(SAVANNAH, Ga.) CURE Childhood Cancer, a leading non-profit dedicated to conquering childhood cancer through funding targeted research and supporting local patients and their families, has awarded a record-breaking $5.6 million investment in research grants for its 2024-2025 fiscal year.

The grants have been awarded to top scientists at leading pediatric cancer research institutions across the nation and represent CURE’s highest disbursement in a single grant cycle. This brings CURE’s total investment in research over the last 18 years to more than $50 million. CURE is awarding two-year grants in both its Early Investigators and Translation to CURE Award groupings.

“We are so pleased and proud that CURE is providing an outstanding level of support to very promising research this year,” said Kristin Connor, CEO of CURE Childhood Cancer. “We are funding two-year grants so researchers can focus on finding cures rather than finding funding. All of the grants aim to make better-tolerated and less-toxic therapies, with a special emphasis on relapsed and refractory disease where current treatments are quite noxious and often not very effective for children.”

This year, CURE is also proud to acknowledge the crucial role of donors like Hyundai Hope On Wheels®, which donated $45,000 toward CURE Childhood Cancer’s South Georgia Family Emergency Assistance.

“By partnering with CURE Childhood Cancer, the organization is helping to provide vital support to families in Georgia facing immediate needs due to their child’s cancer diagnosis, such as housing, transportation, and medical expenses not covered by insurance,” said John Guastaferro, Executive Director of Hyundai Hope On Wheels Foundation. “This is right in line with our commitment to making a tangible impact on the lives of children battling cancer.”

“This incredibly generous donation is our largest grant in the South Georgia area to date,” said Mandy Garola, Vice President of CURE Childhood Cancer in South Georgia. “Hyundai Hope On Wheels’ support is a prime example of how generous donors like them enable us to provide crucial support to our families while also funding groundbreaking research.”

CURE’s funding decisions are guided by its Peer Review Committee, a group of practicing oncologists and academic scientists who conduct a rigorous review of more than 50 proposals to assess both scientific merit and alignment with CURE’s goals. Of those proposals, CURE selected 11 studies to fund, most of which offer hope of testing more effective treatments for childhood cancers with poor prognosis within 2-3 years.

“Using their collective expertise in research and the clinical care of children with cancer, the committee selected the most innovative investigators and beneficial research projects through a national competition submitted in March 2024,” said William C. Phelps, PhD, leader of CURE’s Peer Review Committee. “Independent, comprehensive, and confidential peer review ensures that CURE’s investments in research are focused on those projects most likely to significantly improve outcomes for children with cancer.”

ABOUT CURE CHILDHOOD CANCER
Founded in 1975, CURE Childhood Cancer is dedicated to conquering childhood cancer through funding targeted research while supporting patients and their families. With cancer as the second leading cause of death in children, CURE has dedicated more than $38MM to specific research projects aimed at curing cancers that affect children. CURE is headquartered in Atlanta and has an active staff operating throughout the greater Savannah area. It is the only organization funding pediatric cancer research and providing this level of financial and emotional support to local children and families across Georgia and parts of South Carolina. For more information, visit www.curechildhoodcancer.org.

ABOUT HYUNDAI HOPE ON WHEELS
Hyundai Hope On Wheels® is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is committed to finding a cure for childhood cancer. Launched in 1998, Hyundai Hope On Wheels provides grants to eligible institutions nationwide that are pursuing critical research aimed at improving treatments and saving lives. Hyundai Hope On Wheels is one of the largest nonprofit funders of pediatric cancer research in the country. Primary funding for Hyundai Hope On Wheels comes from Hyundai Motor America and its more than 830 U.S. dealers. In 2024, Hyundai Hope On Wheels will surpass a lifetime total donation of $250 million in support of more than 1,300 childhood cancer research grants to over 175 hospitals and research institutions. For more information, visit HyundaiHopeonWheels.org.

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