The fight to end childhood cancer: Why pediatric cancer research is so important

Advances in cancer treatment have led to an encouraging statistic: 85% of children diagnosed with cancer now survive at least five years after their diagnosis. This progress is a direct result of years of dedicated pediatric cancer research. In fact, just a generation ago, in the 1970s, the five-year survival rate was only about 58%.

Still, more work needs to be done. In 2024, an estimated 14,910 children ages 0 to 19 were diagnosed with cancer, and 1,590 died from the disease. It's a startling number, regardless of how many were diagnosed. The survey found that 76% of U.S. adults believe funding should be increased, and 95% expressed interest in learning more ways to contribute to supporting those affected by pediatric cancer.

One of the leaders in pediatric cancer research is the nonprofit Hyundai Hope On Wheels. Over the past 27 years, the organization has donated $227 million and awarded 1,400 research and program grants to more than 175 medical institutions. This year, the nonprofit plans to donate $27 million and expand its efforts into Canada and Mexico.