Our Fallen Hero, A Tribute to Eric
Our Story
How It All Began
When Eric and I met online in 2003, I didn’t think I’d see him again after our first date. But our shared love for jazz and technology turned that encounter into five hours of connection, laughter, and joy. Two years later, in September 2005, we got married, with jazz woven into the soundtrack of our special day—and it has accompanied us ever since.
The Birth of VGJazz
Eric had a deep passion for jazz and dreamt of producing innovative, dynamic jazz events. He first shared this dream with me on our first date, and shortly after our wedding, Vertical Group Jazz (VGJazz) was born.
VGJazz wasn’t just about music—it was about creating community. I remember one of our most ambitious projects, the Urban Jazz and Arts Series (UJAS) in New York City. It took a lot of work to pull together, but Eric’s vision was clear: surround great jazz with top-tier event planners, PR specialists, culinary experts, and venue owners to create unforgettable experiences. VGJazz wasn’t just about the performances—it offered a comfortable, mature space where jazz lovers could connect, exchange ideas, and network.
After every event, Eric’s passion pushed us forward:
"Let’s do another six weeks!" he’d say with excitement.
"Let’s take a little break first," I’d reply, smiling. But we kept going because jazz fueled not just his soul, but our lives together.
Facing the Unexpected
We kept organizing events for years, but took a brief hiatus, knowing we’d restart soon. In late 2019, we made plans to bring VGJazz back to life. However, COVID-19 hit, putting our dreams on hold. Still, we were determined, and an exciting opportunity arose—relocating to Amsterdam in 2020. We knew this new adventure was the perfect way to take VGJazz global.
I moved to Amsterdam first, and Eric was to follow soon after. In early 2021, as he finalized his move, Eric began experiencing back pain. Due to the pandemic, doctor visits were virtual, and his physician thought it was arthritis—a logical diagnosis since Eric had previously undergone knee and hip surgeries. Determined to manage the pain, Eric stayed active, believing swimming and exercise would help.
In February 2021, Eric scheduled a routine gallbladder removal and a colonoscopy. Both seemed straightforward—nothing alarming. But just three weeks later, everything changed.
Eric was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. The cancer had spread to seven organs, and it was both inoperable and incurable. We were stunned to hear the doctor say, "Sorry, We missed it."
It felt impossible to process, but Eric and I braced ourselves for the difficult road ahead. Supported by family, friends, and healthcare teams in both Atlanta and Amsterdam, Eric fought hard. He never gave up, staying hopeful and determined until the end. On September 5, 2021—just six months after the diagnosis—Eric passed away on a beautiful Sunday morning in Amsterdam.
A Legacy of Awareness and Music
Losing Eric was devastating, but I made a vow: No one else should have their diagnosis missed. I promised to raise awareness, especially in minority communities, so others could become advocates for early detection. From this promise, The Eric and Deborah D. DeWitt VGJazz Foundation was born.
The foundation not only focuses on pancreatic cancer awareness and early detection but also supports another cause close to our hearts—childhood music education. We’ve always believed that music shapes young minds, just as it shaped our own lives and love story.
Through the foundation, we honor Eric’s passion by:
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Raising awareness about pancreatic cancer and advocating for early detection.
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Supporting childhood music education programs that nurture the next generation of musicians.
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Continuing VGJazz’s mission of bringing people together through dynamic, innovative jazz performances.
Our love for music began in childhood, grew through our relationship, and continues now in this legacy. With Eric watching over us, jazz will always be the soundtrack of this journey.
We invite you to join us in keeping his spirit alive—whether through raising awareness, supporting music education, or simply embracing jazz as we did. Together, we can make a difference.
Our Vision, Mission and What We Support
Empowering and Saving Lives, Molding Future Generations and Continuing The Legacy.
Honoring Eric by Supporting Pancreatic cancer awareness and early detection.
Our Vision:
Our vision is a world where every individual, especially those in minority communities, has access to the resources and education needed to fight against pancreatic cancer, and where every young person in under-resourced groups has an opportunity to cultivate their creativity and passion for music. We envision a future where the impact of our financial support has led to breakthroughs in pancreatic cancer research in early detection, testing, and innovative music education programs, ultimately creating a healthier and more vibrant global community.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide vital financial support to organizations that are dedicated to advancing pancreatic cancer research in early detection and testing with an emphasis on minority communities, while also promoting music education for youth. We strive to empower these organizations to make a meaningful impact in their respective fields, and to raise awareness about the critical need for continued research in early detection, testing and education in these areas. Through our efforts, we hope to improve the lives of those affected by pancreatic cancer and to inspire the next generation of musicians and music enthusiasts.