(Artist Report)

Written by: Jake Beach  

When Peter Dankelson and his mother, Dede Dankelson, launched Pete’s Diary, they set out to create more than just a website; they built a multimedia platform that would become a beacon of hope, creativity, and resilience for thousands.

Today, Pete’s Diary operates on several fronts: it’s a motivational blog, a music and band identity, a foundation for books and public speaking, and an advocacy hub. The brand’s reach extends far beyond its digital presence, touching lives through performance storytelling and community engagement.

Pete’s Diary

The platform’s roots trace back to Peter’s own medical journey. Originally, 'Pete’s Diary' was a literal diary documenting countless surgeries, daily struggles, and moments of triumph. As Peter’s confidence and creativity flourished, the diary evolved into a powerful public message, one that champions resilience, acceptance, and the pursuit of dreams despite adversity.
Pete’s Diary

Born with Goldenhar syndrome, a rare craniofacial condition, Peter has endured nearly 40 surgeries since childhood. Each procedure, while daunting, became another chapter in his unfolding story of perseverance.

At age 15, determined to find his own voice, Peter picked up the guitar. Despite hearing loss, facial differences, and a disability of the fretting hand, he taught himself to play. Music became his lifeline, a way to heal, express, and motivate himself and others.

Through Pete’s Diary, Peter now weaves together music, motivational speaking, and writing, sharing his story to inspire audiences to embrace self-acceptance and turn adversity into fuel for growth.

In collaboration with his mother, Peter coauthored the autobiography How I Learned to Rock My Life: The Peter Dankelson Story, offering readers an unfiltered look at his journey and the lessons learned along the way.

Under the banner of Pete’s Diary, Peter and his band released their debut EP All Screwed Up in 2022. Two years later, they followed with their first full-length album, Keep On Rockin', marking a significant milestone in Peter’s musical career.
Pete’s Diary

Yet by the end of 2024, the band’s original lineup parted ways, a bittersweet turn for the project, but not the end of Peter’s ambitions.
Pete’s Diary
Undeterred, Peter remains as active as ever. He has voiced plans to form a new band or join another group and is open to worldwide touring, eager to connect in person with the community that’s cheered him on from afar.

Meanwhile, the advocacy side of Pete’s Diary thrives. The platform offers speaking engagements, vibrant social media content, and published works, all centred on mental health, perseverance, creative expression, and the power of self-acceptance. For Peter and his followers, the diary is far from closed.

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