Amelia

Amelia is 6 years old and was diagnosed with B-Cell Leukemia on October 27, 2017. She is from Bethel, Alaska but had to temporarily relocate to Anchorage, Alaska for treatment. She is a first grader in a Yup’ik Immersion program. Amelia has had a hard time being away from home, friends, school and family.

Hopecam has allowed her to reconnect and re-build her connection with her classmates and teacher. Skype calls with her class have brought daily joy and learning during the school week.

Yuyaraq (Yoo-yuh-raq) is the ‘way to be a human being’ in Yup’ik. Each morning Ayaprun Elitnaurvik has Yuyaraq that includes Yuraq (Yoo-raq; eskimo dancing), singing and traditional knowledge. As a student in an immersion program, connection to her school has been critical for Amelia to continue learning and growing culturally and linguistically. We have seen improvement in her reading, conversational Yup’ik and happiness in the 6 months of utilizing Hopecam.