Grant lends helping hand to pediatric cancer research efforts
CHARLOTTE, N.C., Oct. 9, 2024 – Atrium Health Levine Children’s has received a $100,000 Impact Grant from Hyundai Hope On Wheels® to bolster pediatric cancer research in Charlotte. The gift – from the nonprofit organization supported by Hyundai Motor America and its more than 830 U.S. dealers – was announced today at a “handprint ceremony” at Levine Children’s Hospital. During the event, young cancer patients, their families, and care teams painted their palms and placed their handprints on the Hyundai Hope vehicle.
Dr. Jeffrey Huo, the recipient of the Hyundai grant, participated in the ceremony. He will serve as the principal investigator for a study aimed at improving the testing of new drug strategies for children diagnosed with aggressive sarcomas.
With support from the grant, Dr. Huo and his team will activate a biobank for pediatric tumors within the Pediatric Oncology Research Laboratory at Levine Children’s. This biobank will extend researchers’ access to a diverse sample size for studying the unique genetic and molecular characteristics of these tumors. Through advanced technology in the lab, researchers can assess how different cell types within tumors respond to treatment.
“By integrating these advanced techniques, we aim to significantly improve the testing of new drug strategies, ultimately leading to better treatment options for children facing such aggressive cancers,” said Dr. Huo. “We are hopeful that our efforts will pave the way for breakthroughs in pediatric oncology, providing renewed hope for young patients and their families.”
Dr. Jeffrey Huo (middle), the recipient of a Hyundai impact grant, was joined by two Levine Children’s patients, both named Levi, for a handprint ceremony.
This year, Hyundai Hope On Wheels® will award a total of $26 million in research and support grants to medical institutions nationwide. With this commitment, the organization reaches a lifetime giving milestone of $250 million as part of its 26th anniversary. Since its inception in 1998, Hyundai Hope On Wheels® has established itself as one of the leading pediatric cancer charities in the U.S., funding innovative research aimed at finding cures and improving outcomes for children battling the disease.
“Hyundai Hope On Wheels® continues to be a community leader, both locally and nationally, in funding pediatric cancer research,” said Helen Kernodle, senior development officer at Atrium Health Foundation. “Thanks to today’s gift, the organization has donated over $1.1 million since 2010 to support our cancer program at Levine Children’s Hospital.”
Hyundai Hope On Wheels® is also a founding member of the Carolinas Kids Cancer Research Coalition, which helped bring some of the first Phase I cancer research trials to the region. To learn more about the organization’s impact, visit https://hyundaihopeonwheels.org.
About Atrium Health Foundation
Founded in 1959, Atrium Health Foundation is one of the largest charitable foundations in Charlotte. As the point of contact for all contributions benefiting Atrium Health in the Charlotte market, the Foundation inspires transformational giving to improve health, elevate hope, and advance healing – for all. Through its current Giving Hope Campaign, Atrium Health Foundation is supporting Atrium Health’s efforts to create the learning health system of the future by building healthy communities, outstanding education programs, preeminent research and exemplary facilities.
About 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 830 U.S. dealers. In 2024, Hyundai Hope On Wheels will surpass a lifetime total donation of $250 million in support of more than 1,300 childhood cancer research grants to over 175 hospitals and research institutions.
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