[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 58 (Wednesday, April 9, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E564]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


RECOGNIZING HYUNDAI HOPE ON WHEELS CONTRIBUTIONS TO FIGHTING PEDIATRIC 
                                 CANCER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MIKE KELLY

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 9, 2014

  Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
Hyundai Hope On Wheels, a leading contributor to pediatric cancer 
research nationwide, on celebrating its 16th year in the fight against 
childhood cancer.
   Hope On Wheels has one wish--and it is a wish I share: to end 
childhood cancer.
   Among the largest private funders of cancer research in the United 
States, Hyundai Hope On Wheels is at the forefront with its singular 
and steadfast mission of eradicating childhood cancer.
   Each year, approximately 15,000 parents will hear the words, ``Your 
child has cancer.'' Even today, based on average statistics, more than 
40 children are expected to be diagnosed with cancer and their average 
age will be just 6 years old. Children diagnosed with cancer come from 
all across our country and from all walks of life. Pediatric cancer 
affects all ethnic, gender, and socio-economic groups. This disease 
does not discriminate in its victims--any child could be a victim.
   Even with all the advances in modern medicine, 12 percent of 
children diagnosed with cancer will not survive.
   To be sure, research and treatment has improved the ``rate of 
survival'' for children. The overall survival rate for cancer survivors 
has improved over the years with an overall survival rate of 10 percent 
just 40 years ago to nearly 90 percent today. That is a drastic 
improvement. However, despite major advances, the number of diagnosed 
cases annually has not declined in nearly two decade years. For many 
with rare cancers, survival rates remain low. At the end of the day, 
even with the amazing process we have made, childhood cancer still is 
responsible for killing more children and teenagers every year more 
than any other disease.
   That is why the work Hyundai Hope On Wheels does is critical. 
Through the innovative medical research leveraged and supported by Hope 
On Wheels, America is making strides toward ending pediatric cancer.
   Hope On Wheels supports hundreds of research grants including the 
Hyundai Scholar Grant and the Hyundai Hope Grant. The first grant is a 
$75,000 grant for research or programmatic projects available to young 
nominated investigators. The later grant is a $250,000 competitive 
grant open to all researchers pursuing innovative research with the 
greatest overall potential to impact the lives of children battling 
cancer.
   Just this month, the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh received the 
2014 Hyundai Scholar's Hope Grant, which is a two-year research award 
in the amount of $250,000. This award will allow doctors to continue to 
work on life-saving cancer therapies and to treat children from the 
Third District of Pennsylvania and beyond. By the end of 2014, Hyundai 
Hope On Wheels will have awarded more than $86 million towards 
childhood cancer research in pursuit of a cure.
   Mr. Speaker, by working to improve the survival rate of our nation's 
children diagnosed with cancer, I ask that my colleague join with me 
today in recognizing the good work of Hyundai Hope On Wheels. Committed 
to the fight against pediatric cancer, Hope On Wheels is providing the 
next generation of America's children with the hope of a healthy 
future.

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