Markey Receives $100,000 Hyundai 'Hope' Grant

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 24, 2010) — Local Hyundai dealers and representatives from Hyundai Motor America today presented a Hope Grant in the amount of $100,000 to Markey Cancer Foundation to support childhood cancer research or programs dedicated to improving the lives of children with cancer. Childhood cancer survivors and their families joined doctors, administrators and staff from the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center and the Division of Pediatric Oncology to receive the award.

"There are many things in life that are easy to do; making a difference is far tougher," said Dr. Randall Rowland, president and CEO of the Markey Cancer Foundation. "The Hyundai 'Hope on Wheels' campaign is certainly making a difference here in Kentucky and across the country. Today's gift is a valuable contribution, and the Markey Cancer Foundation is honored to have Hyundai as part of our team, fighting cancer and searching for a cure."

Hyundai's "Hope on Wheels" program was founded 12 years ago. This September, during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Hyundai asks others to join them in bringing hope to children and their families fighting cancer. The program will donate $6.8 million to children’s hospitals and nonprofit organizations across the United States to support medical research and programs that improve quality of life for children with cancer.

“While we’ve made progress over the last few decades and now have an 85 percent cure rate, cancer still takes more lives than any other childhood disease,” said John Krafcik, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor America. “This September, in support of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Hyundai will shine a nationwide spotlight on this cause and provide more than $6 million in grants for pediatric cancer research and support programs. We love taking on big challenges at Hyundai, and we can think of no more worthy challenge than finding a cure for all forms of pediatric cancer.”

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through all more than 800 dealerships nationwide.

Hyundai Hope on Wheels is the united effort of Hyundai Motor America and its more than 800 Hyundai dealers across the U.S. to raise awareness about childhood cancer and celebrate the lives of children battling the disease. At the end of 2010 Hyundai and its dealers will have donated more than $23 million to help kids fight cancer. Hyundai Hope on Wheels is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. 

The University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center was established in 1983 as a Comprehensive Cancer Center. Its overall mission is to eliminate the morbidity and mortality of cancer through a comprehensive program of research, education, clinical care and community outreach.