we are humbly asking for help.

Any donation, no matter the amount, means more than we can express. And if you are unable to give, simply sharing this page helps us more than you know.

Thank you for helping us honor our mother’s life, her service, and her sacrifice.

With love and gratitude,

Quadina Hill & Sabrina Levy

Daughters of Officer Karen S. Hill