Melodies Center Receives $100,000 Grant from Hyundai Hope on Wheels

The Melodies Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders at the Bernard and Millie Duker Children’s Hospital at Albany Medical Center received a $100,000 grant from Hyundai Hope on Wheels.

The grant benefits the Melodies Center's Survivorship Program, which provides pediatric cancer patients and family members with social and emotional support when the child finishes treatment. The Survivorship Program includes school re-entry guidance, emotional support for patients and family members, research on advanced treatments, and more.

Kate Halligan, MD, PhD, chief of the Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology and director of the Melodies Center, and Jessica Geaney, MD, who leads the Survivorship Program, accepted the grant and spoke about the impact of Hyundai’s grant and ongoing support.

“As the region’s only pediatric cancer and blood disorder treatment center, we are committed to providing high-quality care when families turn to us in their most vulnerable moments,” said Dr. Halligan. “We are incredibly grateful for Hyundai Hope on Wheels’ ongoing support, which helps us provide the best possible care for children and families, close to home.”

Following the check presentation, Melodies Center patients painted their hands and pressed their handprints on a Hyundai vehicle to commemorate the event and their brave battles with cancer. The Melodies Center treats more than 1,500 children each year with cancer and blood disorders.

Since 1998, Hyundai Hope on Wheels has been committed to supporting critical research efforts aimed at improving treatments and advancing progress toward a cure for childhood cancers. Since 2009, the Melodies Center has received $950,000 from Hyundai Hope on Wheels.

“Advancing pediatric cancer research requires bold science and sustained commitment,” said John Guastaferro, executive director of Hyundai Hope on Wheels. “We are deeply grateful to the Melodies Center and its doctors and researchers whose dedication drives progress to the children and families who need it most.”