My brother-in-law, Eric Peterson, is the strongest person I know. He is a loving father, a devoted husband, and someone whose kindness and integrity have touched every life he’s crossed. Together with his wife, Autumn, they have worked to raise two wonderful kids, with their oldest being on the autism spectrum.

His entire life has been defined by service to others. At just 15, while working on his Eagle Scout project, Eric founded a Neighborhood Crime Watch program—earning his Eagle Scout Award and a Letter of Appreciation from the North Carolina Department of Crime Control and Public Safety. This early example was only the beginning of what became a lifelong devotion to public service.

Early on in his career, he worked for three years as a counselor for troubled youth at Alaska Children’s Services. He then went on to direct a college outreach program for underprivileged youth at the University of Alaska-Anchorage, and to direct several programs to include Upward Bound. His commitment to civic service continued as he served as a Commissioner on the Budget Advisory Commission for the Municipality of Anchorage, Alaska.

In 2000, he went into law enforcement and spent 22 years as a decorated, local law enforcement officer, protecting and serving his local community. He also dedicated 21 years as a Citizen Soldier in the U.S. Army Reserves and National Guard, with unwavering duty and honor, and served in Iraq from 2003-2004. Eric was also very involved in his local community of Alamance County, North Carolina. He became a scout leader and a volunteer in the community, accruing thousands of service hours.

For over three decades, Eric has shown up—quietly, consistently, and wholeheartedly—for the people around him.

Eric's world, along with his family's world, was shattered when he was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer in 2021. Despite pursuing every treatment option, his disease has progressed, and all treatment options have been exhausted. As Eric now focuses on comfort and cherishing precious time with his family, they are facing the overwhelming financial strain of medical bills, lost income, and end-of-life care. We are doing everything we can to surround him with love and make the most of every moment, but the burden has grown beyond what his family can manage alone, and will continue as Autumn will be raising the kids alone. With humility and deep gratitude, we are reaching out for support during this unimaginably difficult time.

Here is how you can help.

Your donation—no matter the size—will go directly toward:

Ongoing medical treatments and medications, transportation expenses, daily living expenses while Eric + family focus on healing, and giving Eric peace of mind during this difficult time.

If you are a Duke employee and would like to support Eric by donating Paid Time Off (PTO) to Autumn, please follow the internal guidelines outlined by Duke HR.

If you’re unable to donate, sharing this page with your network means the world to us. Every bit of support helps.

Eric has always been the first to show up for others. Now it’s our turn to show up for him. Let’s surround him and his family with love, strength, and the resources needed.

Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and support.

With gratitude, Katie.