"I don't want to grow up!"
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
By: Brittany Gallant

By living his life as a contageous optimist, Peter taught me how to be happy.

Unlike most teenagers, my idol isn't a singer, actor or sports star ... he's one of my best friends. I heard about Peter before I met him. My friend had recently moved to a new town and every week she'd tell me stories about the people she got to know. Peter's story made a lasting impression. He was portrayed as a spunky, hyper kid who had overcome huge odds; never broken a bone in lacrosse, played on a hockey team, had decent grades and beat childhood cancer. < br/> Years passed and I heard more and more stories about this amazing guy I had never met. Finally, in 2009 at a school related event, I got to see Peter for the first time. In the beginning, it was awkward separating what I heard from what he actually told me, but eventually I got it straight. I put aside all the things I previously knew about Peter and we got to know each other on our own terms. I can happily say that he exceeded every expectation I had ever had. He is truly the most charismatic, fun loving, happy person I've ever met in my entire life. There's something in Peter, that's similar to childhood, yet he is beyond mature for his age. < br/> His confidence is earth shattering, yet he's humble and his views on the world are magnificent. For my own reasons, I've decided not to state his real name, but he is my best friend, my confidante, my role model and my very own real life Peter Pan. He taught me how to live and enjoy my life. It's terrifying to think he could have lost his life before I even met him. I believe in fairies and believe in a cure. This year my goal is to raise $500 before the Relay for Life.