Gary Peters has spent more than a decade as one of Nebraska’s most persistent voices for pediatric cancer research, regularly testifying before the Legislature’s Appropriations and Health and Human Services committees on behalf of UNMC’s Pediatric Cancer Research Group (PCRG), part of the Child Health Research Institute (CHRI).
Peters, of Aurora, will receive UNMC’s 2026 Community Service to Research Award at the Distinguished Scientist Award Ceremony on Oct. 29. The honor recognizes a community member whose contributions have significantly advanced UNMC’s research mission.
For Peters, the advocacy comes down to a simple math problem: pediatric cancer research receives only about 4% of federal cancer research funding, leaving state support as one of the few lifelines available. “We have to take care of our own,” he said, pointing to Nebraska’s high incidence rate of pediatric cancer.
Don Coulter, MD, Edna Ittner Chair of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and the director of PCRG, nominated Peters alongside Ann Anderson-Berry, MD, PhD, executive director of CHRI. Dr. Coulter described Peters as “constantly available” to the research enterprise, sharing testimony and maintaining contact with legislators and policymakers year-round.
Dr. Anderson-Berry, who has known the Peters family for seven years through her leadership role at CHRI, praised his willingness to show up “at a moment’s notice” for any audience that could make a difference for cancer research and prevention, calling his advocacy leadership “unparalleled.”
In his nomination letter, Dr. Coulter, who also is a member of the NCI-designated Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, said Nebraska is one of only seven states with legislative funding dedicated specifically to pediatric cancer research, and university leaders credit Peters as a driving force behind securing and sustaining it. The state currently contributes $4.5 million annually to the effort.
Peters’ commitment traces back to the loss of his son, Jacob, to pediatric cancer, and carrying on that fight in Jacob’s honor has shaped his long-running dedication to the cause. Recognition like this award, he said, matters less for himself than for the broader pediatric cancer community, which often goes unseen. He recalled that even small acknowledgments gave his son strength during treatment, “just because it’s nice that people can see, hey, there is a problem, and there is somebody fighting.”
Peters will be recognized alongside UNMC’s New Investigator, Distinguished Scientist and Scientist Laureate Award recipients at the October ceremony, with Drs. Coulter and Anderson-Berry both presenting his award.