- Milestone underscores 28-year commitment to advancing pediatric cancer research, survivorship, and global impact
- 2026 funding pushes lifetime giving to $303 million since 1998
- Isabella Franco-Capps named National Youth Ambassador, joining Jackson Trinh
NEW YORK, April 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Hyundai Hope on Wheels®, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization supported by Hyundai Motor America and its more than 855 U.S. dealers, today announced a major philanthropic milestone, surpassing $303 million in lifetime giving to support childhood cancer research since its founding in 1998. As the nonprofit celebrates its 28th anniversary, the milestone underscores Hyundai Hope on Wheels’ long-standing commitment to advancing research, improving survivorship, and fueling hope for children and families affected by cancer.
“Three hundred million dollars in lifetime giving represents the children who are alive today because researchers had the resources to find new treatments,” said José Muñoz, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor Company. “The lives of more than 40,000 children have been saved by this work. Hyundai Hope on Wheels has given families hope when they needed it most. Together with our dealer partners, we have been part of this fight for 28 years, and we are not slowing down. Every vehicle sold helps contribute to this worthy cause. Progress for Humanity is the vision that guides everything we build and everything we give.”
Since its inception, Hyundai Hope on Wheels has helped drive meaningful progress in pediatric oncology, leading to an increase in U.S. childhood cancer survival rates from approximately 75 percent to 85 percent and positively impacting the lives of more than 40,000 children nationwide.
“Reaching more than $300 million in lifetime giving is a powerful reflection of what’s possible when purpose and partnership come together,” said Randy Parker, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor North America. “For nearly three decades, Hyundai Hope on Wheels has remained steadfast in its mission to support children with cancer, fund innovative research, and stand with families every step of the journey. This commitment directly reflects our Progress for Humanity vision and reinforces our dedication to a future without childhood cancer.”
In 2026, Hyundai Hope on Wheels will award more than $29 million in grants across North America, including $26 million in the United States and $3 million in Canada, with additional funding planned in Mexico. These investments support cutting-edge research, survivorship initiatives, advocacy, and awareness efforts designed to create lasting impact for children and families.
How $303 Million Translates Into Research, Care, and Survivorship
Through sustained investment in pediatric cancer research, Hyundai Hope on Wheels has helped accelerate advancements that are extending lives, improving outcomes, and redefining survivorship for children diagnosed with cancer.
Beyond research, Hyundai Hope on Wheels plays a critical role in supporting survivorship— bringing together leading voices to address the long-term health, emotional well-being, and quality of life needs of children and families beyond treatment.
This year Hyundai Hope on Wheels will surpass a lifetime total of more than 1,500 research and programmatic grants awarded to over 175 medical institutions. The organization funds four categories of grants at eligible Children’s Oncology Group (COG) member institutions, strengthening care and outcomes for children with cancer. As part of its expanded survivorship focus, the organization is advancing initiatives that support long-term care coordination, access to medical records, and telehealth services for survivors,
Looking ahead, the organization is expanding its commitment globally, scaling its efforts to reach pediatric cancer communities around the world and ensuring progress for children wherever they live.
National Youth Ambassador Spotlight: Isabella Franco-Capps
Isabella Franco-Capps, a 10-year-old from Athens, Georgia, was named the new National Youth Ambassador after a nationwide search. This year, Isabella will join Jackson Trinh to visit children’s hospitals and raise awareness for pediatric cancer research. Jackson will serve as ambassador from 2025 to 2027, while Isabella will serve from 2026 to 2028. Learn more about their stories on the Hyundai Hope on Wheels website.
Hyundai Hope on Wheels National Youth Ambassadors Isabella Franco-Capps and Jackson Trinh are photographed on Feb. 28, 2026. (Photo/Hyundai)
Hyundai Hope on Wheels will formally award grants to children’s hospitals across the country later this year. The grant presentations will conclude in September, coinciding with National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, during which the organization will convene its partners in Washington, D.C. to commemorate its 28th anniversary.
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 855 U.S. dealers. In 2026, Hyundai Hope on Wheels will reach a lifetime donation total of $303 million in support of more than 1,500 childhood cancer research grants to over 175 hospitals and research institutions.
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SOURCE Hyundai Hope on Wheels
