Len Forkas Summits Mt. Everest, Completing the Seven Summits

Hopecam founder, Len Forkas, successfully summited Mount Everest, following a relentless and grueling climb, aiming to raise funds and increase awareness for children battling cancer who face profound isolation during their treatment.

With this climb, Forkas becomes the fifth-oldest person in the world to complete the Seven Summits—the highest peaks on each continent. More importantly, he did it in honor of the 5,500+ children Hopecam has helped stay connected to their schools and communities through tablets, laptops, Wi-Fi access, and dedicated resources — and the thousands more who still need support. This was Forkas's second attempt at Everest; in 2023, he was forced to end his climb due to altitude-related illness.

"Whether I reached the summit or not, I knew I was climbing with purpose," Forkas said before departing for the summit push. "These kids face mountains of their own every day. I just wanted to show them—and the world—that they don't have to face those mountains alone."

A Mission Fueled by Personal Experience

Forkas' mission was born from personal experience. When his son Matt was diagnosed with leukemia in 2002, Forkas watched his child not only battle cancer but also the loneliness of being isolated from school and friends. He arranged for a remote electronic connection that made it possible for Matt to see his third-grade classmates – marking the beginning of something much more.

"Whether I reached the summit or not, I knew I was climbing with purpose," Forkas said before departing for the summit push. "These kids face mountains of their own every day. I just wanted to show them—and the world—that they don't have to face those mountains alone."

Now cancer-free and in good health, Len's son Matt joined his father on the two-week trek to Base Camp, making lasting memories together as father and son.

A Climb for Connection

Each leg of Forkas' climb honored a Hopecam child—from Ari in Texas who dreams of being a rocket engineer, to Addie in Virginia who beams with joy during Zoom calls with classmates. Carrying their photos and stories in his pack, Forkas turned every step into a statement of solidarity. Their strength and resilience fueled his own, driving him higher and higher—until he reached the summit of Everest.

The summit symbolizes more than just personal achievement—it's a beacon of hope for the 16,000 children diagnosed with cancer in the U.S. each year. The average child undergoing treatment misses nearly an entire year of school. Hopecam helps bridge that gap by providing free tablets, internet access, and tech support to families—especially in Title I schools, where more than half of students lack internet at home.

"Reaching the summit of Mount Everest completes my Seven Summits journey, but the real mission has always been bigger than any mountain. Through this effort, I've aimed to raise awareness for Hopecam's mission: to limit the social isolation faced by children with cancer," said Len Forkas, Founder of Hopecam. "By telling their stories each day I climbed, I honored their bravery in a place where the world is listening. These children motivated me to persevere as I carried the mission of Hopecam—to remind children facing illness that they're never alone, no matter how steep the journey."

Help Us Reach the Real Summit

Forkas' goal is to raise $1 million, enough to connect 5,500 more children with their classrooms and friends during the most isolating time in their lives. Hopecam is seeking sponsors and donors to join this mission. Sponsorship opportunities are available at multiple levels, with recognition across digital channels, annual reports, and Hopecam's events.

"This summit isn't the finish line—it's a rallying point," Forkas said. "We still have thousands of children to reach. With your help, we can make sure no child faces cancer alone."

How to Support and Follow the Journey

To support the climb and donate, click below.

My Brave Friend: Emma and Noah Face Cancer Together

When a classmate is diagnosed with cancer, children and their teachers need tools to help. In partnership with Livestrong, we’ve written a children’s book!

What is cancer? Is it the same as being sick? Why isn’t my best friend, Emma, at school anymore?

Noah and Emma are inseparable. They spend their days swinging on the monkey bars and sharing jokes that always make each other laugh. But one day, Noah realizes Emma is missing from school. He soon discovers that Emma is battling cancer.

With the help of his parents, teacher, and friends, Noah learns what cancer is and how he can be there for Emma. Together, they find ways to bring happiness and comfort to Emma during her treatment. Join Noah on his journey as he brings light and love to his best friend when she needs it the most.

My Brave Friend: Emma and Noah Face Cancer Together, available now!

Len Forkas to Climb Mount Everest for Children with Cancer

In April 2025, Len Forkas, entrepreneur, endurance athlete, and founder of the nonprofit Hopecam, will embark on the climb of a lifetime—scaling Mount Everest to raise awareness and funding for children with cancer who face extreme isolation during treatment.

If successful, Forkas is anticipated to become the fifth-oldest person to complete the Seven Summits—the highest peaks on each continent. But this is not his first attempt. In 2023, Forkas made his way up Everest, only to be airlifted off the mountain after developing life-threatening pulmonary complications. Now, he is returning with renewed determination to finish what he started and honor the children Hopecam serves.

Read the Press Release here: Tech Entrepreneur Len Forkas to Climb Mount Everest for Children with Cancer

HOPECAM'S 25th ANNUAL 5K 2025

Event Details:

May 4th at 9am -1890 Preston White Drive in Reston, VA

Join us for the 25th Annual Hopecam 5K Walk/Run!

For 25 years, we've been running, walking, and coming together to support children with cancer, keeping them connected to their friends, classrooms, and support networks through Hopecam. This milestone event is more than just a race—it’s a celebration of hope, resilience, and community!

Date: Sunday May 4, 2025
Location: 1890 Preston White in Reston, Virginia (virtual option too)
REGISTER HERE TODAY: https://bit.ly/Hopecam5k

Family-fun with live animals, face painting, bounce houses, crafts and more!

Whether you run, walk, or cheer from the sidelines, your participation helps make a difference in the lives of kids battling cancer. Join us!

CORPORATE AND INDIVIDUAL SPONSORSHIPS AND TEAMS: Consider sponsoring our 5K Run/Walk. Contact 703-364-5609 or brett@hopecam.org.

Hopecam Writes a Children's Book

When a classmate is diagnosed with cancer, children and their teachers need tools to help. We’re excited to announce that in partnership with LIVESTRONG, we’ve written a children’s book: My Brave Friend: Emma and Noah Face Cancer Together! This heartfelt book aims to change the way students in kindergarten through second grade learn about cancer.

Noah and Emma are best friends who do everything together. But one day at school, Noah notices that Emma is not there. Confused, Noah learns that Emma has cancer. He is sad and learns to process his many feelings and emotions. With the help of his teachers and classmates, Noah makes Emma feel less lonely while she receives treatment at the hospital.

Emma and Noah’s story will be available in early 2025, and we can’t wait for you to meet these special friends. Join our email list to be the first to know when you can add this meaningful book to your shelf. Sign up at bit.ly/hopecamnewsletter

5,000 Hopecam Kids Connected!

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our donors, Hopecam has reached a remarkable milestone: as of today, we have connected 5,000 children battling cancer.

This achievement is not just a number—it represents thousands of lives touched by the power of connection. Each of these children, facing the challenges of cancer treatment, has been given the opportunity to stay engaged with their friends, maintain a sense of normalcy, and experience the support of their classmates and teachers.

This success would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our donors. Your contributions have enabled us to provide the necessary technology, support, and resources to make these connections a reality. Whether it’s a video call that brings a smile to a child’s face or a virtual classroom experience that allows them to participate in high school level classes, your generosity has made a huge impact in the lives of these 5,000 children and over 90,000 of their classmates.

We are deeply grateful for your continued support as we work towards our mission of ensuring that no child has to face cancer alone.  Click here to learn how to support our effort to connect 5,000 more: https://hopecam.networkforgood.com