Childhood Cancer Awareness Month highlighted by Hopecam and its founder, Len Forkas
Reston, Virginia (PRWEB) September 12, 2014 -- In 2002, when entrepreneur Len Forkas learned his nine-year-old son had leukemia, his own life changed forever. In 2003, Len founded Hopecam, a nonprofit that uses technology to connect young cancer patients with their friends at school to combat social isolation. Hopecam helps children with cancer in 32 states and growing.
Hopecam is a 501c3 charity with the mission of overcoming the social isolation—among the first side effects of treatment—of children with cancer. They give the children iPads, pay for Internet access if the family is without, then work with the school to persuade them to establish a regular Skype video chat connection with the child. All services are provided free to the families and schools thanks to the generosity of donors.
Turning to exercise to help cope with the stress of his son’s illness, Len began competing in endurance races to raise awareness and resources to help Hopecam reach more children. In 2012, he qualified as a solo competitor in what is widely known as “the toughest bike race in the world.” Race Across America is a 3,000-mile bike race from Oceanside, CA to Annapolis, MD, that must be completed in twelve days. Len finished in 11 days. Len wrote a book about this experience, "What Spins the Wheel."
In "What Spins the Wheel, Len shares an inspirational story while incorporating leadership lessons on building a team to accomplish not only the almost impossible physical feat in completing Race Across America but also winning his division. Len’s experience underscores the importance of both an individual and a team’s commitment to something bigger than themselves.
Profits from the sale of the book and Forkas’ speeches will be donated to support Hopecam's work connecting children with cancer with their friends at school.
While many children are getting in gear and going “Back to School”, Hopecam is working to help 58 requests from children with cancer in August connect with their classrooms. Compared to serving 58 children ALL last year, Hopecam is in high gear working closely with children with cancer, their families and their schools.
For additional information about Hopecam, or to make a donation, contact: Executive Director Susan Koehler at 703.364.5606 or susan(at)hopecam(dot)org. Visit http://www.hopecam.org to learn more.
Susan Koehler, Hopecam, http://www.hopecam.org, +1 703-364-5606, [email protected]
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