Contact: Alice Warchol
(757) 668-9049
Alice.Warchol@CHKD.org
Event honored local children and families affected by cancer and celebrated $200,000 in support from Hyundai Hope on Wheels and Hampton Roads Hyundai Dealers
NORFOLK, Va. – CHKD cancer patient families turned out Sunday at Harbor Park for Childhood Cancer Survivor Day as CHKD leaders and team members honored local children and families affected by cancer and celebrated support for the hospital’s pediatric cancer program.
The event also recognized a combined gift of $200,000 through a grant from Hyundai Hope on Wheels and support from the Hampton Roads Hyundai Dealers. The funding will help provide specialized cancer care, treatment, events like Survivor Day, and family support services for children across Hampton Roads and northeastern North Carolina.
Families gathered before the Norfolk Tides game in the picnic area at Harbor Park, where Dr. William Owen, a pediatric hematologist/oncologist at CHKD and division director of the Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at CHKD, recognized patients and families and spoke about the difference that Hyundai Hope on Wheels has made in the fight against pediatric cancer.
“Today, we're proud to celebrate CHKD Cancer Survivor Day and honor the strength, resilience, and courage of the children and families who inspire us every day,” Owen said. “Every year, dozens of local families hear the devastating words, ‘Your child has cancer.’ In that moment, their lives change forever. But because of supporters like Hyundai, we are able to offer something every family desperately needs: hope.”
Phan Tran, senior manager of merchandising for the Mid-Atlantic Region at Hyundai Motor America, congratulated CHKD for receiving the combined $200,000 gift and recognized the children and families served by the hospital.
“We’re here to celebrate the extraordinary courage of the young warriors at Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters battling cancer and to honor the unwavering love and strength of their families who stand beside them every step of the way,” Tran said.
“Since 1998, Hyundai Hope on Wheels has awarded over 15 grants to Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters, totaling over $1 million in funding,” he added. “That’s a testament to Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters research and innovation … and how enduring our partnership is in triumphing over childhood cancer.”
The event, held during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, included Hyundai Hope on Wheels’ signature handprint ceremony, during which CHKD cancer patients placed painted handprints on a Hyundai vehicle in recognition of their cancer journeys. The day also featured an auction of special Norfolk Tides jerseys designed earlier this year by CHKD cancer patient Tucker Davis. The online auction will be held Sept. 20-30, with proceeds supporting the pediatric cancer program at CHKD.
CHKD’s cancer program enables local families to receive lifesaving treatment, supportive care, and follow-up services close to home rather than traveling long distances for care. Learn more on our website at CHKD.org/Cancer.