#United States #pediatric cancer #Grants #Fountain Valley #Hyundai Hope on Wheels

Hyundai Hope on Wheels 2026 Grant Award Winners

Hyundai Hope on Wheels®, a prominent nonprofit initiative backed by Hyundai Motor America and over 855 dealerships across the United States, proudly announced the recipients of its 2026 pediatric cancer grants. This year marks a significant milestone as the organization celebrates 28 years of progress in the battle against childhood cancer, having awarded a remarkable total of 98 research and program grants. With the new funding, Hyundai Hope on Wheels has now surpassed a lifetime giving total of over $303 million, which has directly impacted more than 40,000 children and their families nationwide.

The organization's enduring mission continues to focus on facilitating ground-breaking research, advancing treatments, and providing comprehensive support for patients and their families. Since its inception in 1998, Hyundai Hope on Wheels has funded more than 1,600 grants, collaborating with over 175 hospitals and research institutions to make strides in pediatric oncology. This commitment remains critical as childhood cancer remains a pressing health issue, with dire implications for affected families.

John Guastaferro, the Executive Director of Hyundai Hope on Wheels, emphasized the organization's mission: "Every child deserves the chance to grow up cancer-free, and every breakthrough brings us one step closer to achieving that future." This sentiment, echoed throughout the organization, signifies a collective effort among Hyundai's dealers, researchers, physicians, and supporters to accelerate discoveries and enhance support for families facing the harsh realities of childhood cancer.

The 2026 Grant Recipients

The grants awarded in 2026 include several categories designed to foster innovation within the field of pediatric oncology. Each category supports unique programs aimed at improving understanding and treatment of childhood cancer. Here are the main categories:

• - Hyundai Scholar Hope Grant: With a funding amount of $400,000, this two-year grant focuses on translational research aimed at enhancing treatment outcomes for children diagnosed with cancer.
• - Hyundai Young Investigator Grant: This grant, worth $300,000, incentivizes promising early-career researchers to deepen our understanding of childhood cancer.
• - Hyundai Impact Grant: Set at $100,000, this annual grant provides funding for innovative research initiatives and clinical programs aimed at improving family support in pediatric oncology.

The selection process for grant recipients is rigorous, guided by an independent Medical Advisory Committee comprised of pediatric oncology experts. Recipients are publicly honored during Hyundai's signature Handprint Ceremonies, which have become emblematic of the organization's efforts. During these ceremonies, children affected by cancer, alongside their families, researchers, and Hyundai representatives, leave colorful handprints on Hyundai vehicles—symbols of hope and resilience toward achieving a cure for childhood cancer.

Amid the backdrop of National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, the organization recently commemorated its significant achievements at an event held in Washington, D.C., where it gathered Hyundai executives, project beneficiaries, lawmakers, and advocacy groups to highlight the advancements made over nearly three decades.

During the gala, Hyundai Motor America unveiled its latest national campaign titled "The Mark of a Warrior." This initiative draws attention to the incredible strength of children battling cancer and the unwavering support provided by their families. It is a powerful call to action for supporters to unite for the fight against childhood cancer. The campaign aims to elevate the iconic handprint symbol into a national movement, inspiring wider community involvement.

The week-long celebration also included a Congressional Reception on Capitol Hill and a Survivorship Summit, which centered on the health and well-being of childhood cancer survivors, spotlighting the organization's growing global impact.

2026 Grant Winners by Categories

Scholar Hope Grant ($400,000)

• - C.S. Mott Children's Hospital, Ann Arbor, MI
• - Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA
• - Children's Hospital Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
• - Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
• - Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA

(continued with other institutions)

Young Investigator Grant ($300,000)

• - Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL
• - Children's Medical Center Dallas, Dallas, TX
• - Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA

(continued with other institutions)

Impact Grant ($100,000)

• - Arkansas Children's Hospital, Little Rock, AR
• - Atrium Levine Children's Hospital, Charlotte, NC
• - Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, MA

(continued with other institutions)

In closing, Hyundai Hope on Wheels remains a beacon of hope in the quest to eradicate childhood cancer, and with continued support and innovative research, the organization is one step closer to creating a brighter future for thousands of children and families affected by this disease.