Children's Mercy Hospital receives $100,000 to fight childhood cancer

KANSAS CITY, Missouri (KCTV) – Children's Mercy Hospital Kansas City's pediatric cancer research will continue with the help of a $100,000 donation.

The donation comes from the Hyundai Hope on Wheels Impact Award. Last year, $100,000 was also donated to CMH KC. Overall, this is the 26th year they have donated money and the goal is to distribute $26 million in 2024.

The Hyundai Hope On Wheels Impact Grants are awarded to pediatric oncology departments at eligible Children's Oncology Group member institutions nationwide to support pediatric cancer programs.

“When we get this money year after year, it really helps us support these people, keep them here and educate them,” said Dr. Keith August of Children Mercy Hospital. “Very few of our trials are supported by pharmaceutical companies because there just aren't enough childhood cancers, good or bad. It's a very rare disease.”

A big part of the celebrations involves children in hospital leaving their beds and leaving a handprint on a car that is then driven across the country.

In total, more than $250 million has been awarded to Children's Oncology Group member institutions.

Tim Wallwork, Hyundai's senior group manager for regional sales in the South Central region, said: “I think what is even more beautiful is seeing the children afterwards, how they have been cured and have life after cancer.”

“Cancer is always a difficult time for families,” said August. “It's a life-threatening disease, so everyone is scared and uncomfortable at times.”

Days like Tuesday are among the most beautiful days.

“I think anything we can do to bring a little bit of fun, lightness, some variety, something to help them get out of the hospital is always a nice thing,” August said.

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