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The Hope on Wheels Santa Fe Story
The iconic white vehicle with colorful children’s handprints has been an important symbol of the Hope on Wheels program since its inception. Both Hyundai’s Tucson and Santa Fe crossover vehicles have been used in past years as the official Hope on Wheels vehicle. These vehicles tour the country taking part in the program’s ceremonial donation events at each research institution receiving funds. At these events, children battling cancer dip their hands in colorful ink and then press their palms onto the white Hyundai vehicle, leaving a symbolic image of both their struggle and spirit to fight the illness.
Originally conceived as a single vehicle to connect all of those fighting pediatric cancer, the Hope on Wheels fleet now boasts six hand-printed Santa Fes. With six vehicles stationed across the county, Hyundai and its dealers can conduct more Tour events and donate even more money to the cause. At the end of the 2007 tour, all six vehicles were donated to pediatric cancer research institutions. In past years, these vehicles have been used to transport patients, or auctioned to raise even more funds.
There are 88 handprints on each Hope on Wheels Santa Fe, each representing a real-life pediatric cancer patient. At the completion of the 2008 Tour, the hand print database was updated with those we met along the way. Each is a representation of a real life, a real struggle and a real hope for a cure. Click here to read their stories.
In addition to Hyundai’s fleet of six official Hope on Wheels vehicles, dealers are encouraged to take an active role in supporting the cause. Many dealers have service vehicles or showroom models featuring the Hope on Wheels handprint to raise awareness for our fight.
