Hyundai Hope on Wheels announced this week the launch of a national childhood cancer public awareness campaign in September. It has also selected 36 children's hospitals around the U.S. to receive $ 9 million for pediatric cancer research, according to a company press release.
The newest announcement is part of the organization's yearly program recognizing September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
The program is supported by Hyundai Motor America and its U.S. dealerships.
The Hyundai Hope On Wheels September campaign is called "Every Handprint Tells A Story (EHTS)," which looks to build on the success of last year's effort.
On the HyundaiHopeOnWheels.org website, people can view stories of courageous child cancer survivors, post and share their own messages, and join an online community of supports through social media.
"Pediatric cancer is a disease that affects all of society without regard for economic means, geographic location or social status," says Dr. David Poplack, director of the Texas Children's Cancer Center, according to the release. "What Hyundai Hope On Wheels is doing is transformative, not only in providing desperately needed research funding but also by creating through social media a way for the community and those affected by pediatric cancer to come together."
The campaign starts today (Sept. 3) with a multi-city media tour featuring executives from Hyundai Motor America, Hyundai Hope On Wheels, and child cancer survivors.
During September, Hope On Wheels will travel the U.S. awarding $250,000 research grants to at least 36 different children's hospitals. Other scheduled activities include a 5K race series, a dealership handprint fundraising effort, events on Capitol Hill in conjunction with the Congressional Childhood Cancer Caucus, and a 1.1 million show-of-support decal mailing to Hyundai owners.
Hope On Wheels is looking to attract 300,000 visitors to participate in the EHTS web experience during this month, according to the release.
"There is no greater call for any society than that of protecting and nurturing its children," said Dave Zuchowski, president and chief executive officer, Hyundai Motor America, and a board member of Hyundai Hope On Wheels, according to the release. "I do many things in my business life, but none is more important than being a part of the fight against childhood cancer. Through this year's social media campaign, we hope to inspire millions of people across the nation to think about, and to show their support for, the courageous battles and dreams of these young patients."
"Cancer is a very grown-up disease that no child should have to fight," he added. "At Hyundai, we have been committed since 1998 to ensuring these children have a champion in the fight. Our goal through Hope On Wheels is simple: to end childhood cancer."
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