Child Cancer Survivor Takes Message of Support, Hope for Cure on the Road
In August 2010, Ashley Burnette was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma, a cancer that begins in immature nerve cells. She was 7.
"I went through many, many treatments," said Ashley of Raleigh, North Carolina. "It was just very hard for me and my family. … Now I am happy to say I am cancer free and I've been that for two years now."
Ashley said she has been on a daily medication, but should be finished this month.
These days, the 11-year-old spends her time speaking as a national youth ambassador for Hyundai Hope on Wheels, a nonprofit organization that raises money for childhood cancer awareness and seeks out advocates to share its message.
"I travel all across the country and spread awareness for cancer and I pretty much just meet kids and go to children's hospitals and make them feel comforted because, I mean, they are going through a lot right now," she said.
The group's 2014 goal is to award $13 million in pediatric cancer research grants. Car dealerships and Hyundai Motor America make a contribution to Hope On Wheels each time a new Hyundai is sold in the U.S.