Hyundai Hope On Wheels, Congressional Leaders And Hyundai Recognize Advancements In Pediatric Cancer Research During Capitol Hill Press Conference

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Hyundai Hope On Wheels®, a leader in the fight against childhood cancer, alongside Hyundai executives, dealers, and its supporters held a press conference on Capitol Hill.  The event was the 5^th annual Hyundai Hope On Wheels annual press conference in Washington, D.C., in support of National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.  The organization was joined by children cancer survivors, Board of Directors of Hope On Wheels, elected officials, policy makers, international officials, families, and other advocates in the field.  The event not only highlighted the achievements of Hope On Wheels, but also presented the winners of its annual September Scholar Hope Grant program.  The 2014 Scholar awardees represent 21 States and the District of Columbia.

The theme of this year's press conference was "Every Handprint Tells A Story (EHTS)."   The EHTS theme is a part of the organization's national push to raise awareness for the importance of pediatric cancer research.  Hyundai Hope On Wheels collects the handprints of pediatric cancer patients from all across the nation.  Each of these handprints represents the individual story of courageous children and their battles with the disease.  Two of these amazing kids are the National Youth Ambassadors for Hope On Wheels, Ms. Ashley Burnette, age 11, and Mr. Kenny Thomas, age 10.  The pair of young cancer survivors provided an inspiring message on the importance of research to finding a cure to the disease.   

"We look forward to visiting the nation's capital each year during September to add our voice to the issue of finding a cure for pediatric cancer," said Dave Zuchowski, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor America.  "Ashley and Kenny represent the courage and bravery that these kids demonstrate in the face of a terrible disease.  We believe no child should have to experience cancer.  Through research, we have made much progress.  But, it is also important at this time that we let our elected leaders know these kids deserve our support.  Hyundai is proud to be a champion on behalf of these kids."

September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness month.  Hope On Wheels announced thirty-six (36) research awardees, each in the amount of $250,000.  These coveted grants are awarded to researchers dedicated to finding a cure and improving the quality of life for children who have cancer.  Each recipient is selected from a peer-reviewed grant contest.  The recipients also earn the title of Hyundai Scholar.

"The Board of Directors applauds the 2014 Hyundai Scholar awardees," said Mickey Pong, 2014 Chairman Hyundai Hope On Wheels.  "Your passion and life-time dedication to the fight against pediatric cancer is commendable.  We are excited by the promise of the work to come from these brilliant researchers."

The 5th annual Hyundai Hope On Wheels press conference was held in conjunction with the Congressional Childhood Cancer Caucus.  The co-chair of the Caucus, Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX) was in attendance along with other Members of Congress, including Representatives Mike Kelly (R-PA) and Chaka Fattah (D-PA). Honorable Ahn Ho-Young, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the United States of America, made a special presentation.

"Our nation is one built on the principal of caring for each other," said Representative Michael Kelly (PA).  "When I think about what's important, I know that having children, who can achieve their dreams and grow up to be contributing members of our society in paramount.  These young cancer survivors are heroes to me.  I am also proud that a company like Hyundai and its dealers continue their dedication to this cause.  The Congress of the United States of America is in complete alignment in their goal of ending pediatric cancer."

The keynote address of the morning came from Dr. Leonard Sender, MD, Hyundai Cancer Institute, CHOC Children's, Orange, CA.  Dr. Sender provided an overview of the current state of pediatric oncology and presented groundbreaking research being conducted throughout the field.   During his presentation, Dr. Sender was joined by a robot, which is currently being used in caring for patients, and which is changing how care is being administered to children.

The Hyundai Hope On Wheels press event capped off a three days of events that included a Capitol Hill reception with Members of Congress; A Thought Leaders' Summit with some of the leading pediatric cancer researchers in the world; and a Gala Dinner event, for local area pediatric cancer survivors.  This year is the 16^th anniversary for Hyundai Hope On Wheels.  The organization's mission is 1) to improve the standards of care and expand research in the field, and 2) to create public awareness for the disease.  

You can join Hope On Wheels in the fight against pediatric cancer by posting a message of Hope for a child at www.HyundaiHopeOnWheels.org/September. The organization has set a goal to collect 100,000 handprints on a virtual wall.  Each person who signs the online wall will receive a digital badge showing their support, which can share online with friends and followers.

To learn more about Hyundai Hope On Wheels, please visit www.HyundaiHopeOnWheels.org.  

HYUNDAI HOPE ON WHEELS
Hyundai Hope On Wheels® is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit 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. Primary funding for Hyundai Hope On Wheels comes from Hyundai Motor America and its more than 800 U.S. dealers.  At the end of its 16th year, Hyundai Hope On Wheels will have awarded more than $87 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 Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 820 dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by the Hyundai Assurance program, which includes the 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. Hyundai Assurance includes Assurance Connected Care that provides owners of Hyundai models equipped with the Hyundai Blue Link telematics system with proactive safety and car care services complimentary for three years. These services include Automatic Collision Notification, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Vehicle Diagnostic Alert, Monthly Vehicle Health Report and in-vehicle service scheduling.   

For more details on Hyundai Assurance, please visit www.HyundaiAssurance.com

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