Child Cancer Survivor Takes Message of Support, Hope for Cure on the Road

ABC News

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.

"Childhood cancer affects not only the patients. It affects families, friends, doctors, nurses. It affects everybody and that's really why we need to find a cure. … That's why I'm so supportive of this organization," Ashley said. "I just want to try to find a cure someday. I hope that day will be soon."