I’m not going to lie, cars have never really interested me. Instead of viewing them as prized pieces of machinery with finesse and power, I simply considered them as vehicles that transported me from one place to another. But last week, all of that changed. Why? Because I attended an event where I learned all about a popular and innovative car brand by hearing nothing about their vehicles but instead learning all about how they are supporting cancer stricken children and their families.
All photo credits: David Alexander
Hyundai Hope on Wheels invited me to attend their event free of cost. All opinions are my own.
You see, Hyundai is a company that isn’t just invested in cars, trucks, and SUVs. Instead, it is a company that invests in families and medical teams that are waging a war against childhood cancer. In 1998, Hyundai and a group of New England-area Hyundai dealers joined the fight against pediatric cancer by supporting a local initiative and this philanthropic campaign grew nationwide and evolved into Hyundai Hope on Wheels.
The goal of Hyundai Hope on Wheels is to fund pediatric cancer research, drive innovative research, and create new discoveries that increase the survival rates of those with disease. Hyundai Motor America and its more than 830 dealers and customers support the cause with a donation from every new vehicle sold—that amounts to $130 million in lifetime funding to pediatric research in the US—and growing. It is evident that Hyundai’s philosophy of “Making Things Better” is not just related to their products and service, but also to their communities and our future.
While the cure rate of pediatric cancer is relatively high (80%), it does not tell the entire story. Many forms of pediatric cancer remain high risk and have shown little progress, and often young patients suffer life long side effects even after beating their initial cancer diagnosis. That’s why Hyundai Hope on Wheels is so dedicated to funding research to find a cure for 100% of childhood cancer.
More than 780 grants have been awarded over the past 19 years and I was able to witness the awarding of a $250,000 Hyundai Scholar Hope Grant to Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital and the University of Chicago Comer Children’s Hospital during a reception last week at the Park Hyatt Chicago.
Even as an experienced writer, I struggle to come up with the words to describe the hope that filled the room with each talented doctor and researcher being recognized and awarded with funds to help save children’s lives. This event was one of many September Hyundai Hope on Wheels activities occurring around the country to recognize and honor National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. By month’s end, Hyundai Hope on Wheels will award 40 research grants totaling $8.5 million to institutions nationwide.
As impressive as it was to see generous grants being awarded and doctors and researchers sharing their insights on how we can find a cure for pediatric cancer, they were not the true stars of the show. Who was? The valiant and inspirational cancer fighters and survivors who attended the dinner and reception with their families. I was moved to tears by an emotional mom taking us on a ride through her brave son’s cancer battle and cheering for two Youth Ambassadors who shared their stories on how they beat cancer.
The clear highlight of the night was the Hyundai Hope on Wheels Handprint Ceremony. This symbolic and just plain fun activity was for the children battling cancer, their families, and pediatric oncology doctors and researchers in attendance to add their handprint to the cause. Their colorful handprints were memorialized and included on the iconic Hyundai hero vehicle, sharing their unique stories and the power of hope as it travels across the country.
As a mom of two young boys, I hope that I never hear the words, “Your child has cancer.” Honestly, I hope that NO ONE ever has to hear those awful words. But it is reassuring to know that if that difficult day does come, Hyundai Hope on Wheels will be there to support us on the journey to find a cure for childhood cancer. And don’t forget, you can help support this life saving cause by purchasing a vehicle from Hyundai Motor America or making a donation. Hope truly does come standard. To learn more about Hyundai Hope on Wheels and how you can help kids fight cancer, click here.
I think it’s amazing that they are doing their part to help. All cancer stinks, but it’s worse when it’s kids having to deal with it.
Exactly. I supported my Dad during his battle and it was awful. I couldn’t image how awful it would have been to support a child through cancer.
I just LOVE this cause. That handprint ceremony looks fabulous. I am so glad Hyundai is doing something to help.
The handprint ceremony was so incredibly inspiring!
Love to see a company give back. Cancer is such a major health concern. It touched our live in 2015 and is still continue concern today.
Wishing you good health free of cancer for now and for always.
This sounds like an amazing event. I actually have owned a Hyundai and have always loved them I am glad to see they’re doing something like this for kids who are sick.
I never realized that Hyundai was such a philanthropic company. Definitely makes me want to support their business the next time I purchase a vehicle.
This sounds like a wonderful initiative. I love that Hyundai doing so much to help fund research on pediatric cancers. This is such an important mission.
I’m happy to share what an amazing mission Hyundai has…they aren’t just about cars.
It breaks my heart when kids get sick with anything but especially cancer. My daughter had a young classmate with cancer and it broke the whole school’s heart when she passed. This company is my hero for their part in helping kids fight cancer.
What an awful story. Here’s to hoping that we only learn about kids who have beaten this horrible disease and that cancer becomes obsolete.
Cancer sucks and it affects so many families. My cousin’s son had a neuro blastoma (apologies for misspelling) and we are so thankful he is in remission and one of the happiest 7 year olds you’ll ever meet.
Oh thank goodness. Wishing him good health for always.
This sounds like a wonderful organization. Anyone that helps kids with a dreadful fight like this gets an A+ for me.
Totally agree. I now see Hyundai in a whole new light.
That is amazing that they are doing this to help. I can’t imagine what those families are going through.
I couldn’t agree more.
I had no idea that Hyundai did this. How great that they have this program. My son in law drives a Hyundai.
It makes me want to buy a Hyundai and support their amazing cause.
My heart holds these kids close as they and their families love one another through this. What a great company Hyundai is for this event…I love that handprint ceremony. What a fun, colorful way to make in “imprint”.
There wasn’t a dry eye in the house during the handprint ceremony, that’s for sure.
This is amazing! Love that Hyundai did that and give back.
Completely agree.
Those grants are going to have such a big impact on cancer research! It’s really nice to see Hyundai looking forward like this.
It was so inspiring to hear what the doctors were doing with the grants they received from Hyundai.
I love seeing well known companies like this trying to make a difference. Hopefully we will find a cure to cancers, particularly the childhood ones, the help of companies make a big impact I’m sure.
If all companies did what Hyundai is, the world would most definitely be a better place.
I am so with you on how I look at cars, but often if they are doing something like this amazing cause they do catch my eye. How awesome are Hyundai for helping kids fight cancer.
Hyundai is most definitely on my radar now.
I love Hyundai’s moto of making things better and they really are doing that with this fund to fight cancer
They truly are putting their money where their mouths are!
This sounds like a great and inspiring event. It’s wonderful to hear that Hyundai is doing this to support pediatric cancer research!
It was such a moving event–I’m so lucky to have been a part of it.
I have lost some love ones to cancer and have one more relative fighting it. It is a horrible decease for any age, but specially when kids have to go through all these. We need to support cancer research and eradicate cancer for good. My kudos to Hyundai!
I can identify with your situation. And knowing the steps that Hyundai is taking to defeat childhood cancer, I am so in awe of them!