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Hyundai Hope on Wheels returns to Washington, D.C. To host its annual “DC Days” for childhood cancer awareness month

Leading Members of Congress join hands with the organization in honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

WASHINGTON, D.C. – September 17, 2019 – Hyundai Hope On Wheels® (HHOW), a 501c(3) non-profit organization, announces its annual Hyundai Hope On Wheels DC Days event in the nation’s Capital on September 18th and 19th. This event is held in conjunction with its Childhood Cancer Awareness Month campaign. During the month, the organization will donate $13.2 million to 52 doctor-researchers to support better treatment options and to improve care for children diagnosed with pediatric cancer. A combined $900,000 in grants will be awarded to 3 DC area children’s hospitals: Georgetown, Lombardi Cancer Institute (Washington, DC), Nation Children’s Medical Center (Washington, D.C.) and Kimmel Cancer Institute Johns Hopkins (Baltimore, MD).

The D.C. Days event is designed to bring together numerous stakeholders – elected officials, policy makers, advocates, doctor-researchers and child-families, and to raise awareness of pediatric cancer. While in town, D.C. Days events will include: 1) local area hospital donation ceremonies; 2) Capitol Hill Reception; 3) National Press Conference; 4) Thought Leader’s Luncheon; 5) Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony, and 6) Community pop-up handprint ceremony. This year in partnership with the DC metro transit authority, over 43 metro buses will be wrapped and 100 metro stations will include digital message regarding pediatric cancer.

“Hyundai is a company that is committed to the well-being, health and safety of families,” says Jose Munoz, President and CEO, Hyundai Motor North America. “The Hyundai Hope On Wheels initiative is among the proudest activities we do in partnership with our U.S. dealers. Children are our future. They deserve every opportunity to succeed. We are honored to be in Washington, D.C. with elected officials, policy makers and the childhood cancer community to bring even greater attention to the cause.”

The Hyundai Hope On Wheels campaign theme for 2019 is Every Handprint Tells A Story. With the sale of every new Hyundai, the company and its dealers donation to pediatric cancer research. In the U.S., 15,000 new cases of pediatric cancer – 44 a day – are diagnosed. While 80% of kids with cancer can be cured, pediatric cancer remains the leading disease-related cause of death among children in the U.S. The DC Days activities brings together various stakeholders – the many handprints, if you will – to identify new opportunities to improve cure and care for children with cancer.

Hyundai Hope On Wheels is one of the largest funders of pediatric cancer research in the nation. Along with grants announced earlier this year, Hyundai Hope On Wheels has awarded over $160 million to pediatric cancer research since 1998. With five (5) different grant categories that range from $100,000 to $2.5 million, grants are awarded exclusively to Children’s Oncology Group members through a competitive peer reviewed process. The Scholar Hope Grant and The Young Investigator grants are awarded during the month of September.

“September Childhood Cancer Awareness month is a special time for the Hyundai dealers across America,” says Scott Fink, Board Chair and Hyundai dealer-owner, Hyundai of New Port Richey (New Port Richey, FL) and Hyundai of Wesley Chapel (Wesley Chapel, FL). “We joined the fight against pediatric cancer in 1998. We are inspired by the courage of children fighting cancer. For so many of these children, they travel an uncertain journey to recovery with bravery despite the difficulties ahead. And for far too many, the battle with the disease is not won. With Hyundai Hope On Wheels, we are committed for as long as it takes to insure every child wins his/her fight with this disease.”

On September 18th and 19th, ten (10) Hope Vehicles will travel throughout D.C. to increase awareness for pediatric cancer month. On Friday, September 20th, from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, the public is invited to participate in the signature pop-up handprint celebration, to be held in the Woodrow Wilson Complex at the Ronald Reagan Building. These handprints signify the community’s support to the issue of childhood cancer awareness. In addition, individuals are also encouraged to show their support during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month by wearing a gold ribbon all month long. Every Handprint Tells A Story!

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