Meet Ruby: A Story of Hope, Resilience & Connection
As Len Forkas continues his 183 Miles of Hope journey, he dedicates his fifth marathon to Ruby, whose courage, determination, and love of learning remind us why keeping children connected matters.
Ruby is a bright young girl whose courage and determination have carried her through an extraordinary journey.
While undergoing cancer treatment at Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City, Ruby faced many challenges, including a bone marrow transplant and an extended stay in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). Along the way, there were moments of joy — meeting therapy dogs at the hospital, spending time with loved ones, and finally getting to go outside after an entire month in intensive care.
In July 2026, Ruby celebrated an incredible milestone when she rang the bell, marking the completion of a phase of her treatment. She is now enjoying a much-needed break.
But one of Ruby's biggest challenges wasn't just the medical treatments — it was missing school. After missing the final two months of first grade, Ruby was heartbroken at the thought of not starting second grade at a new school alongside her sister. Thanks to Hopecam, that changed. With her very own Hopecam laptop, Ruby was able to participate in online school, keep up with her schoolwork, and feel included in the classroom experience. Her family even brought her laptop to the hospital so she could continue learning whenever she felt well enough.
For Ruby, having her own computer meant more than completing assignments. It brought back a sense of normalcy, independence, and belonging during an incredibly difficult time. Ruby's story reminds us that even when cancer keeps children away from school, connection can help them feel part of the world they love.
