(May 14, 2011) FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. — Hyundai Motor America and its nonprofit organization, Hyundai Hope on Wheels, this past week announced a $10 million gift — the largest corporate gift in Children's Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) history.

The gift will be used to fund groundbreaking pediatric cancer research, using the latest advances in genomic medicine to provide more effective, individualized treatment for children afflicted with this disease. CHOC Children’s is recognizing this gift by naming its cancer center of excellence the Hyundai Cancer Institute at CHOC Children’s.

For more than a decade, the cure rate for pediatric cancer has been stalled at about 80 percent. This research will focus on discovering cures for the remaining 20 percent by finding pathways of corrupted cells—or targeted genomic sequencing — and identifying specific drugs to attack cancer cells.  The research will also identify individual genetic pathways to assess risk factors in survivors who may be susceptible to other cancers and diseases.

The partnership marks Hyundai’s 13-year commitment to finding a cure for childhood cancer. 

Since 1998, Hyundai and its dealers have been the driving force behind Hyundai Hope on Wheels, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising funds and awareness for childhood cancer while celebrating the lives of children battling this disease. 

"We’ve found an incredible partner with CHOC Children’s, where breakthrough genomic research and individualized clinical care will move us closer to a world where no child dies of cancer,” said John Krafcik, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor America. 

“Hyundai’s generous gift also supports the $125 million ‘Change CHOC, Change the World campaign,’” states Kim Cripe, president and CEO, CHOC Children’s. “The campaign aims to make Orange County, California, one of the safest and healthiest places for children in the nation.”