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04.09.2025 Press release

Hyundai Hope on Wheels Celebrates Largest Year of Progress at 27th Anniversary Gala

  • Hyundai Hope on Wheels held its 27th anniversary gala with Hyundai and congressional leaders, celebrating $27 million commitment and $277 million lifetime donation total
  • Global expansion of Hyundai Hope on Wheels to include Europe and India in 2026

Press material

Hyundai Hope on Wheels®, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization supported by Hyundai Motor America and its more than 850 U.S. dealers, celebrated its 27th anniversary with a $27 million commitment and lifetime giving of $277 million at its annual gala in Washington, D.C., joined by Hyundai executives, members of Congress, doctors and researchers, and families. Kicking off National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, this year’s gala spotlighted the remarkable progress in research funded by Hyundai Hope on Wheels and its impact on improving childhood cancer survival rates.

As we look back on the past 27 years, Hyundai Hope on Wheels has made a profound difference in significantly increasing the childhood cancer survival rate from approximately 75 percent to 85 percent and helping save the lives of over 40,000 children. Hyundai Hope on Wheels and helping fight childhood cancer has become an essential part of our community outreach. Now reaching all of North America, we’re proud to continue our global expansion into Europe and India next year and remain committed to giving hope to every child fighting cancer.

José Muñoz President and CEO, Hyundai Motor Company

Global Expansion

This year marked the beginning of Hyundai Hope on Wheels’ global expansion across North America. Highlights include:

  • Canada: Since launching in February, Hyundai Auto Canada and its 226 dealers have donated $2.9 million to advance pediatric cancer care. The impact and awareness of Hyundai Hope on Wheels continues to grow through its partnership with the National Hockey League (NHL).
  • Mexico: $694,000 has been allocated to help leukemia patients and support additional research, treatments, and hospital equipment.

Looking ahead to 2026, Hyundai Hope on Wheels will extend its mission of hope to new markets, including Europe and India.

Washington, D.C., Events

Along with the 27th anniversary gala in Washington, D.C., Hyundai Hope on Wheels held a congressional reception at the Rayburn House Office Building. This event featured an exhibit commemorating the organization’s achievements and growth over its 27-year history. Bringing together grantees and partners, Hyundai Hope on Wheels convened its fourth annual survivorship summit to discuss the progress that helps thousands of children lead active and healthy lives beyond remission.

Over the years since the inception of Hyundai Hope on Wheels, we have witnessed tremendous progress in survivorship as a result of increased cure rates, improved access to long-term care, and development of a myriad of support resources. Ensuring well-being and maximizing quality of life for survivors is more important than ever, and I’m proud to champion Hyundai Hope on Wheels as it continues to invest in every step of a child/adolescent’s recovery and future.

Dr. Dan Wechsler Member, Hyundai Hope on Wheels Medical Advisory Committee, and board member, Hyundai Hope on Wheels

Handprint Ceremonies

Throughout National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, grants will be officially presented at Handprint Ceremonies, Hyundai Hope on Wheels’ signature events where children, doctors, and Hyundai partners place painted handprints on a Hyundai vehicle, symbolizing unity in the fight against pediatric cancer. In its largest year yet, Hyundai Hope on Wheels is hosting nearly 70 ceremonies nationwide, including two held at Children’s National Hospital and Georgetown University’s Lombardi Comprehensive Center this week. This year’s grant recipients will be announced later in the month.

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 critical research aimed at improving treatments and saving lives. Hyundai Hope on Wheels is one of the largest nonprofit funders of pediatric cancer research in the country. Primary funding for Hyundai Hope on Wheels comes from Hyundai Motor America and its more than 850 U.S. dealers. In 2025, Hyundai Hope on Wheels will reach a lifetime donation total of $277 million in support of more than 1,400 childhood cancer research grants to over 175 hospitals and research institutions.

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