Hopecam Founder Conquers Mt. Everest, Completing 7 Summits To Benefit Children With Cancer

Len Forkas, entrepreneur and founder of the nonprofit Hopecam, reached the summit of Mount Everest this week, completing a years-long quest to climb the tallest peak on each continent — known as the Seven Summits — to benefit children with cancer.

Forkas undertook the grueling challenge, becoming the fifth-oldest person in the world to complete the Seven Summits, to raise awareness and funds for children battling cancer, many of whom face extreme isolation during treatment.

The idea for Hopecam began when Forkas arranged for Matt to video conference with his third-grade classmates during treatment. What started as a personal solution evolved into a broader mission to help children with cancer stay connected to school and friends through technology. Since then, the organization has helped more than 5,500 children, providing tablets, internet access, and tech support — especially to students in Title I schools who lack home internet.

As he climbed Everest, Forkas carried the stories of Hopecam children with him, using the climb as a symbol of solidarity. Each leg of his ascent honored a child supported by Hopecam, a nonprofit he founded in 2002 after his own son Matt was diagnosed with leukemia.

“Whether I reached the summit or not, I knew I was climbing with purpose,” Forkas said before departing for the summit trek. “These kids face mountains of their own every day. I just wanted to show them — and the world — that they dont have to face those mountains alone.”

Forkas first attempt at Everest in 2023 was cut short due to altitude sickness. This year, he was joined by his now cancer-free son Matt for the two-week trek to Base Camp, creating a powerful father-son moment years after their journey with cancer began.

The climb also marks the beginning of a fundraising campaign. Forkas hopes to raise $1 million to connect 5,500 more children with their classrooms and peers.

“This summit isnt the finish line — its a rallying point,” he said. “We still have thousands of children to reach. With your help, we can make sure no child faces cancer alone.”

In the U.S., approximately 16,000 children are diagnosed with cancer each year. Many miss up to a year of school during treatment. For over two decades, Hopecam has worked to improve the quality of life for children with cancer by using technology to foster connection. Now, with the worlds tallest mountain behind him, Forkas is using the visibility of his achievement to spotlight the steep climb many children face every day — and the community that can lift them up.