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.
