NEW ORLEANS (press release) – September is National Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month and Children’s Hospital New Orleans is proud to announce a $100,000 Impact Award from Hyundai Hope On Wheels that will support the more than 2,000 children from across Louisiana and the Gulf South who are cared for by the hospital’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders each year.
“Receiving a life changing diagnosis is just that, totally life changing,” says Children’s Hospital New Orleans President and CEO, Lucio A. Fragoso in a press release. “Our Hematology Oncology team delivers expert and lifesaving care while also creating an environment of hope, support and comfort for children receiving treatment for cancer or blood disorders and their families. Most of our children spend months, even years in treatment with us here. The generous grant from Hyundai Hope On Wheels® helps us amplify their care and experience.”
The donation will be used to provide financial assistance to families facing financial burden to help cover the cost of necessities like food, medication and housing and to help amplify the experience of patients and families who are receiving care in the hospital.
“Every 36 minutes a child is diagnosed with pediatric cancer. It drastically changes their lives, with treatments including chemotherapy, radiation and surgeries – during a time when they should be experiencing the simple joys of childhood,” said Tim Wallwork from Hyundai Motor America. “That’s why Hyundai Hope On Wheels® joined this fight 26 years ago – and we will continue to stand with our partners in health for as long as it takes until we find a cure.”
Following the donation presentation, patients were invited to leave painted handprints on a Hyundai vehicle that will travel the nation during Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month, celebrated annually throughout September, while the organization awards $26 million in grants to children’s hospitals across the country.
The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Children’s Hospital provides expert treatment and transplantation for children with leukemia, lymphoma, sickle cell anemia, hemophilia and other childhood cancers and blood disorders, regardless of the family’s ability to pay. Children’s Hospital is the only accredited pediatric facility in the state, performing bone marrow transplants and actively conducting cancer research on therapies at the forefront of medicine. The center also has the largest, most experienced group of pediatric cancer specialists in the region, staffed by faculty from LSU Health New Orleans and Tulane Pediatrics. Learn more at chnola.org/cancer.
