Riley Children’s Foundation receives $300,000 grant for pediatric cancer research from Hyundai Hope on Wheels

Riley Children's Foundation receives $300,000 grant for pediatric cancer research from Hyundai Hope on Wheels

Riley Children’s Foundation recently received a Young Investigator Grant for $300,000 from Hyundai Hope on Wheels® to support the research of Riley Children’s Health pediatric oncologist and the grant’s principal investigator, Dr. Steven Rhodes, MD, PhD.

Dr. Rhodes’ clinical practice and research focus on a rare and aggressive cancer that grows along the nerves in children and young adults with neurofibromatosis (NF), a rare genetic condition that causes tumors to develop along the nerves. Dr. Rhodes and his team identified a factor called SOX11 that shields cancer cells, preventing the immune system from recognizing and destroying them. With Hyundai Hope on Wheels support, Dr. Rhodes and his team will study how to dismantle the shield and unlock new opportunities to treat these aggressive cancers.

“We’re committed to turning these laboratory discoveries into real-world advances that will improve quality of life and give children and families many more healthy years together,” said Dr. Rhodes. “I am deeply grateful to Hyundai Hope on Wheels for this opportunity and its commitment to innovative pediatric cancer research.”

Advancing research for every child like Ty Ralstin

Ty was diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukemia with mutations when he was 8 years old, needing Dr. Rhodes and his team’s expertise at Riley. His treatment included total body radiation, immunotherapy and a bone marrow transplant. Today, he’s a high school senior, honors student and varsity tennis athlete at Mt. Vernon High School. He is wanting to study business in college to continue making a difference in advancing cancer research.

“Because of Dr. Rhodes and the team who worked together studying new ways to keep me alive, I’m standing here today,” said Ty. “Now that I’m older, I understand the care and treatment I received didn’t happen by accident. It happened because of researchers like Dr. Rhodes who dedicated their careers to finding better treatment for kids who are in the same position as me.”

This year, Hyundai Hope on Wheels is surpassing $303 million in lifetime giving to support childhood cancer research since its founding in 1998. The grant was officially presented on Sept. 19 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway during a Hyundai Hope on Wheels Handprint Ceremony, the nonprofit’s signature event. Riley children impacted by cancer placed their painted handprints on Dr. Rhodes’ lab coat and a special canvas, symbolizing their fight against the disease and hope for a cure.

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 855 U.S. dealers. In 2026, Hyundai Hope on Wheels will reach a lifetime donation total of $303 million in support of more than 1,500 childhood cancer research grants to over 175 hospitals and research institutions.