Hyundai Hope On Wheels Commits $27 Million More For Pediatric Cancer Research (2025)

Hyundai Hope on Wheels was founded in 1998 by the automaker and its 850-plus U.S.-based dealerships. For the last 27 years, the nonprofit has focused on providing grants to eligible institutions pursuing critical research to solve the devastating problem of pediatric cancer; so far, that amount has swelled to $277 million.

This week, Hyundai announced it would be adding a cherry on top of that generous sundae: an additional $27 million, one million for each of its years of service. This level of funding is critical to medical research, and the Hyundai Hope on Wheels organization is finding ways to distribute it as much as possible.

Hyundai Hope On Wheels Ambassadors

Two young cancer survivors, Emmy Cole and Jackson Trinh, are traveling around the country representing Hyundai Hope on Wheels as ambassadors for the nonprofit. Cole and Trinh are 12 and 10 years old, respectively, and they’ve been through tough journeys in their young lives.

Cole was only two when doctors told her parents she had High-Risk Neuroblastoma and spent many, many nights in the hospital. She has been in remission for six years and is upbeat and hopeful about her future, using her voice to share her story and help others. Albuquerque, New Mexico resident Trinh was seven when he started experiencing intense pain in his leg. At first, doctors thought he was having growing pains but when the fevers started he was diagnosed with B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. He’s also in remission and enthusiastic about helping other kids going through cancer treatment.

“As a parent, I can only imagine the challenges families endure when a child is battling cancer,” said President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Group José Muñoz.

Hyundai Hope on Wheels says it’s focusing on not just the treatment but “survivorship” for kids going through cancer treatment onto recovery. Parents and families navigating the process need support throughout, the organization says.

Hyundai Hope On Wheels Plans For Future Expansion

Hyundai is celebrating the organization’s outreach by expanding its program even further. Hyundai Hope on Wheels launched in Canada in February and will follow with Mexico later this month.

“Hyundai Hope on Wheels has been a driving force in pediatric cancer research for nearly three decades, and we are proud to expand its reach beyond the U.S. to support children throughout North America,” said CEO of Hyundai Motor North America Randy Parker.

As grants across the country are currently limited and shrinking from a federal perspective, private company support like the millions of dollars coming from Hyundai Hope on Wheels will make a big difference. The automaker’s support allows researchers to focus on the critical work in the lab and not be distracted by the seemingly endless cycle of applying for grants, explained Norman J. Beauchamp Jr., MD, MHS, executive vice president for health sciences, Georgetown University Medical Center.

Hyundai Hope on Wheels is making a difference in the fight against pediatric cancer and putting its money to good use for a better future for kids and their families.

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