Three local hospitals to receive $250,000 Hyundai Hope Grants to support pediatric cancer research

Washington, D.C. – September 14, 2012 – Hyundai Hope On Wheels®, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, alongside Hyundai Motor America executives, congressional leaders and local children’s hospitals, will hold a press conference on Thursday, September 20, 2012 as part of National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. The press conference will be held in the Rayburn House Office Building Room B339 at 8:15 a.m. Its purpose will be to celebrate the achievements of the Hope On Wheels third annual Hyundai Hope Grant program, which supports medical research and programs that improve quality of life for children with cancer.

At the event, Hope On Wheels will recognize three local hospitals that each won a Hope Grant: Georgetown University Hospital, Children’s National Medical Center and the National Cancer Institute – Pediatric Oncology Branch. These hospitals will each receive a grant in the amount of $250,000 to support pediatric cancer research. This year, 41 Hyundai Hope Grants – totaling $10.25 million – are being awarded throughout September to institutions and researchers focused on pediatric cancer. Currently in the U.S., there are over 300 active research projects funded by Hope On Wheels grants.

“Whether its ending childhood cancer or developing earth-friendly, zero-emission vehicles, Hyundai is committed to bold and innovative change to make the world a better place,” said John Krafcik, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor America. “Through Hope On Wheels, we are making great strides in the fight against childhood cancer, and through our leadership in fuel cell technology, we are taking steps toward a healthier planet.”

Joining Hyundai at the event will be Dr. Leonard Sender, Director of the Hyundai Cancer Institute at CHOC Children’s in Orange County, California, who will share with attendees a pilot study designed to advance personalized treatment for children and teens battling recurrent cancer. The project, funded through a Hyundai Hope On Wheels grant, is the first to utilize whole genomics sequencing as a diagnostic tool to help physicians decide the best course of treatment as quickly as possible.

The Hyundai Hope On Wheels press conference will be followed by the 3rd Annual Childhood Cancer Summit, sponsored by the Congressional Childhood Cancer Caucus, which will be taking place at the Library of Congress – Madison Building. During this event Dr. Stephen P. Spielberg, Deputy Commissioner for Medical Products and Tobacco, US Food and Drug Administration and Dr. Javed Khan, Head of the Oncogenomics Section and Senior Investigator at Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute will both speak about advancements in the field of pediatric oncology.

“Every child with cancer deserves the support and care that ensures they have a bright future,” said Representative Mike Kelly, a member of the Congressional Childhood Cancer Caucus and a Hyundai dealer. “Programs like Hyundai Hope On Wheels and each of our continued efforts make a difference in the fight against pediatric cancer. With continued clinical research, innovation and support from companies like Hyundai, we can work towards a future free of pediatric cancer.”

For the third year in a row, Hyundai’s competitive September program allowed institutions to apply for the research grants. The submitted proposals were then reviewed by the Hope On Wheels medical advisory committee of pediatric oncologists. Each of the 41 Hope Grants will help fund new pediatric cancer research projects and will be presented during Hope On Wheels’ signature Handprint Ceremony that will take place at the participating institution’s campus and celebrates the lives of the children battling the disease.

For more information or to make a donation to Hyundai Hope On Wheels, please visitwww.HyundaiHopeOnWheels.org.

To support Hyundai Hope On Wheels on Facebook or Twitter, please visit www.facebook.com/HyundaiHopeOnWheels or www.twitter.com/hopeonwheels.

Contact

Zafar Brooks
Hyundai Motor America
Cell: (714) 334-1766
[email protected]

Joe Foster
Finn Partners
Cell: (323) 572-5361
[email protected]