Doernbecher Cancer Patients Give Handprints, Hope to Families Nationwide

Health Care

WHAT: Pediatric cancer patients receiving treatment at Oregon Health & Science University Doernbecher Children’s Hospital and their families will join Hyundai and its dealers to commemorate the treatment milestones of OHSU Doernbecher and its patients with a donation of $30,000 and a handprint ceremony.

Pediatric cancer patients will place their colorful handprints on a white Hyundai Santa Fe to represent and share their personal triumphs with other children and families across the country. The vehicle will travel the nation, visiting other children’s hospitals and participating in handprint ceremonies at 30 Light the Night Walks, in partnership with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

WHEN: Wednesday, July 9, 10:30 a.m.

WHERE: OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital vehicle turnaround near the eternal flame, 3181 S.W. Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland

DETAILS:
Hyundai’s donation will specifically support the research of Suman Malempati, M.D., director of OHSU Doernbecher’s Solid Tumor Program and assistant professor of pediatric hematology/oncology in the OHSU School of Medicine, OHSU Cancer Institute. Malempati’s research focuses on the development of novel therapeutic agents for the treatment of childhood cancer.

“The ultimate goal of my research is to use science to find better ways to treat childhood cancer. The development of new drugs to treat cancer requires collaboration between laboratory scientists and clinical investigators like myself. The funding provided by Hyundai will allow such a collaboration with OHSU scientists that will help us learn more about an exciting new drug that may improve the way children with cancer are treated at Doernbecher and throughout the country,” said Malempati.

Hyundai and its dealers have raised more than $10 million in 10 years to fight pediatric cancer. In 1998 New England-area Hyundai dealers began raising funds to support the Jimmy Fund at Boston’s Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Since then the program has gone nationwide and is supported by all of Hyundai’s nearly 800 dealers. Hope on Wheels is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

“Hyundai and its dealers are proud to make this donation to a hospital and doctor that have shown such dedication to the fight against pediatric cancer,” said Oscar Leeser, president of the Hyundai National Hope on Wheels Dealer Board, and El Paso, Texas, Hyundai dealer. “In its efforts to promote the training of the next generation of doctors, the Hope on Wheels Tour honors the brave children who have faced this disease and shares their hope and positive outlook with families across the country.” The complete list of Hope on Wheels Tour stops, including benefiting hospital, is available at www.hopeonwheels.com.

                       

QUICK FACTS:

 

About OHSU Doernbecher Children's Hospital
OHSU Doernbecher Children's Hospital is a world-class facility that each year provides more than 90,000 health care services for children from Oregon, southwest Washington and around the nation, including national and international referrals for specialty care. In the most patient- and family-centered environment, children have access to a full range of pediatric care, not just serious illness or injury. In addition, nationally recognized physicians ensure that children at OHSU Doernbecher receive outstanding cancer treatment, specialized neurology care and highly sophisticated heart surgery. Pediatric experts from OHSU Doernbecher travel throughout Oregon and southwest Washington to provide pediatric specialty care at more than 20 outreach clinics.

 
About Hope on Wheels
Hope on Wheels™ is the united effort of nearly 780 Hyundai dealers across the U.S. to raise awareness about pediatric cancer and celebrate the lives of children battling the disease.  Hope on Wheels is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

 


Tamara Hargens-Bradley
Senior Director, Strategic Communications
OHSU
503-494-8231