On Tuesday, Sept. 12, Hyundai Hope On Wheels® presented Seth Corey, MD, MPH, Children’s Hospital Foundation Endowed Chair in Pediatric Cancer Research, with a $250,000 Hyundai Scholar Hope Grant at a special handprint ceremony in honor of National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

Every 36 minutes, a child is diagnosed with cancer. Dr. Corey commits his life’s work to researching and developing life-saving treatments for these children. While Dr. Corey leads pediatric cancer research efforts at CHoR and VCU Massey Cancer Center, he does not work alone. He and his dedicated team are supported by individuals and organizations, like Hyundai Hope On Wheels, throughout the country who share a similar commitment to beating the disease.

“We’re a year and a half into his three-year therapy and it’s hard for me even now to believe I’m saying these words to you. My child has cancer,” said Stephanie Becker at the ceremony.

Becker’s son Jack was diagnosed with lymphoblastic lymphoma in March 2016. Although doctors told her there is an 85 percent success rate of treating this particular form of cancer, she has not stopped thinking about that other 15 percent. It is for these children that Hyundai Hope On Wheels has awarded more than $130 million towards childhood cancer research in pursuit of a cure.

Immediately following the check presentation, local children placed their handprints on a Hyundai Santa Fe, and Dr. Corey’s lab coat, to commemorate their experiences with pediatric cancer. The Hyundai will travel around the country to 39 other children’s hospitals that are doing innovative research to improve the lives of children battling cancer.

“We’re deeply appreciative of the support that Hyundai has provided us, as well as my colleagues around the country,” added Dr. Corey with gratitude.