Hyundai Brings Hope Back Into Holidays For Some
22 December 1997
Hyundai Brings Hope Back Into Holidays For SomeFOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Dec. 22 -- In conjunction with The Montel Williams Show Christmas Special, Hyundai Motor America is giving away two cars to two individuals in difficult circumstances. "It's the time of the year when people give, but not many receive. We wanted to give, then give again," says Bob Parker, senior vice president, HMA. "We felt compelled to help. It was the right thing to do after listening to the situations of these two brave individuals." In the past, only one car winner was picked, but this year, there were two individuals whose lives touched Hyundai. Steven's Story This past October, Steven, a 34-year-old former Marine from Long Island, NY, donated one of his kidneys to his younger sister Jennifer, 26, after she was diagnosed with renal failure. Four days after his recuperation from kidney retrieval, the doctors at the hospital detected a cancerous spot on Steven's sternum. Steven is currently undergoing treatment for his illness at the VA hospital in Long Island. He has no reliable transportation to take him to and from the hospital, and that is why Hyundai is giving him a 1998 Hyundai Elantra Wagon. The auto manufacturer hopes to give Steven the same things his sisters Amy and Jennifer wish to give him -_ love, care and hope. Christine's Story Christine, 28, is a divorced single mother living in Fall River, Mass., with her two children Justin, 10, and Jared, 3. This past September, Jared was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor that has spread to his spine. It was Christine's friend, Lisa, who wrote the show's producers asking for their help in delivering the best Christmas ever to little Jared. Lisa is also afraid this might be Jared's last holiday season with Christine and Justin. The show will be giving Jared all of his favorite toys based on television and movie characters. Since Christine is going through a divorce right now, her finances are tight. She has no car, and Jared has to be taken to the hospital for his radiation therapy sessions. After learning about Christine's situation, Hyundai will be giving her a 1998 Hyundai Accent. Hyundai Motor America, based in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company of Korea. Hyundai cars are distributed in the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through nearly 500 dealerships nationwide. SOURCE Hyundai Motor America