NORFOLK, Va. — On Thursday, the Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters wrapped up its "Hyundai Handprint on Wheels" ceremony in Norfolk.
The 2024 Hyundai Hope on Wheels Impact Grant to CHKD is for $100,000.
It will support the clinical research efforts of the CHKD child cancer and blood disorders program, ensuring that children diagnosed with cancer throughout southeast Virginia and Northeast North Carolina have access to the best care close to home.
During the ceremony, CHKD patients and their loved ones dipped their hands in paint and placed their handprints on a Hyundai vehicle, symbolizing the collective fight against pediatric cancer and their hope for a cure.
"Children light up this world, and we hope that one day they will have the opportunity to live their lives cancer-free," said Ryan Garner, the General Manager of Checkered Flag Hyundai Dealership in Virginia Beach.
Each handprint represents a story of a unique journey that hundreds of pediatric patients and families at the Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters understand.
Kelly Davis remembers the exact emotions she had when her son received his cancer diagnosis.
"I'll never forget when the ER doctor said we have the results of the CT, we didn't find a concussion, we found a brain tumor."
She says he underwent an aggressive round of treatment, and four years later, he is cancer-free.
"The Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters picked us up and carried us," Davis said.
"It really is about expressing our commitment and our continued support for this hospital and its research," said Phan Tran, Senior Merchandising Manager for Hyundai Motor America.
The nonprofit has given more than $26 billion in charitable donations over the last 26 years.
Pediatric Oncologist Dr. Eric Lowe says it changes lives.
"It supports advances not only in understanding cancer but our ability to treat cancer with fewer side effects," said Dr. Lowe.
So, these young people can continue their stories.
"Imagine a future when a cancer diagnosis doesn't mean constant treatment and side effects," Dr. Lowe said. "That's the hope we strive for."