For Schools
One in every five schools has a student in treatment for cancer, disconnected from their classmates for an average of 180 days. These children can fall behind in class work and suffer from social isolation and loneliness. To combat this reality, Hopecam connects children with cancer with their classmates, using a combination of webcams, computer or tablets, and Internet access—all of which we provide and set up at no expense to families or schools.
Kids feel more supported from their classmates during cancer treatment, are less depressed, less anxious, and have higher self-esteem than those who did not connect with classmates. Classmates also gain firsthand knowledge of the power of empathy and inclusion: For every child we connect, we help 20 classmates experience the power of empathy.
While no two schools are alike, with differing privacy policies and technology needs, Hopecam works one-on-one with schools to demystify cancer in real time and to identify the best scenario to connect a child undergoing treatment for cancer. We can even provide teachers with instructions and lesson plans to help them adjust to having a virtual student, and every teacher can control the camera with a remote to help the student at home learn and see what is going on in the classroom. Hopecam team members are assigned to every child and every school, providing monthly and quarterly check-ins to answer questions and assist with any challenges that might occur along the way.
Hopecam Child Naomi Attending School Virtually With Her Class
“The first day of using the Hopecam, I helped the family at their house while the teacher connected in the classroom. The look of our student’s face was priceless. She loved talking and meeting her peers. The other students love meeting Naomi. She cried at first and hid under the table, because she did not know their names. We made a seating chart for her to learn the students’ names. When the student was able to return to school, her experience with the Hopecam helped her transition into the classroom better. She knew all the kids. She had already made a connection.”