In the newest rounds of grants marking its 20^th anniversary, Hyundai Hope On Wheels 501(c)(3) celebrates National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month by awarding grants totaling $500,000 to Dr. Kelly Goldsmith and Dr. Waitman Aumann of Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. Dr. Goldsmith and Dr. Aumann are the recipients of the Hyundai Hope Scholar and Young Investigator awards, respectively. The awards will be officially presented to Dr. Goldsmith and Dr. Aumann at the Aflac Cancer Center on Thursday, September 20th at 10 a.m.

This September, 38 new doctor-researchers will receive a combined $14.1 million in grants to support novel therapeutic approaches and innovative research options in pediatric cancer. Childhood cancer researchers depend largely on private funding for groundbreaking therapies to get off the ground and to advance treatment approaches to the next phase of testing, ultimately, bringing better therapies and cures to kids with cancer.  With this latest award, Aflac Cancer Center has received more than $2.7 million in grants from Hope On Wheels, contributing to the organization's $145 million in total lifetime giving.

"Throughout the country, talented doctors are working tirelessly to help kids fight cancer by conducting research or providing bedside care," said Scott Fink, chairman, Hyundai Hope On Wheels Board of Directors. "Our goal at Hope On Wheels is to provide these doctors with the grant funds they need to perform their lifesaving work."

During the event, children being treated for cancer at the Aflac Cancer Center will participate in the program's signature Handprint Ceremony, where they will dip their hands in paint and place their handprints on the Hope Vehicle, a white 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe. As "Every Handprint Tells a Story," the colorful handprints of brave pediatric cancer fighters represent their individual and collective hopes, dreams and journeys.  From now through the end of September, the Hope Vehicle will travel nationwide to honor kids battling cancer, raise awareness of the disease, and to inspire hope toward a cure.