Intermountain Foundation at Primary Children’s Hospital received a $1 million grant from Hyundai Hope on Wheels, a not-for-profit organization that is committed to finding a cure for childhood cancer.
The gift will allow Dr. Joshua Schiffman and his team to explore whether the TP53 gene may provide a novel treatment option for osteosarcoma, the most commonly diagnosed bone tumor in children and adolescents. Dr. Schiffman and his team discovered that elephants have 20 copies of this tumor-fighting gene, which may help explain why elephants have the ability to avoid cancer.
Representatives from Hyundai and Intermountain Healthcare joined cancer patients, cancer survivors, and caregivers at Primary Children’s Hospital, along with members of the community to celebrate the generous gift.
Patients battling cancer at Primary Children’s Hospital participated in the program’s signature Handprint Ceremony by dipping their hands in different colors of paint and placing their handprint on a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe. The handprints serve as a representation of their individual and collective journeys, hopes, and dreams.
Primary Children's Hospital CEO Katy Welkie told the gathered crowd, “The work we do to save lives, find cures, and bring hope is what keeps me motivated and driven in my work. I’m honored to share this day with our generous donors from Hyundai Hope on Wheels, and Dr. Josh Schiffman, a physician, researcher, and colleague. I admire and respect for the work he’s doing to cure cancer.”
President and CEO of Hyundai Motor America Kenny Lee said, “We want to help provide more support to help save children’s lives. We know that finding cures for pediatric cancer is a difficult task. But we are confident through the dedication and determination of doctor-researchers, such as those here at Primary Children’s, we can find a cure.”
About Intermountain Foundation
Intermountain Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that supports Intermountain Healthcare’s not-for-profit system comprised of 22 hospitals, including Primary Children’s Hospital, as well as 180 clinics, and 39,000 dedicated employees. Helping People Live the Healthiest Lives Possible®, Intermountain Healthcare is widely recognized as a leader in transforming healthcare through high quality and sustainable costs. For more information visit Intermountain Foundation's website at intermountainfoundation.org.