Hyundai Hope on Wheels, a partnership of Hyundai dealers across the U.S. and Hyundai Motor America, today announced a new nationwide initiative to raise funds to fight childhood cancer. Hyundai dealers have pledged to donate a total of $3 million dollars to Hope on Wheels based on vehicles sold during the month of September (National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month). This will be matched by a $3 million contribution from Hyundai Motor America so that through this effort, Hyundai will donate a minimum of $6 million in the month of September to children's hospitals and other non-profit organizations across the country in the form of "Hyundai Hope Grants." These Hope Grants will fund childhood cancer research projects as well as survivorship programs and other resources designed to improve quality of life for children with cancer.
Hyundai and its dealers are expanding their historic commitment to battling childhood cancer with the "Hyundai Gives Hope on Wheels" September program. By the end of the year, through this new initiative and existing fundraising programs, Hope on Wheels will have awarded more than $22 million dollars to support the fight against childhood cancer since it became involved with this cause more than a decade ago.
"Hyundai and its dealers have been committed to fighting childhood cancer since 1998. After visiting children's hospitals across the country and meeting thousands of extraordinary children affected by childhood cancer, we wanted to share their stories with our communities and customers," said John Krafcik, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor America. "This September, our goal is to raise more awareness of this issue than we ever have before to support the fight against this dreaded disease with the hope of seeing more children go on to live long, happy lives, free of cancer."
Even though there have been many advances in therapies and treatment, cancer still remains the leading cause of death by disease in children in the U.S. While 85 percent of most childhood cancers are being cured today, three out of five children will suffer long-term health effects from treatment that will remain with them throughout their lives.
"As we've met numerous children, families, doctors and support teams that help kids fight cancer over the years, we've become more and more aware of how many different resources are needed to assist kids and families through cancer – from diagnosis through treatment and beyond," said Mike Kelly, Dealer Board Member, Hyundai Hope on Wheels Foundation and dealer owner of Mike Kelly Hyundai, Butler, PA. "Cutting edge medical research and educational, psychological and emotional support services are all crucial parts of cancer treatment for children and families, and Hyundai's new September initiative will support the people and organizations that are working directly with children and families fighting cancer."
During the month of September, Hope on Wheels will visit about sixty organizations across the country to distribute Hyundai Hope Grants in an amount of $100,000 each. These funds are designed to underwrite direct research projects and support meaningful initiatives undertaken by doctors, nurses, social workers, child life specialists and other professionals who work with children with cancer.
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