Hyundai Hope On Wheels Awards Grant to Penn State Physician-Researcher for Pioneering Pediatric Cancer Research

Hyundai Hope On Wheels has made a significant impact by awarding a $400,000 Scholar Hope Grant to Dr. Giselle Sholler, who leads Pediatric Hematology-Oncology at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital. This grant will support her groundbreaking pediatric cancer research.

This announcement came during a recent event at the hospital, where community leaders, Hyundai representatives, and patients gathered to emphasize the need for ongoing investment in childhood cancer research. A family affected by pediatric cancer shared their journey, highlighting how research can change lives.

As part of the event, young patients participated in the Handprint Ceremony. They dipped their hands in colorful paint and left their marks on a Hyundai vehicle. This tradition symbolizes hope and unity in the fight against childhood cancer.

Dr. Sholler is renowned for her work in finding new treatments for hard-to-treat pediatric cancers. With the funding from Hyundai Hope On Wheels, her team aims to expand treatment options and improve survival rates for children facing these challenges.

In 2025, Hyundai Hope On Wheels pledged $27 million to pediatric cancer research, raising its total contribution to an impressive $277 million since its inception in 1998. The nonprofit has partnered with over 175 research institutions to foster innovative treatments and ultimately find a cure for childhood cancer.

According to a recent survey by the American Childhood Cancer Organization, only 4% of federal funding for cancer research goes to childhood cancers. This highlights the importance of private initiatives like Hyundai Hope On Wheels in bridging the funding gap and driving breakthroughs in pediatric oncology.

As we look at efforts in pediatric cancer treatment today, it’s crucial to remember the strides made over the years. Historical investments in research have improved survival rates significantly. For instance, the survival rate for childhood leukemia has increased from around 20% in the 1970s to over 90% today, thanks to research and funding efforts like those from Hyundai.

In a world where childhood cancer remains a pressing issue, initiatives like this bring hope and highlight the power of community support and continued research funding.

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