The Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Institute at MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach received a $100,000 impact grant from Hyundai Hope on Wheels, Hyundai Motor America’s nonprofit organization, in recognition of Childhood Cancer and Sickle Cell Awareness Month.
The funding will support research and care programs for children battling cancer and sickle cell disease, including the hospital’s Executive Function Program. This initiative helps patients manage cognitive challenges that can result from treatment, such as inattention, slowed processing speed and difficulties with self-regulation. Through psychologists, social workers and Child Life specialists, the program equips children with skills in self-care, medical management, social interaction, home living and school participation.
“This program is especially important as it addresses cognitive challenges resulting from cancer treatment,” said Dr. Jacqueline Casillas, medical director of the Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Institute, who accepted the grant. “This support will enhance our ability to help children whose treatment impacts the brain’s ability to control thoughts, emotions and behavior.”
Currently, there are no school-based or affordable private programs in the region providing comprehensive executive function training, and most insurance companies do not cover such services. The institute’s program fills that gap, ensuring children not only survive but thrive after treatment.
To mark the grant celebration, patients placed painted handprints on a new Hyundai vehicle, symbolizing hope and resilience. The car will travel nationwide, carrying their stories.
“This was a really creative and fun experience,” said Atticus Maldonado, a 17-year-old patient with rhabdomyosarcoma. “Getting to paint our hands and stamp them on the car was meaningful.”
This marks the second consecutive year Hyundai Hope on Wheels has awarded the institute a $100,000 grant. “We are deeply grateful for our enduring partnership and Hyundai’s continued support,” said Yair Katz, chief executive of Miller Children’s & Women’s.
The Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Institute is one of only 10 children’s hospitals in the nation fully accredited by the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons.