Hyundai Hope On Wheels awards $400,000 grant for children’s cancer research

Representatives with Hyundai Hope On Wheels recently presented a $400,000 Scholar Hope Grant to Theodore S. Johnson, MD, PhD, at Wellstar Golisano Children’s Hospital of Georgia to help fund research into pediatric brain cancer.

As a pediatric oncologist, Johnson works directly with children facing complex brain tumors and their families, while also leading research aimed at improving their treatment options and quality of life. The grant will support that ongoing work through the Pediatric Immunotherapy Program for the Georgia Cancer Center at Augusta University, where Johnson serves as co-director.

“Every child with cancer deserves the opportunity to grow up and live a full, healthy life,” Johnson said. “This support allows us to continue pursuing new approaches to treatment for children with some of the most difficult cancers to treat.”

Girl holds up hand showing paint on it while standing next to a male doctor in his white lab coat — Isabella Franco-Capps of Bogart, Georgia, is a childhood cancer survivor and a 2026 National Youth Ambassador for the Hyundai Hope on Wheels program. Isabella shared her story and her handprint with Theodore S. Johnson, MD, PhD, as part of a special check presentation at Wellstar Golisano Children’s Hospital of Georgia. [Michael Holahan/Augusta University]

Scholar Hope Grants are presented to clinical investigators who are involved in translational research and working directly with patients. The grant marks the fifth time Hyundai Hope On Wheels has supported Johnson’s work in pediatric cancer research, underscoring its significance.

More than 15,000 children are diagnosed with cancer each year in the United States, emphasizing the need for research into more targeted and safer treatments. Funding from organizations such as Hyundai Hope On Wheels helps researchers and physicians pursue new approaches that may one day give children with cancer more treatment options.

“Research is an important part of caring for children with cancer,” Johnson said. “Our goal is to take what we learn in the laboratory and translate it into better treatments for the children we care for.”

Primary funding for Hyundai Hope On Wheels comes from Hyundai Motor America and its more than 830 U.S. dealers. This year, Hyundai Hope On Wheels will surpass $303 million in lifetime giving to childhood cancer research since its founding in 1998.

Wellstar Golisano Children’s Hospital of Georgia provides comprehensive healthcare for children, from routine checkups to highly specialized treatment, including the highest level of neonatal and pediatric intensive care. The Children’s Hospital is part of the Wellstar Health System, a partner in healthcare delivery with Augusta University and the Medical College of Georgia.