Hyundai Hope on Wheels and local Hyundai dealers have made a significant investment in the future of cancer care for children in Hawaii. They presented a collective gift of $160,000 to Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children, the only full-service women’s and children’s hospital in the state.
Their gift includes a $100,000 Impact Grant from Hyundai Hope on Wheels, a nonprofit dedicated to ending pediatric cancer. The grant will go to Kapiolani’s Cellular Therapy Program, which is the only one of its kind in the state. The funding allows the program to purchase specialized equipment for apheresis, an innovative procedure that separates blood components, such as red or white blood cells, to treat certain cancers and other illnesses.
“The Hyundai Hope on Wheels Impact Grant will truly make a positive difference in the work that we do,” said Dr. Randal Wada, Kapiolani chief of pediatric hematology and oncology. “The new equipment will help our apheresis unit work even more efficiently, decreasing procedure time and allowing us to provide more patients with lifesaving cancer care.”
Earlier this year, Hyundai Hope on Wheels and Hawaii’s local Hyundai dealers pledged an additional $60,000 for Kapiolani’s future Martha B. Smith Cancer & Infusion Center. The new center will more than quadruple the existing space for cancer care at Kapiolani. In addition to enhancing patient care and comfort, the center will further efforts for clinical trials and new treatments for women and children.
"Hyundai Hope on Wheels is honored to support esteemed hospitals and institutions such as Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children to fund research that fosters innovation and medical advancements for pediatric cancer patients," said John Guastaferro, Hyundai Hope on Wheels executive director. "We are grateful for the unwavering dedication and lifesaving efforts that will bring us closer to a world without childhood cancer.”
In recognition of Hyundai’s commitment to pediatric cancer care, a ceremony was held at Kapiolani with national and local Hyundai representatives, Kapiolani physicians, team members and patients.
Among those in attendance were Seeley Borges and her family. Shortly after she was born on Kauai, she had to be medevacked to Kapiolani, where she was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive blood cancer. She received immediate care from an expert team of doctors, nurses and specialists. The treatment was long and challenging. But today, the 4-year-old is in remission. Seeley was one of many who painted her palm and placed her handprint on a Hyundai vehicle as a symbol of the fight against childhood cancer.
“It’s so great to be here today and reconnect with those who helped save Seeley,” said her mom, Hayley. “We’re deeply thankful for Kapiolani and Hyundai for all that they do for kids battling cancer.”
Since 1998, Hyundai Hope on Wheels has given $277 million for pediatric cancer research and programs, including more than $1.2 million to Kapiolani.
Photo (top): From left: Wayne De Luz, Big Island Hyundai president; Mark Palaganas, Hyundai Motor America senior manager, regional merchandising; Jerry Romano, Honolulu and Windward Hyundai chief operating officer; Dr. Randal Wada, Kapiolani chief of pediatric hematology and oncology; Brady Schmidt, Hyundai Hope on Wheels board member; Tracy Kikawa, Hyundai Motor America senior group manager; and Sean Charlston, Tony Hyundai general sales manager.
Photo (inset): Seeley Borges and Dr. Randal Wada, Kapiolani chief of pediatric hematology and oncology, look at the colorful handprint she placed on his coat.
Photo (inset 2): Kapiolani patients, staff and Hyundai team members were invited to put their handprints on a Hyundai Hope on Wheels vehicle in support of the fight against childhood cancer.