Benefit Concert Held For University Of Pacific Graduate Shot In Aurora Theater

STOCKTON (CBS13) – She was shot in the head during the movie theater massacre in Colorado, and her recovery is nothing short of a miracle.

Her college community is coming together to support the survivor Thursday night.

Petra Anderson will be honored at a free concert at University of the Pacific, where she graduated from the conservatory of music.

The benefit concert has been in the works since the tragedy, and fellow musicians, friends and strangers will honor the survivor.

"I know she's very happy to be here. She said that this is like a second home to her. She spent four years here and knows so many people here," said friend Annie Ippolito.

Anderson graduated from UOP just a few months before the midnight movie massacre in her hometown of Aurora, Colorado.

The 22-year-old violinist and composer was one of the almost six dozen victims. She was shot in the face and arm.

Friends who spent time with her in Stockton Wednesday are amazed by her recovery.

"I can't tell a difference. She doesn't act or look funny or something like that," said Ippolito. "She talks the same; she's still one of my closets friends. There's nothing missing from her."

The professional music fraternity on campus helped organize Thursday night's benefit concert.

The goal is to raise money for mounting medical bills, not only for Anderson, but also for her mother who passed away from cancer just last month.

Anderson will return to her alma mater's concert hall, this time as a special guest who has touched so many people on campus and beyond.

"She's been such a humble person through this whole ordeal. I'm sure she'll be overwhelmed with appreciation and joy," said Ippolito.

Some of her pieces will be performed by others.

The concert is free but donations will be accepted the door and online.­