Team Red Dragon Race Across America for Kids with Cancer

Race Across America (RAAM) starts on June 15th, 2021!  This year, Michael Davies-Hughes and his Team Red Dragon will be competing in RAAM for Hopecam!  RAAM is a 3,089 mile solo cross country bike race from Oceanside CA to Annapolis MD in 12 days! The race is widely regarded as the toughest test of endurance in the world (Outside magazine).

Michael's goal is to raise money for Hopecam to help connect more children to their classroom, friends, family and even their doctors via tele-health, while they are in cancer treatment.

Read more about Michael at www.michaelsraam.com

Thank you Michael for racing across America to help Hopecam help more kids feel more supported and less depressed through the power of connection! Click Here to Donate to Support Michael’s Efforts!

Hopecam featured in WDVM

Hopecam was featured by WDVM in their Something Good feature on July 24 during their 11pm Northern VA newscast. The clip featured an interview with Jenna Sangastiano, mother of Hopecam kid Sawyer from Washington D.C.

Sawyer found out about Hopecam after being diagnosed with cancer in early 2020. 

“The first time he logged on, he had this massive smile on his face. That he saw his friends and that he was still able to feel like he was connected” said Sawyer’s mother, Jenna Sangastiano. 

Also interviewed was Hopecam’s Executive Director, Lauren Priestas who spoke about the benefits and importance of Hopecam to children in cancer treatment. 

Hopecam provides technology to children and works with schools to allow them to connect virtually when classes are in session so that the child feels included.

 “For a child going through cancer treatment they could be there for a very long period of time. So to be able to connect with their family as well while they’re in the hospital has been a real important part of our program.”

Watch the video below and read the article at: Hopecam WDVM

Hopecam Announces Rebranding of Its Logo, Tagline and Staff Realignment

Hopecam's rebranding includes a fresh, contemporary logo that speaks to the organization's mission and a new tagline – “Connecting Children with Cancer to Their Classmates.”

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Hopecam is also announcing a realignment of its staff, a move that results in two promotions. Lauren Priestas, previously Hopecam’s Development Director, becomes its Executive Director. In her new position, Priestas will oversee day-to-day activities, work with the nonprofit’s 15-member board of directors and lead the Hopecam team. Prior to joining Hopecam in 2016, Priestas worked at the Landon School in Bethesda, Maryland for over 12 years.

Brett Fox moves up from Development Coordinator to Development Director. As Hopecam’s primary contact for fundraising, her responsibilities include building sponsor relationships and coordinating fundraising events. Fox joined the staff in 2018 after serving as a volunteer.      

“The Hopecam Board of Directors congratulates Lauren and Brett on their new roles,” said Len Forkas, the nonprofit’s Chairman and Founder. “While the rebranding will enhance Hopecam’s visibility, the staff realignment will improve its efficiency and strengthen its ability to meet a growing, nationwide demand for services.”  

Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Reston, Virginia, Hopecam is a 501(c)(3) organization that provides laptops, tablets and other technology to reduce the loneliness felt by pediatric cancer patients as they undergo treatment. To date, Hopecam has partnered with over 130+ hospitals and virtually connected more than 2,500 children to over 45,000 classmates throughout the U.S and abroad. Over 70% of the students helped by Hopecam attend Title 1 schools.

Hopecam Receives Grant from Livestrong to Help Children with Cancer

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Hopecam today announced that it is a 2020 recipient of the Livestrong Solution Grant program, a new initiative to recognize U.S. organizations that develop solution-driven programs to serve cancer patients and their families. The Reston, Virginia-based nonprofit is one of eight winners selected by the Livestrong Foundation, which awarded the grants based upon each recipient’s ability to provide “cutting-edge and person-centered cancer solutions to life.” 

Hopecam has a simple, yet life-saving mission: to reduce the loneliness and anxiety felt by young cancer patients as they undergo treatment. It is the only U.S. charity that supplies web cameras, tablets and other technology that enable homebound children to stay connected with their classmates and friends during a difficult, frightening time. 

“We are thrilled to partner with the Livestrong Foundation, which has served people affected by cancer for nearly 25 years,” said Hopecam founder Len Forkas. “Each year, nearly 16,000 children are diagnosed with cancer and experience treatments that dramatically limit their ability to go to school. Now we can support more of these children thanks to Livestrong’s generosity.” 

In addition to Hopecam, this year’s Solution Grant Winners included the Smith Center for Healing and the Arts; University of Michigan; The Cure Starts Now Foundation; The Pablove Foundation; VitalHearts; B.I.G. Love Cancer Cure; and Wonders & Worries. The grant program received 231 applications from 36 states. 

Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Reston, Virginia, Hopecam is a 501(c)3 nonprofit whose mission is to reduce the loneliness felt by young cancer patients as they undergo treatment. To date, Hopecam has connected more than 2,500 children to over 50,000 classmates throughout the U.S and abroad. Over 71% of the students helped by Hopecam attend Title 1 schools.

Hopecam 5K Postponed until Sunday, October 18, 2020

Due to the spread of COVID-19 and in order to keep our community and most vulnerable population safe we have decided to postpone Hopecam's 20th Annual 5K Run/Walk to Sunday, October 18, 2020.

If you have registered or sponsored the 5K already, your registration or sponsorship will be moved to the October 18th race date. If you are unable to attend in October and would like a refund for your registration, please contact lauren@hopecam.org.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused and hope to see you in October.

To register for our 20th Annual Hopecam 5K in October and find out more information, please visit: Hopecam 2020 5K Run/Walk

Inspiring 9 Year Old Matteo Runs For Kids With Cancer

Hopecam Race For A Reason Champion 9 year old Matteo was featured this morning on Great Day Washington. Watch Matteo’s story about his journey to run 100 miles for kids with cancer. His goal is to help more kids Stay Connected to their Life while in treatment by raising money for Hopecam. A Big Thanks to Apple Federal Credit Union who gave Matteo $15,000 towards his $100,000 goal. You can help him reach his goal, visit: Matteoruns.com or click Donate below.

Read the full article here: Great Day Washington Matteo Runs and watch the video clip below.