4-year-old Alijah Ellingson adds his handprint to the hood of the Hope On Wheels Hyundai Santa Fe.

(Oct. 31, 2007) Hyundai Motor America and its dealerships presented a donation of $50,000 for pediatric cancer research at the University of Minnesota Cancer Center in a symbolic handprint ceremony October 24. The ceremony, which was held on the courtyard outside University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview, celebrated the lives and treatment milestones of pediatric cancer patients and survivors by capturing their colorful handprints on a 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe.

The donation is part of Hyundai's nationwide 2007 Hope On Wheels tour, which will visit 30 cities this fall, with donations nearing $1.5 million.

Pediatric oncologist and interim head of the University's Department of Pediatrics Joseph Neglia, M.D. (left); Hyundai Motor America Regional General Manager Brian O'Malley; and pediatric oncologist Daniel Mulrooney, M.D., who is medical director of the Long-Term Follow-Up Clinic at the University of Minnesota.

"We appreciate this generous donation and Hyundai's commitment to pediatric cancer research," said Douglas Yee, M.D., director of the University of Minnesota Cancer Center. "These funds will be used to start new research projects and support ongoing research on childhood cancer. We hope that this Hope on Wheels event is the beginning of a long relationship between the University of Minnesota Cancer Center and Hyundai toward achieving the goal of eradicating childhood cancer."

"We are proud to make this donation to an organization that has clearly shown leadership and dedication to the fight against pediatric cancer," said Pat Terhaar of the Denny Hecker Group, which owns Hyundai dealerships in the Twin Cities and St. Cloud, Minn. "When you combine an impressive initiative like Hope On Wheels and an automobile manufacturer like Hyundai that is focused not only on safety but on health, you get a winning combination. We hope that this program not only raises funds for these deserving institutions, but also raises awareness on a national scale so that other organizations are inspired to make a pledge against pediatric cancer."

3-year-old Elliot Kramer with his mother, Sara McGinley.

Tara Phan adds her handprint. Tara is considering a career in science because of her childhood cancer experience.

Jakub Tolar, M.D., Ph.D., explains his research to Hope On Wheels ceremony participants during a tour of the Cancer Center laboratories.