Karuna Institute was formed in 2002 by  Michael F. Roe following Roe's involvement in Ukraine and Russia on behalf of a family law client. Karuna is funded through private donations, initial consultation fees, and (new!) from sales of MMA apparel.


Michael Roe has traveled through Ukraine and Russia, and learned from visits to the orphanages and from Doctors without Borders in Odessa the extent of the HIV problem among newborns.

Orphanage No. 3 in Odessa, for example, cares for a number of young children that have been infected with HIV through mother-to-child transmission. MTCT-HIV related efforts are a primary focus of Karuna Institute.

Further, Ireland's Hole in the Wall Camp is an important focus of Karuna Institute. This focus developed following Roe's meeting in Dublin with Paul Newman, during an ICCUSA event at the American Ambassador's residence. Mr. Newman, aside from being a genuinely kind and charismatic man, was a dedicated philanthropist for children's causes. Thailand's Blood Foundation does critically important work supporting and educating Thai and refugee Burmese children.

In Dublin, Ireland    


Karuna Institute is not a large nonprofit...there are no lofty aspirations. Yet, when possible Karuna funds the orphanages and provides support for important causes as best it can.