Toretsky Named Inaugural Hyundai Hope on Wheels Endowed Chair in Pediatric Oncology

Posted in Lombardi Stories  |  Tagged faculty honors, Hyundai Hope On Wheels, philanthropy

(September 7, 2025) — In honor of his dedication to pediatric cancer research, Jeffrey A. Toretsky, MD, professor of oncology at Georgetown University School of Medicine, was formally named the inaugural holder of the Hyundai Hope on Wheels Endowed Chair in Pediatric Oncology during an investiture celebration at Riggs Library.

The endowed chair was established with a $3 million grant from Hyundai Hope on Wheels, a nonprofit organization dedicated to pediatric cancer research supported by Hyundai Motor America, its 850 dealers, and their customers.

“Georgetown has been such an integral part of our progress for nearly 20 years: funding pediatric cancer research grants at Georgetown, and also awarding our inaugural $3 million endowment gift last year,” said John Guastaferro, executive director of Hyundai Hope on Wheels. “We are proud to support your ongoing research and our shared commitment to ending childhood cancer.”

Hyundai Hope on Wheels has donated $277 million for pediatric cancer research since its founding in 1998. In his role as vice chair of the Hyundai Hope on Wheels board of directors, Kevin Reilly (B’91, P’26, P’27), owner and president of Alexandria Hyundai, carries on the legacy of his father, Don, the organization’s co-founder.

“We wouldn’t be here tonight if he hadn’t taken that action,” Reilly said. “I think about it, that one action 27 years ago has spawned $277 million in pediatric cancer research. So little things can become quite big.”

“I am grateful for my father’s vision and determination in co-founding Hyundai Hope on Wheels in 1998,” Reilly said. “It is the honor of a lifetime to continue his work, grow the reach of our charity, and support such wonderful research institutions like Georgetown University Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center.”

Reflecting on his experience at Georgetown University, Reilly emphasized “as a graduate of Georgetown University, I firmly believe in the Jesuit principle that ‘we are people in service of others.’ I am thankful this Endowed Chair will be in service of others for generations to come.”

“We are in a difficult moment in history, but progress is undeniable and it has to happen,” said Louis M. Weiner, MD, director of Georgetown’s Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. “And it’s happening through the efforts of Hyundai, through the work of the people in this room.”

Supporting Pediatric Cancer Research ‘For the Long Run’

While most academics receive two promotions in their careers, going from assistant professor to associate professor and then associate professor to full professor, an endowed chair is a special honor for a faculty member that reflects the value of their work to the university, explained Robert M. Groves, PhD, interim president of Georgetown University.

“An endowed chair is a message both to the person who receives it, but also to the entire environment, that this is an area of great importance for this institution, and we honor those who exceed all expectations in their productivity as an academic,” Groves said. “This gift to us will strengthen pediatric cancer research on this campus and send a signal that we’re in it for the long run, and that it is an important aspect of what Georgetown does.”

“We gather in particular celebration to recognize our inaugural chairholder, Dr. Jeffrey Toretsky, who is here,” Groves added. “We thank you for your deep dedication for research, service and engagement, both to your own work and your research program, but also to the next generation of scholars that we need desperately to continue the work.”

Inspiring the Next Generation of Researchers

Toretsky, chief of the division of pediatric, adolescent and young adult hematology and oncology at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and member of the Cancer Cell Biology Program at Georgetown Lombardi, came to Georgetown in 2002. His research focuses on identifying therapies for Ewing sarcoma, a rare pediatric cancer that forms in bone or soft tissue.

“Jeff once said, ‘Each child I see reminds me that discovery in the lab is not an abstract pursuit, it’s a promise I make to families that I will never stop, and we will never stop searching for cures,’” said Norman J. Beauchamp Jr., MD, MHS, executive vice president for health sciences and executive dean of the School of Medicine. “And I think that is such a very powerful message.

“Dr. Toretsky’s work, his heart, his vision embody the very reason Hyundai Hope on Wheels exists,” Beauchamp added. “And we’re so thankful, with this endowed chair, Dr. Toretsky will advance new therapies and inspire generations of researchers and physicians who will carry the mission forward.”

Mentors played a critical role in Toretsky’s career as an undergraduate, medical student, pediatrics resident, pediatric oncology fellow and early career physician/scientist.

“When I’m asked by faculty candidates what sets Georgetown apart from other institutions, why should they continue their career here, I tell them about the mentorship I received from people like Anton [Wellstein] and Bob [Dixon],” he said. “Now I’m grateful for the opportunity to be a mentor myself. Aykut Üren, Joanna Kitlinska, Rebecca Riggins, Chunling Yi, Cecil Han and Sreejith Nair, I now find more joy in your successes than my own. Thank you for that.”

Kat Zambon
GUMC Communications

Scenes from the 2025 Hyundai Hope on Wheels Handprint Ceremony

Earlier in the day, Hyundai Hope on Wheels hosted its annual Handprint Ceremony at Georgetown Lombardi.

During the ceremony, Jeffrey Toretsky and fellow Lombardi member Gary Kupfer, MD, received grants in support of their research. Then select participants were invited to place painted handprints on a Hyundai vehicle, symbolizing unity in the fight against pediatric cancer.

This year, Hyundai Hope on Wheels will host nearly 70 ceremonies nationwide throughout National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.