More Than Cars: Hyundai Hope On Wheels Drives Real Impact

At ASOTU, we believe in celebrating auto dealers for the good they do in and out of their showrooms. That’s why we’re proud to spotlight Hyundai Hope On Wheels (HHOW), a program that’s doing incredible work in pediatric cancer research. What began in 1998 with a single Boston-area Hyundai dealer has grown into a nationwide initiative, raising over $250 million to fund innovative treatments for children fighting cancer.

Pediatric cancer research is notoriously underfunded, receiving just 4% of federal cancer research funding. Thanks to HHOW, though, that gap is narrowing. This year alone, HHOW is awarding $26 million to support research at hospitals like Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, where doctors like Dr. Adam Wolpaw and Dr. Timothy Spear are pioneering new treatments for neuroblastoma, one of the hardest pediatric cancers to treat. Their work in developing CAR-T cell therapy, already successful in treating leukemia, could change the landscape for children with solid tumors.

But HHOW isn’t just about research. It’s about hope—symbolized by the colorful handprints of kids who’ve fought their battles against cancer. These handprints cover Hyundai vehicles, traveling across the country to raise awareness for the fight against childhood cancer. Each print tells a story of courage and resilience, reminding us that every step toward a cure matters.

And this movement wouldn’t be possible without the passion of dealers like Peter Lanzavecchia, President of Burns Hyundai in Marlton, New Jersey. Dealers like Peter don’t just sell cars—they make a real difference in their communities. As Peter says, “We want to work toward a world where no family has to go through that.” It’s this commitment to loving people more than cars that drives HHOW forward.

We’re honored to highlight Hyundai Hope On Wheels and the incredible impact of dealers across the nation who continue to lead with heart, showing that auto dealerships can do far more than just sell vehicles—they can be agents of real change.

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