The Bayless Children’s Cancer Institute at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital is home to the largest pediatric cancer program in Tampa, providing children and families with access to leading oncology specialists, advanced treatments and the region’s most extensive clinical trial opportunities close to home.
To help further its mission, Hyundai Hope on Wheels executives presented St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital and Dr. Eslin with a $100,000 grant on July 14, 2026, recognizing the hospital’s commitment to providing exceptional care for children with cancer. Suncoast-area Hyundai dealers matched the award with an additional $100,000 donation.
The funds will support vital psychosocial services provided by the hospital’s oncology social workers throughout a patient’s cancer journey, including supportive counseling and resource coordination. Funding also will help add a pediatric neuropsychologist to the care team to evaluate how childhood cancer and its treatment impacts the brain, behavior and academic performance.
“A childhood cancer diagnosis affects the entire family,” said Dr. Don Eslin, BayCare Medical Group oncologist and hematologist and medical director of St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital’s Hematology-Oncology program. “Along with emotional stress, families often face financial hardship, travel demands and many other challenges while navigating treatment and survivorship. As the number of pediatric oncology patients we treat increases each year, so does the need for support that extends well beyond treatment.”
Immediately following the check presentation, pediatric cancer patients who have received treatment at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital dipped their hands in colorful paint and placed their handprints on a white 2026 Hyundai Palisade to honor their courage and resilience throughout their cancer journeys.
This year’s grant reflects the enduring partnership between Hyundai Hope on Wheels, local Hyundai dealers, the St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital Foundation and St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital — and their shared commitment to bringing help and hope to children and families facing pediatric cancer.
“Thanks to the continued generosity of Hyundai Hope on Wheels, we are able to strengthen the support services that help our patients and families feel cared for throughout every step of their journey,” Dr. Eslin said.
Learn more about pediatric cancer services offered by BayCare and St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital:
BayCare Pediatric Cancer Services
