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A Year of Hope – 2016 in Review
The holiday season is upon us, and that means another year of hope is coming to a close. With the hustle and bustle of the year end, we at Hope On Wheels
are reminiscing of all that was achieved in 2016 and what is to come in the New Year. In our 18th year fighting pediatric cancer, we could not be more humbled by the work done across the country by doctors, researchers
and institutions who fight daily for a cure for childhood cancer. At the same time, we’re extremely grateful for the advocacy community who keep this issue in front of the policy makers; the elected officials who make sure our interests are represented; the
dealers who sell cars to help generate funding; and the families, friends and supports who help to give comfort, encouragement and care to all the children who are fighting. It all truly comes from a place of care and compassion for helping others. Most importantly, we are thankful for the kids, the kids whose smiles and can-do spirits motivate us all to keep fighting
each and every day. As we settle into our holiday traditions and gatherings, I ask that you add your handprint to the Hope On Wheels story. We have a great story to tell and
we need your help to do so. Please donate and support important childhood cancer research and follow us on social media as we celebrate this time of togetherness. Dave Zuchowski, President and CEO |
In March 2016, on the sidelines of the New York City Auto
Show, Hope On Wheels introduced the $1 million Hyundai Quantum Award –
it’s largest research grant to date that specifically focuses on developing cures for the most deadly forms of pediatric cancer. . The $4 million investment was given to innovative researchers at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Dana-Farber Cancer
Institute, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and the University of Florida. As part of the launch, Hope On Wheels announced its 2016-2017 National
Youth Ambassadors – Hannah Adams and Ryan Darby. Hannah and Ryan. Both 13-year old cancer survivors, Hannah and Ryan were chosen from a nationwide search to join
us on our mission to fight childhood cancer. Over the course of 2016, Hannah and Ryan traveled around the U.S. visiting children’s hospitals, attending events and sharing their stories of courage and hope. Both the Quantum Award recipients and National Youth Ambassadors were recognized in a Hope On Wheels handprint ceremony themed, “A
Day Without Pediatric Cancer.” Aubrey Peeples, the 2016 Hyundai Hope On Wheels Celebrity Ambassador and film and TV actress, co-hosted the event alongside Dave
Zuchowski, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor America. |
Over the summer, Hope On Wheels crisscrossed the country to award pediatric research grants to deserving institutions who are
all working to end childhood cancer once and for all. At each check presentation,
Hope On Wheels hosted a handprint ceremony,
inviting doctors, patients and local dealers, the opportunity to discuss why this cause is close to their heart and add their
handprint to the fight to #endchildhoodcancer. During June, July, August and September, our grant award ceremonies were more than just an event at a hospital lending a moment
of levity to the children undergoing treatment and their families. They became community events and raised awareness of the effects of childhood cancer among families, friends and neighbors. |
Bringing Hope to Childhood Cancer Awareness Month In our effort to be the messengers of hope during September, Hope On Wheels awarded $7.5 million in new pediatric cancer grants
to 34 hospitals in 30 days to recognize Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, bringing our total 2016 funding to $13 million. Over the course of the month, Hope On Wheels successfully delivered a campaign centered on “Every
Handprint Tells A Story.” This theme reflects the many hands involved in the battle against pediatric cancer. In September, our annual DC Days event brought together the brightest minds in the pediatric cancer advocacy community, in pediatric
oncology and some of our most impassioned supporters. During the week, we hosted a Thought Leaders’ Summit,
giving innovative doctors the chance to collaborate and discuss methods for curing pediatric cancer. Our annual Celebration of Life Gala honored
the brave children who have battled, beaten or, unfortunately, did not survive a childhood cancer diagnosis. We were joined by many local families who have been impacted by the disease as well as pediatric cancer advocates, like Rep. Mike Kelly and celebrity
host Zuri Hall. The event underscored the courage, resilience and fight that childhood cancer fighters and their loved ones have. It was a pleasure to end the evening with a performance by recording artist Ruth B. The week concluded with a press conference at the Capitol, where Dave Zuchowski, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor America,
pledged to reach $200 million in total pediatric cancer funding before the year 2020.
Our National Youth Ambassadors received commemorative flags that have flown atop the Capitol building to honor their role in ending childhood cancer and their bravery. |
Hyundai Hope On Wheels was pleased to have the Live with Kelly show add its handprint to the fight to end childhood cancer and
help us raise awareness the disease. During the week of October 24 – November 1, Live with Kelly showcased childhood cancer fighters and offered viewers the chance
to share a story or memory of something they checked off their bucket list. Hyundai Motor America donated a 2017 Hyundai Elantra to one lucky winner, Jamie Peters from, Loomis, CA. |
A Successful Giving Tuesday On November 29th we celebrated
#GivingTuesday, a global day of giving. This year over 40,000
organizations in 71 different countries joined the Giving Tuesday movement fueled by social media, collaboration and the genuine desire to give back to others. Monday raised this year was donated directly to funding pediatric cancer research. Our goal is to
reach a day where no child dies from pediatric cancer – with your donations, we are well on our way. But the fight doesn’t end with Giving Tuesday. In a season of gift giving and celebration, we ask that you please remember the children and families that are fighting this awful
disease. Ninety cents on every dollar donated to Hope On Wheels goes directly to funding pediatric cancer research. We hope you will consider
making a donation to Hope On Wheels. |
Amazon Smile works just like Amazon! This holiday season as you do your shopping, you can give the gift of hope to a child battling pediatric cancer. If
you select Hope On Wheels, a percentage of your purchase will be donated directly to funding research. Visit the Amazon Smile site
here and give a smile of hope as you shop. |
Dealer Spotlight – Scott Fink St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa along with Hyundai Hope On Wheels are using virtual reality and a dose of hope to help entertain kids during pediatric cancer
infusion treatments. The brain child of our Vice Chairman, Scott Fink, this treatment is the East Coast’s first “Infusionarium.” Watch the clip here to
learn how to get involved! |
Board of Directors
Officers | Board Members | Honorary Member | SCOTT STARK
Chairman
Austin, TX SCOTT FINK
Vice Chairman
Newport Richey, FL ZAFAR BROOKS
Program Executive Director
Hyundai Motor America
Fountain Valley, CA MICKEY PONG
Secretary
Carlsbad, CA VICKI DALLAS
Corporate Counsel
Irvine, CA | GARY MICALLEF
Dealer
Everett, WA ADAM KRAUSHAAR
Dealer
Toms River, NJ DAVE ZUCHOWSKI
Chief Executive Officer
Hyundai Motor America
Fountain Valley, CA JILL MERRIAM
Dealer
Hartford, CT JAMIE AUFFENBERG
Dealer
O’Fallon, IL | MIKE KELLY
Dealer
Butler, PA Medical Advisory Committee
Dr. Peter Adamson
Dr. John Carpten
Dr. Lisa Diller
Dr. Morris Kletzel
Dr. Crystal Mackall Dr. Leonard Sender
Dr. Aziza Shad
Dr. Dan Wechsler
Dr. Michael Weiner Scientific Review Committee
A panel of doctors, who review grant applications and provide funding recommendations. |
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Help us Give Hope a Hand! Our goal to #endchildhoodcancer cannot be accomplished without your support. Join our movement by following us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or
by making a donation! Please visit our website to add your handprint
or leave a message of hope for a child, who is battling pediatric cancer.    
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