Costa Mesa, Calif. – July 24, 2013 – Hyundai Motor America and its US dealer council, through their nonprofit organization Hyundai Hope On Wheels®, hosted an event last evening at CHOC Children’s to celebrate the grand opening of Hyundai Cancer Institute. Hyundai Motor America presented CHOC Children’s with the third $2.0 million installment of a $10 million research grant committed in 2011. The event also featured the Hope On Wheels signature Handprint Ceremony with local pediatric cancer patients. Hyundai also presented CHOC Children’s with two new 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport vehicles.

The Hyundai Hope On Wheels grant is being used to fund the Hyundai Cancer Institute, which is a leading research center at CHOC Children’s. Research at the Hyundai Cancer Institute is dedicated to finding cures to pediatric cancers using innovative genomic medicine techniques. The goals of the research project are to provide a better understanding of the disease and more effective treatment for children diagnosed with pediatric cancer.

“Hyundai Motor America’s US headquarters is based in Orange County, and we take great pride in being a part of this community. We are especially proud of our long-standing relationship with CHOC Children’s, a jewel in the community. With the completion of a major new tower, CHOC Children’s continues its mission of providing world-class care for children and families in the Region,” said John Krafcik, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor America. “The opening of the Hyundai Cancer Institute continues our commitment to pediatric cancer with CHOC’s research excellence. We could not be more pleased with the ongoing partnership with CHOC,” said Krafcik.

“As we enter into the third year of our grant award with Hyundai Motor America and Hyundai Hope On Wheels, we are very excited about the strong infrastructure we’ve been able to put into place. We now have the tools and resources needed to develop a more personalized approach to cancer research and treatment to benefit our patients. We’re extremely grateful for the continued partnership with and support of Hyundai in the fight against cancer,” said Dr. Leonard Sender, medical director, Hyundai Cancer Institute at CHOC Children’s.

To celebrate the grand opening of the Hyundai Cancer Institute at CHOC Children’s Hope On Wheels hosted a special event focused on the idea that “Every Handprint Tells A Story.” Hope On Wheels collects the handprints of children affected by cancer because they each represent an individual child’s story of hope and courage. Their collective narrative provides a powerful message that Hope On Wheels shares nationwide to raise awareness for this cause.

“To Hyundai dealers, nothing gives us more pride than our work with Hope On Wheels.  The symbol of each handprint in our logo is what drives our commitment to this cause. Every child deserves a chance to pursue their own dreams and hopes,” said Mickey Pong, Chairman of Hyundai Hope On Wheels and owner of North County Hyundai in Carlsbad, Calif. “As the newly-appointed Hope On Wheels chairman, I will work to ensure that every Hyundai dealer across the U.S. continues to support the important work of children’s hospitals like CHOC Children’s.”

Over the course of 2013, Hope On Wheels will donate $16 million to children’s hospitals nationwide. Celebrating its 15^th year, Hope On Wheels will surpass $72 million in total donations to pediatric cancer research and programs since its inception in 1998. This level of funding places Hyundai among the leading funders of pediatric cancer research in the nation.

To learn more about the Hyundai Cancer Institute at CHOC Children’s or Hyundai Hope On Wheels visit www.HyundaiHopeOnWheels.org. You can also show your support by following us on social media and liking our Facebook page.