Hyundai Hope on Wheels grant to advance research on long-term mental and cognitive health of pediatric cancer survivors
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.
The post Hyundai Hope on Wheels grant to advance research on long-term mental and cognitive health of pediatric cancer survivors appeared first on VUMC News.