Thanks for the kind words about my nephew, Peter, the 12-year-old boy on stage with Pearl Jam in
Philadelphia last night.

Peter first met Pearl Jam when he was 7 in 1998 while he was recovering from surgery to correct his
muscles in both legs. Peter has Cerebral Palsy, so the surgery, however painful, helped him to walk
and run. At that Tweeter Center concert in Camden, Peter and his father sat on stage with the band.
Before that show, all of Pearl Jam signed his red casts -- he was still in a wheel chair then.

In 2000, Peter saw Eddie again -- he wanted to show Eddie that he could run and walk and jump.
Eddie was SOOOO happy to see Peter and his progress. He was so good to Peter, words can't
describe it. Eddie let Peter, his Dad, my husband and me sit on stage at the Tweeter Center.
After the band's last encore of the Who's Baba O'Riley, Eddie gave Peter his tambourine.

Last night, the band visited with Peter before the show. Peter brought his guitar and Eddie signed it.
Eddie wrote the music for "Better Man" for Peter, which is why I think he dedicated the song to him.
He changed the words during the bridge of the song, so I can't wait to buy the bootleg to hear what
he said, besides "the young are strong."

Eddie and the band have been so good to my nephew that I don't think I could thank them enough.
Peter and his mom sat on stage next to Mike's guitars -- that's where Peter wanted to be. He had a
blast, and Mike and Eddie told me they enjoyed watching Peter rock out. Eddie took requests from
Peter and played them.

Peter is having hip surgery in May, so last night's show took his mind off of it for a few hours. Our
whole family is grateful.

Like I told Eddie, music levels the playing field for Peter. Peter has a long road ahead of him, and I'm
glad Pearl Jam has offered support and motivation for him along the way.

Say a prayer that Peter's surgery is successful. He's a little worried and scared.

If you see Peter in July, please say Hello. I'll be his beaming Aunt by his side.

Sorry this is so long.
Peter's Aunt Cheryl