Hyundai Hope on Wheels Marks 27th Anniversary with Landmark $27 Million Donation to Pediatric Cancer Research
Hyundai Hope on Wheels: A Commitment to Pediatric Cancer
Hyundai Hope on Wheels® is celebrating its 27th anniversary in an impressive way: by donating $27 million to pediatric cancer research. This initiative brings their total contributions since its inception in 1998 to an astonishing $277 million. Supported by Hyundai Motor America and over 850 U.S. dealers, this nonprofit organization has become a vital force in the fight against childhood cancer, having aided more than 25,000 children in their battles against this disease.
In an announcement made on April 16, 2025, Randy Parker, the president, and CEO of Hyundai Motor North America, expressed pride in the organization’s continued efforts, stating that Hyundai Hope on Wheels' support is expanding in North America, aiming to reach children beyond the United States. This expansion marks the organization's new chapter and reinforces its dedication to funding lifesaving research.
This year, Hyundai Hope on Wheels has also launched its initiatives in Canada and plans to extend its reach into Mexico later in April. As more countries join the campaign, the organization aims to bolster groundbreaking research and treatment for children facing cancer, reflecting its commitment to a future free from this disease.
Since its inception, Hyundai Hope on Wheels has effectively funded over 1,400 research and programmatic grants to more than 175 medical institutions. The organization specializes in distributing grants across three key categories, focusing primarily on supporting institutions that are members of the Children's Oncology Group (COG). Such initiatives play a critical role in improving treatment care and outcomes for young patients.
Hyundai Hope on Wheels is dedicated to ensuring long-term care for childhood cancer survivors. Their survivorship initiatives focus on providing comprehensive medical records and telehealth support, which aid in maintaining ongoing health post-treatment.
Kevin Reilly, vice chair of Hyundai Hope on Wheels, emphasized the importance of the organization's work in making progress in pediatric cancer research and increasing survival rates over the past two decades. However, he notes that the organization’s mission is far from complete, stating their commitment remains unwavering as they strive to find cures for childhood cancer.
New Faces: National Youth Ambassadors
In an inspiring addition to their outreach efforts, Hyundai Hope on Wheels has introduced Jackson Trinh, a 10-year-old from Albuquerque, as their newest National Youth Ambassador. Jackson, along with fellow ambassador Emmy Cole, is scheduled to visit children’s hospitals across the nation, sharing stories of hope and raising awareness for pediatric cancer research. The two ambassadors bring their inspirational journeys to the forefront, emphasizing the importance of community support in fighting childhood cancer.
A Fresh Look: Rebranding for Hope
This year also sees a fresh new logo for Hyundai Hope on Wheels. Handprints have been a significant representation of the organization, and the updated logo retains the handprint while adding symbols of hope, love, and recovery through a wing, heart, and leaf. The rebranding, including a modernized font and brighter color palette, embodies the progress and optimism that Hyundai Hope on Wheels envisions for the future.
The culmination of Hyundai Hope on Wheels' annual grants presentation will take place this September during National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in Washington, D.C. This event will not only mark the anniversary celebration but also emphasize the collective mission of Hyundai Hope on Wheels and its partners in supporting pediatric cancer research.
In conclusion, Hyundai Hope on Wheels continues to rise as one of the largest nonprofit funders of pediatric cancer research in the U.S. Their ongoing initiatives reflect a profound commitment to improving treatment and saving lives. The organization remains a beacon of hope for children battling cancer, and with each donation, they take a significant step closer to a world free from this devastating illness.