On December 17, 2023, we felt the profound loss of our dear friend and co-founder, Eric Montross. While many know him for his celebrated basketball career in both the NBA and as part of the UNC 1993 NCAA title-winning team, Eric’s legacy stretches far beyond the confines of the basketball court. He used his influence to champion various philanthropic causes in Chapel Hill, including the creation of the Eric Montross Father’s Day Camp, alongside his wife Laura, which raises funds for the UNC Children’s Hospital. His decades-long dedication to children’s health in Chapel Hill is felt throughout the community.
Eric’s commitment to children’s health extended far beyond our local community. As the co-founder of Vaccine Ambassadors, his vision, leadership, and persistence have ensured that hundreds of thousands of children in Latin America and the Caribbean are protected from vaccine-preventable diseases, including those causing certain types of cancer. “Children hold incredible potential. And I believe we, as adults, should foster this potential by protecting them from preventable diseases, something they cannot hide from,” stated Eric when asked why Vaccine Ambassadors was so important to him.
Beyond his towering stature, Eric was a man of immense kindness, grace, and compassion—qualities that effortlessly emanated from him. In honoring Eric, let us collectively emulate these virtues he embodied so easily. His departure leaves an immeasurable void in our lives, but his legacy will continue to be present in the lives he touched.
We extend our deepest condolences to Eric’s beautiful family and hope they find comfort in knowing that his impact will be felt for generations to come.