"Hope for Children with Cancer" Hyundai Motor Expands Support from the US to Europe and India

Munoz: "We Will Bring Hope and Courage to More Children"

Hyundai Hope On Wheels, a nonprofit organization supporting pediatric cancer treatment and research and sponsored by Hyundai Motor Company, held its 27th anniversary event at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, DC, on September 3 (local time). At the event, the organization announced plans to bring hope to children with cancer in Europe and India starting next year.

Yonhap News Agency

This event, held in honor of September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in the United States, highlighted the research achievements supported by Hyundai Hope On Wheels over the past 27 years. It served as a meaningful occasion to reflect on the organization’s contributions to improving pediatric cancer survival rates and advancing treatment technologies.

Jose Munoz, President of Hyundai Motor Company, stated, "According to the American Cancer Society, about 85% of children with cancer in the United States now survive for more than five years. This is a significant increase from 56% in 1975, representing a major advancement brought about by decades of progress in treatment technology."

He added, "We are deeply grateful that Hyundai Hope On Wheels can play a part in helping young lives amid these changes. Next year, we will expand our activities to Europe and India, striving to bring hope and courage to even more children with cancer."

Launched in 1998, Hyundai Hope On Wheels is a nonprofit organization supported by Hyundai Motor America and more than 850 dealerships across the United States. This year, it provided $27 million (approximately 37.5 billion won) in research and program grants in the U.S., bringing its total cumulative donations to $277 million (approximately 385.3 billion won).

The program has also expanded across North America, with activities launched in Canada and Mexico through local Hyundai subsidiaries and dealer networks. In Canada, 226 dealerships contributed $2.9 million to support pediatric cancer treatment research and raised awareness through a partnership with the National Hockey League. In Mexico, $694,000 was provided to support treatment for children with leukemia and to enhance hospital equipment.

The day after the event, Hyundai Hope On Wheels will host a congressional reception at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington, DC, featuring a special exhibition highlighting its 27 years of achievements and social contributions. The organization will also hold the 4th Survivor Summit to share the outcomes of support programs aimed at improving the quality of life for pediatric cancer survivors, emphasize the importance of ongoing care after treatment, and discuss future challenges with beneficiaries and related organizations.

Dr. Dan Wechsler, a medical advisory board member and director of Hyundai Hope On Wheels, commented, "There have been remarkable advances in improving treatment rates and long-term care accessibility for children with cancer. Now, more than ever, ensuring the quality of life for survivors is crucial, and I am proud to be a strong supporter of Hyundai Hope On Wheels."