R. Neal Peterson has spent most of his life dedicated to the domestication & popularization of our prized indigenous fruit, the American pawpaw. He lives a modest life in Harper's Ferry, WV, funneling most of his cultivar royalty proceeds back into research and into the furthering of pawpaw-centered endeavors.

Despite being well-known in the fruit community and carrying a significant legacy in his work, like so many of us, he faces financial hardships now and again. As many in research science know, legacy & eminence, unfortunately, do not pay the bills.

Recently he was forced to scrap his 2006 Prius, but tells me he cannot easily afford a new set of payments at this position in life. I have started this GoFundMe for his critical "Pawpaw Mobile," a 2012 Prius to carry him through his twilight years.

He informed reluctantly of the hardship at 3AM today (he is a night owl) -- to which I say "we got this!" So, I am starting this fundraiser to show community love for him and for his work. I will also be turning over 50% the sale of his cultivar scions from this season to assist.

Let's surprise him with some community support!