VA Man Scales Mount Everest To Support Children Battling Cancer

RESTON, VA — Reston entrepreneur Len Forkas recently reached the summit of Mount Everest, his latest effort in bringing attention to Hopecam, a nonprofit he founded to connect children with cancer to their friends and classmates.

The last time Patch reported on Forkas was in March 2023, when he decided to climb Mount Everest after his plans to ski to the North Pole fell through. Unfortunately, Forkas developed altitude sickness and had to abandon his first attempt to reach the summit.

“Reaching the summit of Mount Everest completes my Seven Summits journey, but the real mission has always been bigger than any mountain,” Forkas said, becoming the fifth-oldest person to reach the summit of the tallest mountain on each of the seven continents. “Through this effort, I’ve aimed to raise awareness for Hopecam’s mission: to limit the social isolation faced by children with cancer.”

Forkas began climbing mountains, running marathons and doing other physical challenges to raise awareness of and money for Hopecam, a nonprofit he started after his son Matt was diagnosed with leukemia in 2002.

Seeing the loneliness and isolation Matt experienced as he was undergoing treatment, Forkas arranged for a remote electronic connection so that his son could communicate with his friends and third-grade schoolmates. That experience inspired him to launch his nonprofit.

Now cancer-free, Matt accompanied his father on the two-week trek to Base Camp.

Also see ...

• South Pole Trek Made After Reston Man Cancels North Pole Trip
• Hopecam 5K Run/Walk Returns To Reston To Help Children Cancer Patients
• North Pole Trip Canceled; Reston Man To Climb Mount Everest Instead
• Reston Man Plans To 'Stay Frosty' Skiing To North Pole For Charity

Each step of the journey on the way to Mount Everest's summit, Forkas carried the photos and stories of children undergoing cancer treatment in his backpack, using their resilience against adversity to strengthen his own resolve.

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

Forkas’ goal was to raise $1 million, so that Hopecam can help connect 5,500 more children undergoing cancer treatment with their classmates and friends. More information about how to support the climb and donate to Hopecam can be found at hopecam.org/donation.

“This summit isn’t the finish line—it’s a rallying point,” Forkas said. “We still have thousands of children to reach. With your help, we can make sure no child faces cancer alone.”