Hyundai Hope On Wheels Presents University Of Florida Health Shands Children's Hospital With $200,000 Young Investigator Grant To Support Pediatric Cancer Research

GAINESVILLE, Fla., Sept. 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- In the newest rounds of grants marking its 20^th anniversary, Hyundai Hope On Wheels® 501(c)(3) celebrates National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month by awarding the $200,000 Hyundai Young Investigator grant to pediatric oncologist Dr. Paul Castillo of University of Florida Health Shands Children's Hospital. This September, 38 new doctor-researchers will receive a combined $14.1 million in grants to support novel therapeutic approaches and innovative research options in pediatric cancer. The awards will be officially presented to Dr. Castillo at UF Health Shands Children's Hospital on Wednesday, September 19th at 10 a.m.

Childhood cancer researchers depend largely on private funding for groundbreaking therapies to get off the ground and to advance treatment approaches to the next phase of testing, ultimately, bringing better therapies and cures to kids with cancer.  With this latest award, UF Health Shands Children's Hospital has received more than $2.1 million in grants from Hope On Wheels, contributing to the organization's $145 million in the organization's total lifetime giving.

"Throughout the country, talented doctors are working tirelessly to help kids fight cancer by conducting research or providing bedside care," said Scott Fink, chairman, Hyundai Hope On Wheels Board of Directors. "Our goal at Hope On Wheels is to provide these doctors with the grant funds they need to perform their lifesaving work."

During the event, children being treated for cancer at University of Florida Health Shands Children's Hospital will participate in the program's signature Handprint Ceremony, where they will dip their hands in paint and place their handprints on the Hope Vehicle, a white 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe. As "Every Handprint Tells a Story," the colorful handprints of brave pediatric cancer fighters represent their individual and collective hopes, dreams and journeys.  From now through the end of September, the Hope Vehicle will travel nationwide to honor kids battling cancer, raise awareness of the disease, and to inspire hope toward a cure.

Supporters are encouraged to visit the HHOW website (www.HyundaiHopeOnWheels.org) to view this year's grant winners along with stories of brave cancer survivors and passionate doctor-researchers. Once there, supporters may add their handprint to a wall of hope to show their support for the cause. They will also find information on additional ways to support HHOW through social media efforts and events throughout the month. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram at facebook.com/HyundaiHopeOnWheels, twitter.com/HopeOnWheels or instagram.com/HyundaiHopeOnWheels. 

UF HEALTH SHANDS
About UF Health Shands Children's Hospital UF Health Shands Children's Hospital is the premier academic children's hospital in north central Florida. As a recognized leader in pediatric medicine, it serves as a major destination for children from all over the United States and overseas who require specialized attention for complex medical problems. The dynamic University of Florida Health faculty is devoted to the best in patient care, research and education. UF Health Shands Children's Hospital is a part of the Children's Miracle Network's alliance of premier hospitals for children.

HYUNDAI HOPE ON WHEELS
Hyundai Hope On Wheels® is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that is committed to finding a cure for childhood cancer. Launched in 1998, Hyundai Hope On Wheels provides grants to eligible institutions nationwide that are pursuing life-saving research and innovative treatments for the disease. HHOW is one of the largest non-profit funders of pediatric cancer research in the country, and primary funding for Hyundai Hope On Wheels comes from Hyundai Motor America and its more than 835 U.S. dealers. Since its inception, Hyundai Hope On Wheels has awarded more than $145 million towards childhood cancer research in pursuit of a cure.

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA
Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through 835 dealerships nationwide. All new Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by the Hyundai Assurance program, which includes a 5-year/60,000-mile fully-transferable new vehicle limited warranty, Hyundai's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty and five years of complimentary Roadside Assistance.

For more details on Hyundai Assurance, please visit www.HyundaiAssurance.com
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SOURCE Hyundai Hope On Wheels

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