Share this story

Cancer researcher receives $100,000 Hyundai Hope Grant

Hyundai_Hope_on_Wheels_check 
At a ceremony presenting a $100,000 Hope Grant to the Department of Pediatrics: From left, Marianne E. Felice, MD; Bob Pascarelli of Herb Chambers, Auburn; Peter Newburger, MD; Michael DiPlacido, of Route 2 Hyundai, Leominster; Peter DiPersia, general manager, Hyundai Motor America; and Dilvo DiPlacido of Route 2 Hyundai, Leominster.

Hyundai Hope on Wheels and Boston Area Hyundai Dealers recently awarded a $100,000 Hope Grant to Peter Newburger, MD,the Ali and John Pierce Chair in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and professor of pediatrics, cancer biology and microbiology & physiological systems, to support his research on chromosome silencing in leukemia in Down syndrome. Dr. Newburger is one of 71 recipients of Hyundai Hope on Wheels’ 2011 Hope Grant program, which awarded $7.1 million to support research and programs in honor of National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September.

“We at Hyundai are thrilled to honor National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month by donating Hope Grants to institutions that are creating new possibilities to support and help cure childhood cancer,” said John Krafcik, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor America. “Hyundai and our dealers will continue to support these doctors and institutions and bring attention to the disease that affects so many young people.”

The $100,000 grant was officially presented during a ceremony in the Lazare Research Building, where Worcester-area children battling cancer placed their handprints in colorful paint on a canvas to represent each child’s personal triumph.

“This grant will help our physicians and researchers get closer to a cure for childhood cancer,” said Marianne E. Felice, MD, chair and professor of pediatrics and obstetrics & gynecology. “We are proud to be a recipient of Hyundai's generosity.”