Watching my cousin struggling with cancer, I have seen with my own eyes how good people and miraculous technology can make a difference. Hopecam is an organization that gives children with cancer a computer and connects a video camera in their classroom, free of charge. This allows children to see their friends, families and stay caught up with schoolwork.
This nonprofit organization is continuing to help children like my thirteen-year-old cousin Justin Condoluci. Justin has leukemia and like many other children with cancer he is hospitalized on a regular basis.
Hopecam has made this huge battle a little easier for him because “even when I don’t feel well I can still see and talk to my friends,” said Justin. When asked if Hopecam made a difference in fighting cancer Justin responded, “Yes, definitely, it raised my spirits and made me feel better.”
Hopecam was created by one man, Len Forkas, with a goal. Ten years ago, his son Matt was diagnosed with leukemia. It was a trying experience for the entire family, especially having to watch Matt stuck at home away from his friends.
Seeing Matt so lonely sparked the idea that maybe there was a way to connect Matt with his friends at school. Matt was diagnosed with cancer in January; by April 1 he was able to communicate with his friends and teachers at Forestville Elementary because of the Hopecam.
Forkas will be competing in a bicycle race (THIS YEAR) called “Race Across America,” which is considered to be one of the most challenging races in the world. “The physical toughness of this race is nothing compared to the battles that children being diagnosed with cancer go through,” said Forkas.
This rigorous challenge begins in San Diego, California and ends in Annapolis, Maryland. He will have to complete this race in twelve days, averaging 250 miles a day with only three hours of sleep a night. Forkas’ goal for the race is to raise $150,000 dollars for Hopecam. It’s amazing to think about how many lives Hopecam has changed and how many more it can by Forkas raising $150,000 dollars.
A man racing across America is not racing for glory- he’s trying to bring hope to others who are fighting much harder battles.
Forkas knows that he “can quit, but kids with cancer can’t. They have no choice, all of these children have to reach the finish line.”