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.