Hopecam Connects 1,000 Children Battling Cancer to School Friends with Mobile Tablets, High-speed Internet, Videoconferencing
Reston, Virginia (PRWEB) October 13, 2016 -- Hopecam, an organization dedicated to helping children battling cancer overcome social isolation during their treatment, marks this month with the connection of 1,000 children to their school friends since its founding in 2003. Including children, teachers and family members, the organization is estimated to have impacted over 10,000 people with a program that can help healing for patients, lighten the burden for families and encourage empathy among classmates.
Among the first side effects a child may experience after being diagnosed with cancer is isolation. With tablet computers, web cameras and high-speed Internet, Hopecam provides the equipment and IT support to connect children with their classmates and teachers.
“Providing a child with a Hopecam tablet has the potential to mitigate the impact of social isolation. School is what children do. Connecting children to their peers while in treatment provides needed ‘hope,’” said Hopecam board member, Carol J. Kaffenberger, Ph.D., Associate Professor Emerita, George Mason University.
The organization has thrived over the last 13 years, raising over $2 million since its start in the greater Washington, DC area. Hopecam has now worked with 250 school systems in 44 states, with 70% of its programs serving children attending Title 1 schools.
“Over 15,000 children a year are diagnosed with cancer. Our goal is to never have to say no to a child that wants to connect with their classmates,” said Len Forkas, Founder Hopecam
To reach its goals of doubling in size and serving all 50 states, Hopecam is holding its major annual fundraiser on Thursday, October 20. The Give Hope, Get Connected! Celebration will be hosted at the Silverline Center at 7900 Westpark Drive, in Tysons Corner, Virginia from 6:00pm to 9:30pm. The event features heavy hors d'oeuvres with dishes inspired by the home states and countries of Hopecam children, drinks and FUN! Tickets to the event are $150 per person. Donations in lieu of attendance may also be made. For more information and to register, visit: https://www.501auctions.com/hopecam2016
About Hopecam
Hopecam is a 501c3 organization that connects homebound children undergoing treatment for cancer, and other life-threatening illnesses with their friends at school using mobile tablets, high speed internet connections and web cameras. Recognizing the critical need for socialization, Hopecam seeks to bridge the lonely divide between homebound children and their friends at school during this frightening time. Staying connected to school significantly reduces the stress of re–entry when treatment is completed and children resume a normal life. Since its founding in 2003 by a parent whose child was diagnosed with leukemia, Hopecam has connected 1,000 children with their friends, classmates and families. For more information, visit http://www.hopecam.org
Lauren Priestas, Hopecam Inc., http://www.hopecam.org, +1 703.364.5606, [email protected]
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