September marks National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month—shining a light on the roughly 15,000 children and adolescents in the U.S. who are diagnosed with cancer each year.
Every child deserves the chance to grow up cancer-free and live a healthy life where they can play sports, make friends, graduate from high school, and find their place in the world. Fenton is deeply proud to be part of the fight against childhood cancer alongside our client, Hyundai Hope on Wheels.
Hyundai Hope on Wheels: 27 Years of Hope
Hyundai Hope on Wheels is one of the longest-running philanthropic initiatives in the U.S. automotive industry. Since 1998, it has awarded more than $277 million in research grants to tackle pediatric cancer, funding early-stage, high-risk research. Hyundai Hope on Wheels works in partnership with Hyundai Motor America and its U.S. dealers to turn purchases into scientific progress: For every new Hyundai vehicle sold, Hyundai and its 850 dealers nationwide contribute to these lifesaving grant awards.
Over the last 27 years, Hope on Wheels has awarded more than 1,400 childhood cancer research grants to physician scientists and over 175 hospitals and research institutions across the U.S., leading to clinical trials, new therapies, drug development, and lives saved. Fenton has partnered closely with Hope on Wheels for years to coordinate and execute events commemorating these vital research grants, culminating in a week in September of high-profile gatherings in Washington, D.C.
Handprint Ceremonies
This year, these events began with the Fenton team leading outreach, planning and logistics for 75 Handprint Ceremonies across 33 states. These special gatherings unite Hyundai leaders and local dealers, pediatric cancer survivors and families, care providers, and researchers to present research grant checks to physicians that will fund innovation, translational research, and clinical care.
The capstone of each event is the beloved “Handprint Ceremony” that captures each child’s handprint in paint on a white Hyundai car, a symbol of children past and present affected by pediatric cancer.
Anniversary Gala
The Fenton team also worked alongside Innocean and an array of partner agencies to lead the planning and execution of the 27th Annual DC Days Anniversary Gala, a massive celebration of progress and hope. Among the 300 guests gathered at the iconic Washington National Cathedral were Hyundai Motor Company President and CEO José Muñoz; Hyundai and Genesis Motor America CEO Randy Parker; a bipartisan group of elected officials; and other policymakers, influencers, and executives. Fenton collaborated with vendors to conceptualize an overall event strategy and managed details such as hotels, transportation, seating, and guest registration for an inspiring evening.
An emotional highlight of the evening was an appearance by Hope on Wheels’ National Youth Ambassadors. Pediatric cancer survivors Emmy Cole, 12, and Jackson Trinh, 10, shared their personal experiences battling cancer through an original song, “Hope is a Light in the Dark,” composed in collaboration with the nonprofit Musicians on Call.
Survivorship Summit
In addition to these marquee events, Fenton facilitated Hyundai Hope on Wheels’ third annual Survivorship Summit to further shape the organization’s investment in the health of pediatric cancer survivors. The Survivorship Summit brought together 27 of the nation’s leading pediatric cancer survivorship experts tackling the unmet challenges survivors face after beating cancer. Fenton planned and coordinated the event designed to help ensure that pediatric patients not only survive, but thrive.
Congressional Exhibit
The week concluded with lawmakers, physicians, survivors and Hyundai leaders coming together at the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill for an exhibit of photos showcasing 27 years of Hyundai Hope on Wheels’ impact—also facilitated and staffed by Fenton in close collaboration with partner agencies. Some 50 guests attended to discuss the importance of continued federal funding for pediatric cancer research, including 12 members of Congress.
In the words of a Hope on Wheels grant winner: “It’s always amazing to see how Hyundai Hope on Wheels is able to top the previous year’s events. We appreciate getting to meet the team that works behind the scenes to make everything happen.”
This work builds futures. Every child whose treatment is advanced by Hyundai Hope on Wheels-funded research is a reminder that investing in hope can change—and save—lives.
Visit hyundaihopeonwheels.org to learn more about Hyundai Hope on Wheels and join the fight against pediatric cancer.