Helen Karev

Helen Karev is the mother of Alex Karev.

Alex's Childhood
When Alex and his siblings were young, Helen often forgot to feed them. Alex resorted to shoplifting to get food for them, which resulted in him being arrested and sent to juvie. ("Sympathy for the Parents")

Later, while Alex was in high school, he was his mother's primary caregiver, making sure she took her meds and calming her down when her delusions got out of hand. ("Old Scars, Future Hearts")

Romantic
She was married to James Evans until they divorced after she was diagnosed with schizophrenia.

Familial
She has three kids with her ex-husband, James Evans. Her middle child, Aaron, inherited her mental illness. All three of her children spent time in foster care before being returned to her home.