It is with a heavy heart that we remember Dr. Mark E. Nesbit, Jr., a devoted pediatric oncologist, renowned cancer researcher and a founding member of Children’s Cancer Research Fund. He profoundly and forever changed the field of pediatric oncology. His legacy lives on through his revolutionary contributions to cancer research, mentorship of countless medical professionals and dedication to improving the lives of children and families facing cancer.

Dr. Nesbit was one of the first clinicians to concentrate on the long-term health of childhood cancer survivors. He joined the faculty at the University of Minnesota, where he built one of the most respected and productive pediatric hematology and oncology programs in the country, focusing on leukemia, bone tumors and the long-term effects childhood cancer survivors experience.

His pioneering research in leukemia biology has improved the broader understanding of the disease and helped to turn a diagnosis from almost certain death to a widely treatable disease today. He forged a path for generations of researchers, and as a result, new, safer and more effective treatment therapies are being developed for the young cancer patients of tomorrow.

Dr. Nesbit’s work didn’t just stop at leukemia. He became a leading expert in the treatment of Langerhans’ Cell Histiocytosis, helping to develop new therapies for this rare disease. His vision was universal – he looked to apply cancer research breakthroughs to other diseases, including diabetes and multiple sclerosis. His efforts spanned many disciplines, inspiring collaboration between researchers and institutions worldwide.

When their 13-year-old daughter Katie was diagnosed with leukemia in 1978, Wayzata, Minn. parents Norm and Diana Hageboeck chose the already-renowned Dr. Nesbit to lead Katie’s treatment and care. And while the treatment protocols available at the time could not save Katie, in the four decades that followed, Dr. Nesbit’s dedication to childhood cancer research improved treatment options for children with cancer and other life-threatening diseases. His visionary leadership became a global symbol of hope for those confronting similar challenges.

In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Nesbit was instrumental in shaping the direction of childhood cancer research through his volunteerism with CCRF. Together with the Hageboecks, oncology colleague Dr. Norma Ramsay, and other community advocates, he helped establish CCRF as a leading nonprofit organization tasked with finding and funding the brightest researchers with the best ideas to treat childhood cancer. Dr. Nesbit became our first board president and worked alongside his wife, Deb, to raise millions of dollars for childhood cancer research. Since co-hosting the inaugural Dawn of a Dream gala in 1981 and in the decades after, their support played a pivotal role in the success of CCRF, and their trusted guidance to doctors, board members, and staff has been invaluable.

Source of Inspiration: Colleague, Mentor, Friend

Dr. Nesbit’s mentorship was another cornerstone of his extraordinary career. Over 50 pediatric hematologists trained under his guidance, and many of them have achieved their own significant contributions to the field.

To his colleagues, students, and all who collaborated with him, Dr. Nesbit was more than a mentor; he was a source of inspiration, always encouraging others to push boundaries, question assumptions, and dream beyond what was thought possible. His humility and generosity of spirit made him a beloved figure in the lab and beyond.

The Best and Brightest

We share Dr. Nesbit’s philosophy that the fight against childhood cancer is not just a scientific pursuit – it's a deeply personal one, driven by compassion, empathy and an unwavering belief in the possibility of a better tomorrow.

Help us celebrate his scientific fearlessness as we empower the next generation of research pioneers. To make your mark in childhood cancer research, please visit https://cure.childrenscancer.org/nesbit.