Tampa General Hospital Awarded Hyundai Hope On Wheels Grant For a Second Year

The Hyundai Hope On Wheels grant will help fund innovative research and programmatic needs for pediatric oncology patients within the hospital system.

Tampa, FL (July 25, 2024) – Tampa General Hospital (TGH) announced a combined $200,000 impact grant and regional grant from Hyundai Hope On Wheels to support the academic health system’s pediatric oncology program in the fight against childhood cancer. These grants were awarded today during a check presentation at TGH. The event was attended by system leadership, patients, physicians and community leaders including players, broadcasting and front office team members with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

The funds donated by Hyundai Hope On Wheels will provide the funding for a pediatric oncology clinical research coordinator within the Muma Children’s Hospital and TGH Cancer Institute. The role is pivotal in supporting the academic research efforts of the pediatric cancer teams by increasing patient enrollment, improving efficiency, training personnel and identifying new research opportunities.  

“On behalf of the Muma Children’s Hospital at TGH, I want to express my deepest gratitude to Hyundai Hope On Wheels for this grant, which will greatly support our abilities to increase the compassionate and innovative treatments that are so critical to care for our youngest cancer patients,” said Melissa Golombek, vice president, Muma Children’s Hospital at TGH and TGH Women’s Institute.    

“As a proud member of the Children’s Oncology Group, TGH Cancer Institute is committed to advancing the field forward for children and adolescent young adults (AYA),” said Dr. Victoria Rizk, medical oncologist and AYA director at the TGH Cancer Institute. “By dedicating these funds to our most vulnerable population, we will expand patient access to cutting-edge novel therapies and ultimately improve patient outcomes,” she said.

Immediately following today’s check presentation, pediatric cancer patients who have received treatment at the Muma Children’s Hospital at TGH dipped their hands in colorful paint and placed their handprints on a white Hyundai vehicle — the Hope On Wheels hero vehicle — to commemorate their brave battles with cancer.

“We are incredibly humbled and grateful to be recipients of the Hyundai Hope On Wheels grant,” said Frann M. Leppla, Tampa General Hospital Foundation’s senior vice president and chief philanthropy officer. “This support allows us to fund innovative initiatives that will make significant differences in the lives of our pediatric oncology patients.”