This profile is part of a series to highlight the researchers and leaders who will be honored at a ceremony on Nov. 6 for UNMC’s annual research awards – the prestigious Scientist Laureate Award and the Research Leadership, Distinguished Scientist, New Investigator, Career Achievement and Community Service to Research Awards.
When Cindy Heider gets involved in her volunteer roles in the community, she likes to jump in with both feet.
As a community advisor for the Child Health Research Institute, Heider fully supports the institute’s work. She believes in the research, the investigators and the leadership behind the UNMC and Children’s Nebraska partnership, and the difference it can make in the health of children.
“When I see committed people doing impactful and relevant work,” she said, “it’s easy to jump on board.”
Heider, who serves as president of the Heider Family Foundation, got involved with CHRI as a founding member of the CHRI External Advisory Board. Having taken the deep dive into the role, she has earned the respect of CHRI leadership, as well.
Now, Heider will be honored by UNMC for her contributions – earning the Community Service to Research Award. As part of UNMC’s annual awards given to leading researchers, the Community Service to Research Award recognizes the critical contributions that community members play in support of the UNMC research enterprise.
Ann Anderson-Berry, MD, PhD, CHRI’s executive director, said Heider exemplifies the spirit of the award.
Dr. Anderson-Berry, in nominating her for the award, said Heider has been deeply engaged in shaping the direction of CHRI’s work from its very beginning. Dr. Anderson-Berry applauded Heider as “an indispensable ally in our work,” crediting her steadfast dedication, generous contributions as a philanthropist and authentic advocacy.
“She brings her full energy, insight and passion to every conversation, consistently championing the importance of child health research in Nebraska and beyond,” Anderson-Berry said. “Her belief in the power of science to improve children’s lives is unwavering, and she uses her voice and platform to advocate for this mission at every opportunity.”
Heider said she is humbled by the award, calling her selection beyond kind and thoughtful.
A community advocate for children, Heider formed a connection with Children’s Nebraska through her volunteer service, including as board chairman for the Children’s Nebraska Foundation and as a current member of the Children’s Nebraska Board.
With the creation of the UNMC and Children’s Nebraska collaboration in 2017, she was asked to serve on the Children’s Health Research Institute advisory board. Interested in expanding her support for children’s issues in the community, she did not hesitate at the invitation.
Now eight years into her involvement, Heider sees herself – or anyone in a similar position – as filling multiple roles as an external advisor.
Part of that is offering an outside ear as someone who isn’t hearing the same things that the physicians and researchers encounter. Offering a different perspective often initiates discussion and possibly a new way to address an issue, Heider said. She sees a place for her to communicate with the CHRI staff and help them hone their messages.
She also appreciates serving as an ambassador for the institute, sharing information outside the institute, when that’s appropriate, about the CHRI’s good work.
But most importantly, Heider said, she wants to help the researchers do their jobs better – by connecting them to resources, for instance, or facilitating connections that weren’t otherwise possible.
Heider also is a strong advocate for research – in CHRI’s case, for research to improve the health and the state of medical care for youth, including those overlooked or underserved.
She said the more she’s gotten involved with CHRI, the more interested and fascinated in the work she’s become. “Progress leads to more progress; it can become infectious.”
To the general public, medical research can appear to be a “black hole,” endless work without firm results, or maybe even seen as a poor use of resources, Heider said. But only through research – even research that doesn’t reach an expected conclusion – can society grow healthier through discoveries of new treatments or therapies, she said.
“You’re more likely to be a healthy adult if you were a healthy child,” she said, and “research helps make that happen.”
Heider also has become a strong supporter of Dr. Anderson-Berry and her goals for the Child Health Research Institute.
“I love the work they’re doing,” Heider said, “so I will continue to be their champion for the critical work that they do, to improve the health of every child.”