Those who were still in school during the ‘90s will remember Seattle grunge rockers Pearl Jam. For the band’s line-up, making music has always been a priority, and the music industry itself often just a hindrance. American musician and lead vocalist Eddie Vedder has since managed to write his name in golden letters in the history of music, along with guitarists Mike McCready and Stone Gossard, bassist Jeff Ament, and drummer Matt Cameron.
But the band isn’t only known for their 85 million worldwide album sales, induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, or their status as the longest-lasting 90’s grunge rock band. Their charity work is also impressive and worth highlighting.
The Vitalogy Foundation
Pearl Jam established their foundation, The Vitalogy Foundation, back in 2006. The foundation supports non-profit organizations in their efforts to improve the fields of environment preservation, social change, arts and education, and community health. It’s funded partially from tickets to Pearl Jam shows, as well as different partnerships and donations.
Eddie Vedder has also taken part in the founding of EB Research Foundation, which focuses on researching treatments for EB. It’s a group of potentially lethal genetic skin disorders in children.
“My wife Jill and I are thrilled to be able to support the brilliant work of leading doctors and researchers committed to identifying better treatments, and ultimately a cure for this cruel disease,” Vedder stated. “Our close family friends have a young son with EB, and we want to do everything we can to ensure a better quality of life for him and all children living with these types of genetic disorders.”
Vedder has also been active in supporting Teenage Cancer Trust and Teen Cancer America with a series of performances with The Who members Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey. Some of those events included “Who Cares About the Next Generation”, “The Who Rocks Rosemont”, and rock opera Classic Quadrophenia.
The Impact of Cancer in Their Personal Lives
Most recently, the members of Pearl Jam felt the impact of cancer in their personal lives. In October 2018, the band’s merchandise manager, Tom Husman, was diagnosed with stage four esophageal cancer. There was a GoFundMe set up to help him cover his medical expenses:
“Our goal is to raise $50,000.00 for Tom by the end of March. This will sustain him until he is able to return to work and help cover his growing medical expenses. Tom has always been such a giver to everyone and loved by so many people. It is now our turn to give back and help our dear friend.”
The goal for Tom has since been reached, and the band has received some good news about his recovery progress.
It takes kindness and empathy to be a positive force of change in society, and no one knows that better than band members of Pearl Jam, who have given back on multiple occasions. We hope to continue seeing them rocking and using their platform to help raise awareness of crucial issues we need to fight.
