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Dear niece of Eric, I saw your note and wanted to let you know in 1975 I was 11 years old and saw the movie. It inspired me to such a great degree that I wrote your uncle Eric's mother and told her how much i loved the movie and the positive impact it had on my life, both as a soccer player and person. She wrote me back and I remember how thrilled I was to receive her letter. I remember she mentioned how much the younger kids from the neighborhood loved to play soccer in the back yard with him and they still came over even after he passed. I have so many more memories and I still have the book. It changed my life.

This movie is actually kind of special to me since I'm Eric's niece. I never actually met him before he died since I'm Lisa Lund's daughter, and she was only 15 then. It's weird to have a family with a famous side. Sometimes when I remember that Mark Hamil (or Luke Skywalker!!) played my living uncle Mark in that movie, it's so awesome its hard to believe. I haven't had the chance to see this movie since it came out some 30 years ago, and I don't know where to find it. I wish I could find it soon. I have read the book, and obviously know the story from first hand witnesses, but it'd be cool to see the televised version some day.

No matter how old you are, this movie will stay with you forever, it is a true touching story of one kids fight for life. If i ever get a terminal illness may i have as much strenth & coiurage as Eric did. Please watch this movie.

I remember watching them film Eric here in Port Orchard, Washington as a kid. It was so exciting to us all. After watching the movie I cried for days because we didn't know anything about the story and I was really touched by it. Great acting especially by John Savage. I think it's Claud Akins' best work! Love this movie and urge all to watch.

I think the entire movie is available on YouTube, though in several different parts. I love this movie. John Savage was superb in the title role (just a few years before he would break wide open in "The Deer Hunter") and my mom still thinks Mark Hamill is the most beautiful young man she has ever seen. Dave Grusin, who wrote the fine score, was eventually honored with the Oscar for best original score for "The Milagro Beanfield War." I hope you finally get to see this wonderful movie about your brave relative!