Hyundai’s Hope on Wheels Shows How Great an Automaker Can Be

Micah and his father leaving his hand print on Hyundai's Hope on Wheels Santa Fe. Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego, CA
Micah and his father leaving his hand print on Hyundai’s Hope on Wheels Santa Fe at Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego, CA

Hyundai’s Hope on Wheels donates funds for childhood cancer research, raises awareness of pediatric cancer and gives hope to those who suffer. Hyundai Motor America and its more than 820 U.S dealers, along with customer support, are committing serious funds to help fight childhood cancer. Hyundai’s Hope on Wheels is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Although many automakers sponsor charities, Hyundai is remarkably hands on with Hyundai’s Hope on Wheels.

Micah is a scrappy little guy who’s been fighting cancer since he was a baby. He’s smart, curious and precocious while exhibiting that one special trait of what a three-year-old typically should be – happiness. To meet him in person, you would be hard pressed to see evidence of his illness. Micah’s cancer has gone into remission several times, only to come back.

His parents Kate and Jeff contend with this reality with an internal fortitude that actually gives others strength. As a parent of young children, I am in awe of people like Micah’s parents. I could never imagine what they go through on this emotional roller-coaster, the tremendous strength it must take. I find it nearly inconceivable.

“The mission of Hope on Wheels is to raise awareness for childhood cancer, donate life-saving research funds and celebrate the lives of children affected by this disease. The program provides grants to eligible institutions nationwide pursuing innovative pediatric cancer research. These grants are designed to develop new treatments and ultimately a cure. We are committed to providing the much-needed support in the fight against childhood cancer. Hope on Wheels’ ultimate goal is to fund the needed research that will bring about the day when no child ever has to hear the words, “You have cancer.”” – – Hyundai Hope on Wheels

Micah leaves his hand print (with the help of his father Jeff) during the Rady Children’s Hospital's acceptance of the Hyundai's Hope on Wheels award ceremony
Micah leaves his hand print (with the help of his father Jeff) during the Rady Children’s Hospital’s acceptance of the Hyundai’s Hope on Wheels award ceremony

Micah is my brother-in-law’s nephew and I’ve had the good fortune to see him grow and thrive, despite the cancer. Thanks to programs like Hyundai’s Hope on Wheels, children and their families who suffer from childhood cancer have a powerful ally.

“We created a new grant category called the Hyundai Scholar Hope Grant, a competitively selected two-year $250,000 award. Recipients of the Hope Grant are selected from the nation’s best and brightest institutions.” – – Hyundai’s Hope on Wheels

Recently, Micah’s hospital, Rady Children’s Hospital, received a $75,000 grant award from Hyundai’s Hope on Wheels. “Dr. Udaka, a fellow at the Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, received a 2014 Hyundai Young Investigator Clinical Award to fund her work on brain tumors in children. She is one of 13 recipients of this award, which helps principal investigators pursue research and implement clinical programs aimed at improving the lives of children battling pediatric cancer.”

“Hyundai is a brand that not only builds great cars, but is committed to doing good things that serve society’s needs,” said Dave Zuchowski, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor America. “Pediatric cancer is an issue that affects far too many children. Together with our dealers, we joined this fight in 1998. We are committed to ending this disease by funding life-saving research. Through Hope On Wheels, we look forward to a world in which no child will have to face this terrible disease.” – – rchsd.org

Micah and Jeff admire their handy work during the Hyundai's Hope on Wheels ceremony at Rady's Children's Hospital in San Diego, CA.
Micah and Jeff admire their handy work during the Hyundai’s Hope on Wheels ceremony at Rady’s Children’s Hospital in San Diego, CA.

The Fast Lane Car team wishes to extend a special thank you to Hyundai Motor America and its more than 820 U.S dealers for implementing this incredibly important program. Hyundai customers should know what a kind and generous organization their automaker represent. With programs like Hyundai’s Hope on Wheels, children like Micah and their families have a great tool in the fight of pediatric cancer.

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152542810457604.1073741880.101243982603&type=1

http://www.hyundaihopeonwheels.org/about/our-story.html
Our Story – Hyundai Hope On Wheels
www.hyundaihopeonwheels.org

Micah’s family is also fundraising for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation: http://www.stbaldricks.org/kids/mypage/4478

Easily amused by anything with four wheels, Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. Wrecking yards, dealer lots, garages, racetracks, professional automotive testing and automotive journalism - Nathan has experienced a wide range of the automotive spectrum.  His words, good humor and videos are enjoyed worldwide.
Easily amused by anything with four wheels, Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. Wrecking yards, dealer lots, garages, racetracks, professional automotive testing and automotive journalism – Nathan has experienced a wide range of the automotive spectrum. His words, good humor and videos are enjoyed worldwide.