Hopecam Announces Rebranding of Its Logo, Tagline and Staff Realignment

Hopecam's rebranding includes a fresh, contemporary logo that speaks to the organization's mission and a new tagline – “Connecting Children with Cancer to Their Classmates.”

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Hopecam is also announcing a realignment of its staff, a move that results in two promotions. Lauren Priestas, previously Hopecam’s Development Director, becomes its Executive Director. In her new position, Priestas will oversee day-to-day activities, work with the nonprofit’s 15-member board of directors and lead the Hopecam team. Prior to joining Hopecam in 2016, Priestas worked at the Landon School in Bethesda, Maryland for over 12 years.

Brett Fox moves up from Development Coordinator to Development Director. As Hopecam’s primary contact for fundraising, her responsibilities include building sponsor relationships and coordinating fundraising events. Fox joined the staff in 2018 after serving as a volunteer.      

“The Hopecam Board of Directors congratulates Lauren and Brett on their new roles,” said Len Forkas, the nonprofit’s Chairman and Founder. “While the rebranding will enhance Hopecam’s visibility, the staff realignment will improve its efficiency and strengthen its ability to meet a growing, nationwide demand for services.”  

Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Reston, Virginia, Hopecam is a 501(c)(3) organization that provides laptops, tablets and other technology to reduce the loneliness felt by pediatric cancer patients as they undergo treatment. To date, Hopecam has partnered with over 130+ hospitals and virtually connected more than 2,500 children to over 45,000 classmates throughout the U.S and abroad. Over 70% of the students helped by Hopecam attend Title 1 schools.

Hopecam Receives Grant from Livestrong to Help Children with Cancer

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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.

Hopecam 5K Postponed until Sunday, October 18, 2020

Due to the spread of COVID-19 and in order to keep our community and most vulnerable population safe we have decided to postpone Hopecam's 20th Annual 5K Run/Walk to Sunday, October 18, 2020.

If you have registered or sponsored the 5K already, your registration or sponsorship will be moved to the October 18th race date. If you are unable to attend in October and would like a refund for your registration, please contact lauren@hopecam.org.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused and hope to see you in October.

To register for our 20th Annual Hopecam 5K in October and find out more information, please visit: Hopecam 2020 5K Run/Walk

Inspiring 9 Year Old Matteo Runs For Kids With Cancer

Hopecam Race For A Reason Champion 9 year old Matteo was featured this morning on Great Day Washington. Watch Matteo’s story about his journey to run 100 miles for kids with cancer. His goal is to help more kids Stay Connected to their Life while in treatment by raising money for Hopecam. A Big Thanks to Apple Federal Credit Union who gave Matteo $15,000 towards his $100,000 goal. You can help him reach his goal, visit: Matteoruns.com or click Donate below.

Read the full article here: Great Day Washington Matteo Runs and watch the video clip below.

Hopecam Celebration Dinner 2019

On Thursday September 17th, we celebrated Hopecam's 16th Year at our Hopecam Celebration Dinner. The event was held at Bazin's On Church in Vienna, VA. $70,000 was raised that evening, to connect more children fighting cancer!

We started the evening off with amazing hors d'oeuvres and socializing. Our founder Len Forkas then welcomed everyone to the event. Virginia Delegate Kenneth R. Plum took the stage and gave a moving speech about why Hopecam is so important to children fighting cancer and their families.

Len Forkas with Matteo Lambert and Virginia Delegate Kenneth R. Plum

Len Forkas with Matteo Lambert and Virginia Delegate Kenneth R. Plum

Virginia Delegate Kenneth R. Plum and Hopecam Child Poppy

Virginia Delegate Kenneth R. Plum and Hopecam Child Poppy

Mr. Forkas presented 4 special awards for ‘Outstanding Service’ to Hopecam Board Members Jeannie Buhr and Carol Kaffenberger and to Hopecam volunteer Amanda Wolfe and Pediatric Oncology Social Worker Cathy Bottrell.

Hopecam Alumni Child Elyssia then gave a beautiful speech about Hopecam and Logitech and how we helped her during treatment while attending school.

Hopecam Alumni Child Elyssia

Hopecam Alumni Child Elyssia

Hopecam Alumni Child Elyssia with her Dad and Mom

Hopecam Alumni Child Elyssia with her Dad and Mom

Watch Elyssia and how Logitech Video Conferencing helps Hopecam connect children with cancer to their support systems.

Hopecam Child Poppy attended the event and her mom and Kindergarten teacher Mrs. Fries both gave inspiring speeches about Poppy when she was in treatment she used Hopecam and was able to connect with her friends at school when she could not go.

The event was sold out and Bazin's On Church provided an amazing 3 course dinner!

After dinner Len Forkas introduced Matteo Lambert. Matteo is Hopecam's Race For A Reason Champion. Matteo who is only 9 years old is running 32 5Ks across the United States to raise funds for Hopecam so that more children fighting Cancer can connect. At each race he wears a cape of a different Hopecam child, and after the race is completed he sends his medal and the cape to the Hopecam child. Sometimes he gets to meet them in person! Matteo has raised over $54,000. Please visit his website to see where Matteo is racing next and to make a donation. Len surprised Matteo with a special award that night for everything he has done for Hopecam and being a voice for children fighting cancer!

Matteo receiving his special award from Len Forkas

Matteo receiving his special award from Len Forkas

Members of the Apple Federal Credit Union also attended including CEO Andy Grimm, Senior Vice President of Community Relations Robert Sowell Sr., Cynthia McAree and Alicia Debow and they presented Matteo and Hopecam a check for $15,000!

Robert Sowell Sr., with Alicia Debow, Hopecam Child Poppy, Matteo and Apple Federal Credit Union CEO Andy Grimm

Robert Sowell Sr., with Alicia Debow, Hopecam Child Poppy, Matteo and Apple Federal Credit Union CEO Andy Grimm

Len Forkas with Matteo and the $15,000 check to Hopecam from Apple Federal Credit Union

Len Forkas with Matteo and the $15,000 check to Hopecam from Apple Federal Credit Union

Thank you to all of our sponsors for the night:

Apple Federal Credit Union

Lindsey Joelle Miller Memorial Fund

Donohue and Stearns

The McLean Group

Jacky and Jeff Copeland

Carol and Will Kaffenberger

Wendy and Jim Maiwurm

Ron Police

Eva Perdahl –Wallace

Leigh Ann and Christian Schultz

A special thank you to our Hopecam Team Lauren Priestas, Sara Dia, Sam Rosko and Brett Fox for working tirelessly to ensure a successful and fun evening.

Left to Right: Sam Rosko, Brett Fox, Sara Dia and Lauren Priestas

Left to Right: Sam Rosko, Brett Fox, Sara Dia and Lauren Priestas

Thank you to Emiritus Board Member Scott Stewart for engaging the crowd to raise the paddles and help connect more children to life!

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Thank you to all of our amazing Hopecam volunteers for everything you do for Hopecam!


Thank you to Gregg Landry from Blue Rock Productions, for capturing all the photos at the celebration dinner. See more scrolling photos of the 2019 Hopecam Celebration Dinner above.

The Forkas Family: Len Forkas, Elizabeth Forkas, Viena Forkas and Matt Forkas

The Forkas Family: Len Forkas, Elizabeth Forkas, Viena Forkas and Matt Forkas

THANK YOU FROM ALL OF US AT HOPECAM!

Mr. Rizzo Lets Help Kids Be Kids - Give Us A Moonshot

Hopecam’s Champion Matteo met with Chicago Cubs baseball player Anthony Rizzo On July 19th. Anthony was 18 and just drafted and he was diagnosed with cancer. Now he's a 3 time All Star and Superhero and knows personally what kids go through fighting cancer. Matteo gave Mr. Rizzo a hand written letter that asked him for a “moonshot” for kids with cancer and not only did Anthony give him one but he got a Grand Slam! Watch the Chicago’s WGN9 Video of Matteo and Anthony Rizzo.

19th Annual Hopecam 5K

On Sunday May 5th, we held our 19th Annual Hopecam 5k.  The rain did not stop the runners or the fun.  Thank you to everyone that came out to honor Hopecam child Poppy.  500 people attended and we raised $59,000 to help connect more children with cancer!

Matteo welcoming Len Forkas across the finish line. Matteo is running 100 miles to help connect more children with cancer! Visit Matteo Runs to learn more.

Matteo welcoming Len Forkas across the finish line. Matteo is running 100 miles to help connect more children with cancer! Visit Matteo Runs to learn more.

Hopecam Founder Len Forkas with Hopecam Alumni Children Ava and Lily, presenting the check!

Hopecam Founder Len Forkas with Hopecam Alumni Children Ava and Lily, presenting the check!

Hopecam Child Poppy’s Family

Hopecam Child Poppy’s Family

Hopecam Child Elyssia and her family with Hopecam Founder Len Forkas. Watch Elyssia’s story here.

Hopecam Child Elyssia and her family with Hopecam Founder Len Forkas. Watch Elyssia’s story here.

Len Forkas with Hopecam Child Fletcher - Fletcher was our honored child at last years event. Hopecam Alumni Child Lily and Matteo join him.

Len Forkas with Hopecam Child Fletcher - Fletcher was our honored child at last years event. Hopecam Alumni Child Lily and Matteo join him.

Thank you to all of our Hopecam 5K Sponsors!  

Len Forkas and Matteo

Len Forkas and Matteo

A Moment Of Magic Princesses WVU

A Moment Of Magic Princesses WVU

Thank you to all the vendors that participated: Good Grubbin' Food Truck, Face painting by Sandra Fox at Pixie Dust Creations, Ballon Twister, A Moment of Magic Foundation - chapter from WVU, and to Fire Station 421 for bringing your Fire Truck and to Steph Snaps Photos for capturing the photos at our 5K!  

Thank you to the following corporate teams: AccentureAmazon Web Services (AWS), Apptium TechnologiesBlackbaud, CooleyCreative Systems and Consulting,  KTGY Architecture + Planning, Mindseeker, Peterson Companies, Renature, and Unanet.

MINDSEEKER TEAM

MINDSEEKER TEAM

GIRLS RUN CLUB

GIRLS RUN CLUB

THE AMAZING HOPECAM TEAM!

THE AMAZING HOPECAM TEAM!

Thank you to all of our amazing volunteers, Hopecam Team and Board Members for helping.  This event would not have been so successful without all of your generous time and help!

To view all of the Hopecam 19th Annual 5K photos, please visit the following webpage:  Hopecam 5K 2019 Photos, the password to download the photos is 2062.