Dalton Hyundai Supports Hyundai Hope On Wheels at Rady Children’s Hospital

Summary

• Dalton Hyundai National City works with Hyundai Hope on Wheels (HHOW) to help fund pediatric cancer research at Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego, CA. CEO Juan Carlos recently participated in presenting a research grant to the Peckham Center for Cancer & Blood Disorders.
• The visit featured the signature Hyundai Hope on Wheels Handprint Ceremony, where young patients placed painted handprints on a Hyundai vehicle.
• If you want a Hyundai purchase to mean something more in San Diego, CA, visit Dalton Hyundai National City. Every new vehicle sold here helps fund this kind of cause.

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Buying a vehicle is usually about price, features, and reliability, but at Dalton Hyundai National City, it is also about the “Dalton Difference.” We believe in creating a warm, welcoming environment and a life project that balances family, work, and community support. Through Hyundai Hope On Wheels, we directly support pediatric research and awareness at Rady Children’s Hospital, giving San Diego buyers a powerful reason to feel good about their purchase.

Curious about how Dalton Hyundai’s impact extends beyond the showroom? Here is how the program works and why it matters in 2026.

The Role of Hyundai Hope on Wheels and Dalton Hyundai’s Local Impact

Hyundai Hope On Wheels is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to finding a cure for childhood cancer through research and public awareness. Dalton Hyundai National City is a proud participant in this mission. This year, Juan Carlos (Dalton Motors CEO) helped present a grant to the Peckham Center for Cancer & Blood Disorders to support families throughout San Diego. 

The program began in 1998 when a group of New England dealers started a local initiative to support pediatric cancer. Today, Hyundai Motor America and over 830 dealers nationwide contribute a portion of every new vehicle sale to the cause. As of 2026, HHOW supports more than 1,500 research grants at over 175 hospitals and research institutions.

Dalton Hyundai’s Direct Involvement in Awarding Research Grants

Giving back is a core pillar of our dealership. This year, our CEO joined the San Diego Hyundai Dealer Association and the team at Rady Children’s Hospital to present a grant that advances the study of pediatric cancer and blood disorders.

These highly competitive grants go to Children’s Oncology Group (COG) member institutions after a rigorous peer-review process. In 2026, the program funds research through five distinct grant types:

• Hyundai Quantum Grant: A four-year award for advanced research into high-risk cancers with low survival rates.
• Hyundai Scholar Hope Grant: A two-year award for researchers involved in translational research working directly with patients.
• Hyundai Young Investigator Grant: A two-year award for principal investigators studying the biology of childhood cancer.
• Hyundai Bridge2K Grant: A one-year award providing seed funding for promising research applications.
• Hyundai Impact Grant: An annual award for innovative research or programmatic support for oncology departments and patient assistance.

By purchasing a new vehicle from Dalton Hyundai, you contribute a certain amount toward these vital grants, helping drive us toward a future free of childhood cancer.

Honoring Courage Through the Hyundai Hope on Wheels Handprint Ceremony

One of the most memorable parts of the visit to the Peckham Center for Cancer & Blood Disorders was the Handprint Ceremony. This HHOW tradition turns a Hyundai vehicle into a “rolling tribute” to courage as young patients at Rady Children’s Hospital leave their painted handprints on its surface.

Because “there is nothing more personal than a handprint,” each one represents a specific victory: finishing a round of chemotherapy, celebrating the regrowth of hair, or receiving a clean bill of health. These vehicles then travel across the country, transforming a simple gesture into a powerful symbol of awareness that stays visible long after the ceremony ends.

How Does a New Hyundai Contribute to the Brand’s Philanthropic Efforts?

Every new Hyundai vehicle purchased results in a donation to Hyundai Hope on Wheels. This collective effort between Hyundai Motor America andits 830+dealers, including Dalton Hyundai. These funds generate support for highly competitive grants for Children’s Oncology Group (COG) member institutions.

By choosing a new vehicle for your San Diego commute, your purchase helps fund everything from Young Investigator Grants for early-career researchers to Quantum Grants for high-risk pediatric cancers.

San Diego Drivers Can Help Continue the Fight Against Childhood Cancer

Beyond buying a new Hyundai, San Diego drivers can amplify the “Dalton Difference” by staying engaged with the community. You can follow @HyundaiHopeonWheels and @HyundaiDaltonUS on social media to track the progress of local research and upcoming events. Spreading awareness about the Peckham Center’s work ensures that the momentum for pediatric cancer research continues to build throughout San Diego County.

Buying a New Hyundai from Dalton Hyundai National City Is More Than Just a Purchase

Dalton Hyundai National City views community involvement as a core pillar of our “life project,” which balances family, work, and giving back. When CEO Juan Carlos joined the San Diego Hyundai Dealers to present the most recent grant to Rady Children’s Hospital, it reinforced a 28-year national commitment to ending childhood cancer.

Every new Hyundai sold in San Diego is more than just a transaction. It is a direct contribution to the researchers at Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders who are working to ensure every child has the chance to grow, play, and learn in a cancer-free world.

Stop by Dalton Hyundai in San Diego, CA, today to not only explore your new and certified used vehicle options, but also support a dealership that has a passion to give back.

Where Can You Test Drive a Hyundai That Gives Back in San Diego, CA?

You can test-drive a new Hyundai that directly supports life-saving childhood cancer research at Dalton Hyundai National City. We proudly serve San Diego and nearby communities, including Chula Vista, El Cajon, and Kearny Mesa. Since every new vehicle sold here contributes to Hyundai Hope on Wheels, shopping at Dalton Hyundai means your next car does a little good beyond getting you from point A to point B. 

Schedule your 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 test drive online to start your Dalton Hyundai experience. Our dedicated Finance team is ready to sit down with you to create a transparent payment plan that aligns with your financial goals. Our certified service center keeps your vehicle running well if you already own a Hyundai. 

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