Peals of laughter echo through the hospital halls, as Lauren clutches a ‘steering wheel’ and playfully drives her bed down the corridor. Paediatric Aide Mark is in tow, powering the ‘engine’ and turning a daunting lumbar puncture into a moment of joy, courage and silliness at Children’s Hospital, London Health Sciences Centre.
That special memory, a beacon of light during her journey with leukemia, made today’s surprise all the more meaningful. Live on Breakfast Television, Lauren and her family were presented a brand-new Hyundai Palisade – symbolizing hope, strength, and the road ahead.
“This is so unexpected and so incredible! After everything we’ve been through, this is surreal,” said Lauren’s mom, Liz.
Steve Flamand, President and CEO of Hyundai Auto Canada, announced the exciting gift from Hyundai Canada, and their charitable arm Hyundai Hope on Wheels, which aims to advance care for paediatric cancer patients and survivors. Lauren and her family had recently been featured in their national campaign commercial, connected to their role as a Children’s Health Foundation Hero Ambassador and 2025 Children’s Miracle Network Champion Child.
“It is our mission to support not only research in the paediatric oncology space, but also to support families as they go through their paediatric oncology journey,” said Flamand. “It is so special to have been able to work with this family. Thank you for being a part of our commercial and it’s my pleasure to gift you the Hyundai Palisade that you drove in the commercial!”
The auto manufacturer’s support for the family follows an impactful gift to Children’s Health Foundation. In September, during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Hyundai Hope on Wheels donated $100,000 to support paediatric oncology care at Children’s Hospital. Finch Hyundai added another $40,000 and Chatham Hyundai made an additional donation as well.
Lauren was just four years old when she was diagnosed with leukemia at Children’s Hospital. Overnight, her carefree days on the jungle gym were replaced with treatments, IVs, needle pokes, and rounds of chemotherapy. After two years of active treatment, Lauren finally rang the gong, a celebration to mark being cancer-free.
Now 11, she dreams of becoming a veterinarian and performing in a musical. Her appearance in the Hyundai Hope on Wheels commercial gave her a thrilling first glimpse into the world of acting.
“It was amazing to be in a national commercial, and it was really fun to be in the commercial with my family!” said Lauren.
“We are deeply grateful to Hyundai Canada and Hyundai Hope on Wheels for this extraordinary gift,” added her dad, Rick. “We also wish to thank them for their ongoing support of Children’s Health Foundation, a cause that remains very close to our hearts.”
