When he was 9, Brian Peterson was diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis (NF) type 1. He faced many challenges growing up with NF1 including: learning disabilities, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, along with a speech impediment. During adolescence, Brian suffered trauma from a brain injury, which lead to the discovery of a tumor on his brain. He had always struggled with severe anxiety. He fell into a deep depression at the age 13 and attempted to take his own life. NF also caused other physical issues such as deformed and weakened bones. Brian has had broken fingers, wrist, leg & ankles, and endured an ankle replacement surgery. He also has had tumors removed from his heart and brain.

Brian always felt like an outcast. He struggled to make and keep friends. Not being able to cope with NF, he often acted out in defiance. Bullies terrorized him. Brian was once jumped on the way home while riding the school bus. He was beaten with chains while another teen stomped on his head, resulting in a concussion. By 10th, grade Brian had become disconnected from others, often not speaking.

Brian struggles to get and keep jobs. The anxiety caused by others staring at his facial tumors as well as his hands tends to affect his work. In addition, NF has caused issues with Brian's mobility, such as being unable to stand for long periods of time.

When he was 24, Brian married the love of his life, Kristen Peterson. They currently live in downtown Des Moines. Brian has been an advocate for NF for many years and is currently involved in many of the Children's Tumor Foundation's awareness projects.