Hyundai Hope on Wheels Donates $50,000 to the Children's Hospital of Michigan to Fight Childhood Cancer

DETROIT, Jan. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai Motor America and its dealers announced today that DMC Children's Hospital of Michigan has been selected to receive a donation of $50,000 from Hyundai Hope on Wheels(TM). The Hope on Wheels Tour traveled nationwide throughout 2009 and donated more than $1.3 million to childhood cancer research institutions. The tour will make its final stop at the Children's Hospital of Michigan in Detroit today at 1:30 p.m. in conjunction with the North American International Auto Show.

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Maxim Y. Yankelevich, M.D., Children's Hospital of Michigan pediatric neuro-oncologist, has been named a Hyundai Scholar. Funds from the $50,000 donation will be used by Yankelevich to support his research efforts in the development of new immunotherapy programs to assist children with brain tumors. Part of the festivities will include Children's Hospital of Michigan cancer patients applying their handprints to a white canvas, which will later be added to the symbol for Hyundai Hope on Wheels, a Hyundai Santa Fe covered in colorful handprints from children with cancer all over the country, in order to memorialize their battles.

"We are inspired every day by the brave children we meet on the Hope on Wheels Tour," said George Glassman of Glassman Hyundai. "When their handprints are placed on the Hope on Wheels Santa Fe, we are honoring their brave battles against cancer, commemorating their triumphs and sharing their hope for the future with other children and their families across the country."

"Hyundai and its dealers have been committed to supporting the children, families and doctors battling childhood cancer for more than ten years," said John Krafcik, President and CEO, Hyundai Motor America. "Even in the face of tough economic times for our industry, we will not waver in our commitment to supporting the medical research and training that will produce better treatments, therapies, and one day, a cure."

This year Hyundai Hope on Wheels marks 12 years of commitment to childhood cancer research efforts. Hyundai and its dealers have donated more than $14 million to children's hospitals nationwide and collected hundreds of handprints from children fighting childhood cancer. More information is available at www.hyundaihopeonwheels.org.

THE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL OF MICHIGAN

Founded more than 120 years ago, the Children's Hospital of Michigan is the first and only hospital in the state dedicated exclusively to the treatment of children. A leader internationally in neurology and neurosurgery, cardiology, oncology, and diagnostic services, it is ranked one of America's best hospitals for children. More Michigan pediatricians are trained at the Children's Hospital of Michigan than in any other facility. Children's Hospital of Michigan is one of nine hospitals and institutions operated by the Detroit Medical Center (DMC). The DMC is proud to be the Official Healthcare Services Provider of the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Pistons.

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 nearly 800 dealerships nationwide.

HYUNDAI HOPE ON WHEELS

Hyundai Hope on Wheels(TM) is the united effort of the nearly 800 Hyundai dealers across the U.S. to raise awareness about childhood cancer and celebrate the lives of children battling the disease. Hyundai and its dealers have donated more than $14 million to pediatric cancer research since 1998 and is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

SOURCE Hyundai Motor America