Kaille Meguiar, DO, MPH, an oncologist in the Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, has been awarded a $100,000 Hyundai Hope on Wheels Impact Award to research the psychosocial and neurocognitive outcomes of survivors of pediatric, adolescent and young adult cancers.

Hyundai Hope on Wheels, which includes funding from Hyundai Motor America and local dealerships, has awarded more than $2 million in funding to pediatric cancer researchers at Monroe Carell since 2007.

Every year, more than 15,000 children are diagnosed with cancer. Thanks to advancements in treatments, approximately 85% of these children now survive five years or longer. However, there is an increasing need to address the long-term challenges survivors face beyond physical health, including higher rates of anxiety and depression; impaired task efficiency and memory; and long-term problems with attention and executive functions.

With the latest grant award to Monroe Carell, Meguiar’s work will focus on understanding how cancer and its treatment impact survivors’ mental and cognitive well-being, as well as how to better support them and their caregivers.

After completing her DO degree and internal medicine and pediatric residencies at Corewell Health/Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, Meguiar joined Monroe Carell as a Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology fellow. During her fellowship, she developed a research project to identify the risk factors for negative psychosocial outcomes in childhood cancer survivors. Her work earned a National Institutes of Health training grant. With the support of the Hyundai Impact Award, she will expand her research by creating a cohort to study neurocognitive outcomes and develop interventions to improve survivors’ quality of life.

“I am honored to receive this award, which will allow me to continue my work focused on improving the lives of childhood cancer survivors and their families,” said Meguiar, who joined the Vanderbilt faculty in July 2025. “I look forward to advancing our understanding of these challenges and finding ways to make a meaningful difference. Thank you to Hyundai and the local dealerships for supporting this important work to enhance the comprehensive long-term care for childhood cancer survivors.”

Representatives from Hyundai and local dealerships presented a check and an honorary lab coat to Meguiar during a special celebration at Monroe Carell. The event also included patient Greta Ford, 4, and her dad, Adam, and mom, Rachel Modhal, who shared their daughter’s cancer journey with leukemia and described Meguiar as their “rock” through it all.

The event was followed by a “handprint” ceremony where cancer patients dipped their hands in paint and put their handprints on a white Hyundai Palisade, with each handprint representing their personal stories of hope and courage.

“This is about the families who inspire us every day — and the scientific pioneers, like those here today, who are leading innovative and lifesaving research,” said Scott Harrison, senior sales manager for Hyundai Motor America Southern region. “Their breakthroughs are pushing the boundaries of medicine and providing kids with treatments that were unthinkable five or 10 years ago. Because of this, more children are surviving this disease. More kids can play sports, make friends, graduate from high school, build a life for themselves and find their place in the world. More kids have a second chance at life. This is the beating heart of everything we do.”

In celebration of Hope on Wheels’ 27th anniversary, Hyundai will award $27 million in grants to institutions across the country, including Monroe Carell. HHOW has donated more than $277 million in grants since its inception in 1998.

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When 4-year-old Monroe Peterson was diagnosed with cancer, her family was determined to not only rally around her in support but also wanted to make a difference for other patients and families going through a similar experience.

To honor her journey, in November 2024 Monroe’s father, fitness expert and celebrity trainer Gunnar Peterson, started the MVP Challenge on his app, Common Ground, to raise awareness and funds for pediatric cancer efforts at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.

The MVP Challenge, named for Monroe Vivian Peterson, included four weeks of guided workouts, question and answer sessions with Gunnar, and an opportunity to win special prizes. The fitness challenge raised funds to support pediatric cancer research, training and care at Monroe Carell.

“For months, Monroe has faced this battle with more grit, determination and positivity than I’ve ever seen,” said Peterson. “She hasn’t backed down; she doesn’t quit; and she moves forward with a smile on her face every day. To honor her strength, we launched the MVP Challenge as a way to come together as a community, push ourselves and raise funds to support children’s cancer treatment and research.”

Monroe was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia and completed two rounds of chemotherapy. She received two bone marrow transplants, one from each of her older brothers, and she is now in remission.

During her treatment, Monroe’s family says that she brought positivity, joy and levity to those around her and earned the nickname MVP. Many family members, friends and community members came together in support of the challenge to make it a success.

“We are blown away by the incredible success of the MVP Challenge and know that it would not have been possible without the advocacy, outreach and community engagement work of Gunnar, Jess and the whole Peterson family,” said Debra Friedman, MD, MS, director of the Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology at Monroe Carell, deputy director of Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, and holder of the E. Bronson Ingram Chair in Pediatric Oncology. “This challenge was a wonderful way to honor Monroe’s journey and tenacious spirit.”

Funds raised from the MVP Challenge will support Monroe Carell’s vision to advance personalized pediatric, adolescent and young adult cancer care in the region, specifically leukemia and stem cell research.

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