Dennis Eschbach is the VP of the Jersey Shore Jazz & Blues Foundation (JSJBF).
2020 was a tough year for everyone. We were all hoping 2021 would be a much better year. However, last month Dennis Eschbach was diagnosed with cancer of the tongue (he is a lifelong non-smoker). This has progressed rather rapidly, and Dennis will need extensive surgery including reconstruction of the tongue in the near future. Post-operatively he will require radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Dennis is a man of simple means. The most important things in his life have been his family, his pets and his music. He’s been a director, teacher or member of these organizations: the Atlantic Wind Ensemble, the Ocean Grove Summer Band, Jersey Shore Jazz & Blues Foundation, Holiday Express volunteer, Bergenfield High School Music Dept., and the Hawthorne Muchachos Drum & Bugle Corps.
Unfortunately, the cost of the medical care that Dennis will need is going to be very, very costly. This only compounds the stress surrounding the medical issues at hand. Doris Lazur (significant other/lifesaver), Rebecca Eschbach (daughter), and Eileen & Bruce Monastersky (sister/brother-in-law) are starting a GoFundMe to try and raise money to help defray at least some of the cost of his medical expenses. Over the past 67 years, Dennis’ life has touched so many other people, and we are reaching out to some of those people with this endeavor. Even if you do not personally know him, we hope that you may consider a donation to this fund.
Thank you so much, and please say a prayer for Dennis.
First Published March 2021.