For over a decade, Hyundai Motor America and its philanthropic arm, Hyundai Hope on Wheels, have made a significant impact on the lives of our patients and families.
In 2013, their commitment to find a cure for pediatric cancer led to the founding of CHOC’s Hyundai Cancer Institute, which consistently ranks among the top pediatric programs according to US News and World Report. The Hyundai Cancer Institute has applied leading-edge science to the study of pediatric cancers, specifically in the field of genomic research. Hyundai’s transformative gift brought genomic sequencing to CHOC before it was commercially available across the nation, making our Institute one of the early leaders in the molecular interrogation of pediatric cancer. Most importantly, this funding has brought us closer to developing the latest treatments and cures.
Hyundai’s generosity also allowed us to establish our “Infusionarium,” which is the first space of its kind to leverage emerging technologies that immerse children in alternate realities and offer relief during lengthy treatments like chemotherapy. With jumbo screens, a fabric-draped interior and comfortable recliner chairs, the Infusionarium was purposefully designed to make children facing difficult procedures feel most at ease. And Hyundai cares about mental well-being just as much as they care about physical health. They support an essential CHOC program that helps patients cope with cancer’s mental and psycho-social emotional toll with a broad range of therapies.
Care In a Time of Crisis
Hyundai was the first of our partners to step forward with significant contributions, including a generous donation of $200,000, to help us through the unprecedented crisis caused by COVID-19.
With Hyundai’s generosity, we were able to establish outdoor evaluation centers at CHOC in Orange and the main campus of the University of California, Irvine. These centers feature double-bay drive-thru tents that enable quick and efficient testing, clearing children to receive the care they need when they need it.
Additionally, a local Hyundai dealership, Russell Westbrook Hyundai of Anaheim, provided three vehicles that have made an incredible impact on our ability to help children and families thrive through the crisis. We have used these vehicles for distributing supplies to our tent locations, transporting low-income families to and from the hospital, and delivering patient medications from our outpatient pharmacy. Since April, our pharmacy team has made over 1,200 deliveries to our young patients—including those with cancer or other immunodeficiency disorders—during a time when their well-being relies upon staying safely at home.
From directly supporting the health of children to easing the financial burden on families, Hyundai’s support during this challenging time has changed countless lives.
A Culture of Giving
Hyundai’s entire leadership team has created a culture of giving throughout their company that inspires their leaders and employees to action. Their associates have supported CHOC in vast and varied ways: hosting holiday toy drives for CHOC patients, decorating playrooms within the hospital and creating fundraisers specifically for CHOC.
A group of four Hyundai Motor America employees raised $10,000 for CHOC through the “Hands on Hope” competition that lasted over 50 hours. And for nearly a decade, CHOC has been one of the primary recipients of Hyundai Hope on Wheels’ annual 5k fun run. Also, for several years, they have supported the CHOC Gala, fostering vital community philanthropy.
Overall, Hyundai’s partnership has been transformative to CHOC. Their passion and dedication to our patients is incredibly inspiring and their generous support has allowed us to do infinitely more for children than we ever could have done on our own.
Your company and CHOC’s trusted pediatric care can create a lasting impact on the kids and community we serve.
