Epidermolysis bullosa better watch out, because Eddie Vedder is coming to kick its ass.
Pearl Jam's frontman is now officially part of the movement to raise money to cure the debilitating skin disease.
"When I first heard about it, it was quite hard to grasp the intensity of the condition," Vedder said. "It's about the most insane skin disorder you can imagine. And when you realize it also affects the internal organs, then you see it as diabolical."
From the Mayo Clinic:
Epidermolysis bullosa (ep-ih-dur-MOL-uh-sis buhl-LOE-sah) is a group of rare diseases that cause the skin to blister. The blisters may appear in response to minor injury, heat, or friction from rubbing, scratching or adhesive tape. In severe cases, the blisters may occur inside the body, such as the lining of the mouth or intestines.
Most types of epidermolysis bullosa are inherited. The condition usually shows up in infancy or early childhood. Some people don't develop signs and symptoms until adolescence or early adulthood.
The site also notes that EB has no cure, but mild forms can improve with age. Severe cases can be fatal.
"It's very hard to describe until you meet the young folks with it, and they make you realize how much you take for granted," Vedder said. "You also realize that these are some of the strongest, coolest, most admirable people on the face of the earth.
Vedder is teaming with the EB Research Partnership to try and raise $5 million for a cure.
"It's something that not only we can do, we just have to," he said.
Here's Eddie and the kids making their pitch (via Stereogum):
