WASHINGTON (Yonhap) -- CJ George, a 13-year-boy from Florida, used to dream of becoming soldier, cop, and even "being in the White House."
His dream came to an end, he said, when he was diagnosed with a tumor around his spine at the age of 9.
"Being diagnosed with cancer is devastating and scary no matter how old you are," he said.
George's new dream to "survive cancer" took a dramatic turn when he met a South Korean firm -- Hyundai Motor.
"Soon I realized that I wasn't alone," he said.
His three-year battle against cancer was supported by Korea's largest automobile maker.
The company runs the "Hope on Wheels" program with participation by dealers across the U.S. to raise awareness of childhood cancer and finance the development of medicine and treatment.
Hyundai donated $12 million to the campaign in 2012 and plans to make financial contributions worth $57 million over the next 14 years.
"Now, cancer will find it hard to get rid of me," George said, adding he now lives a normal life -- playing sports and hanging out with friends.
He was speaking at a ceremony hosted by Child Cancer Caucus, a group of 96 congressional members, on Thursday as part of National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
Hyundai is an official partner for the bipartisan initiative on Capital Hill to fight pediatric cancer.
Members of the Child Cancer Caucus said their campaign has gained speed due to support from Hyundai.
The caucus was established in 2009 to provide help in medical research and treatments for kids with cancer.
Its members hoisted the U.S. national flag in front of the Hill in recognition of Hyundai's contributions. The group then presented the flag to Hyundai officials during the ceremony in the Rayburn House Office Building.
"We've made great progress in terms of fighting childhood cancer, but we still have long way to go," Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), co-chairman of the caucus, told Yonhap News Agency. "It is still a leading cause of death for children of the United States and so many around the world."
Rep. Mike Kelly (R-Pa.), a member of the caucus who was once a Hyundai car dealer, said, "Every child with cancer deserves the support and care that ensures they have a bright future."
He added, "Cancer doesn't know a party, doesn't know a country, doesn't matter about borders. And everything we do is shared around the world. This isn't just a United States initiative. This is a global initiative that helps children everywhere."
Hyundai officials said the firm's active participation in the U.S. lawmakers' efforts is significant in that it shows that Korean companies not only create jobs in the U.S. but also help children in need and care seriously for American families.
They also said it represents the enhanced stature and image of South Korea itself in the U.S.
"At Hyundai, our goal is for a child to never again have to hear the words, 'You have cancer,'" said John Krafcik, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor America.
Rep. Donald Manzullo, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific, attended the event with his wife, Freda, a cancer survivor known for her contribution to cancer awareness.