Pardee Hospital Foundation

Honoring a Physician Who Leads with Compassion, Purpose and Service

Exceptional physicians are often remembered for the lives they save. The most extraordinary, however, are remembered for the way they care for others, inspire those around them, and strengthen an entire community.

The Pardee Hospital Foundation is proud to recognize Dr. Stephen Gamboa as UNC Health Pardee’s 2026 Physician of the Year, honoring a physician whose dedication, leadership, and compassion have made a lasting impact on patients, colleagues, and the organization he serves.

As an Emergency Medicine physician, Dr. Gamboa is often there during life’s most uncertain moments. Patients and families rely on his expertise during times of crisis, while fellow physicians and caregivers look to him for thoughtful leadership, steady guidance, and unwavering support.

While his clinical excellence is widely respected, those who know Dr. Gamboa best say it is his character that truly sets him apart.

“Steve brings intention and intelligence to every encounter, whether as a leader, physician, or colleague,” said Dr. Joel Callahan. “He has a remarkable ability to see the big picture while meeting people where they are. His humor and kindness create an immediate sense of trust and connection.”

Those qualities became especially evident during Hurricane Helene, when catastrophic flooding, widespread power outages, and damaged infrastructure left much of Western North Carolina isolated from essential services. As one of the region’s few accessible healthcare facilities, UNC Health Pardee became a critical lifeline for emergency medical care.

With communication systems unavailable, Dr. Gamboa quickly organized regular meetings for physicians throughout the hospital, ensuring medical teams remained connected and coordinated while continuing to care for patients under extraordinary circumstances.

The experience and lessons learned from Pardee’s response were later published in the Annals of Emergency Medicine, highlighting the resilience, innovation, and teamwork that enabled a rural healthcare system to continue serving patients during one of the region’s most challenging times.

For Greg McCarty, Chief Medical Officer at UNC Health Pardee, Dr. Gamboa’s recognition reflects the qualities that define exceptional physician leadership.

“Steve represents the very best of UNC Health Pardee,” said McCarty. “He combines exceptional clinical expertise with humility, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to serving others. Whether caring for patients, mentoring colleagues, or leading during times of uncertainty, Steve consistently brings out the best in those around him.”

“He understands that great healthcare is built on trust, teamwork, and genuine human connection. His leadership has strengthened our medical staff, our culture, and ultimately the care we provide to our community. We are proud to recognize him as our 2026 Physician of the Year.”

Originally from Charleston, South Carolina, Dr. Gamboa earned his medical degree from the UNC School of Medicine and has devoted his career to advancing emergency medicine while mentoring future physicians. Outside the hospital, he enjoys running, cycling, practicing yoga, and exploring the mountains of Western North Carolina with his wife, Dr. Olivia Gamboa.

Some people give because they are asked.

Others give because they have experienced firsthand the difference compassion can make.

For Debbie Harris, philanthropy began with a simple question she asked while receiving treatment at Pardee’s Cancer Center:

“How can I help other women?”

That question became a mission.

For nearly three decades, Debbi has faced breast cancer with extraordinary courage, resilience, and unwavering faith. Since her first diagnosis, she has endured multiple recurrences, surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation, and ongoing treatment for metastatic breast cancer. Through every challenge, she has chosen not to let cancer define her. Instead, she has used her experience to encourage others, offer hope, and ensure that women facing breast cancer know they are never alone.

Inspired by her own journey, Debbi and her family transformed gratitude into action by launching Puttin’ for Pink at Fireside Golf in 2023. What began as a family fundraiser has quickly become an annual tradition, bringing together survivors, caregivers, families, and supporters to celebrate hope while raising critical funds for Women Helping Women, a program of Pardee Hospital Foundation.

The event has become more than a fundraiser—it is a celebration of resilience, compassion, and community. Through the generosity of Debbi, her husband Mike, their daughters Maddison and McKenzie, their son Colby, the Fireside Golf family, sponsors, volunteers, and participants, Puttin’ for Pink continues to help local women receive the support and resources they need throughout their breast cancer journey.

“Debbi reminds us that philanthropy isn’t measured simply by dollars given,” said Amy Treece, executive director of Pardee Hospital Foundation. “It is measured by the love, compassion, and hope we share with others. She has taken one of life’s greatest challenges and transformed it into a mission that continues to encourage, uplift, and support women throughout our community.”

Debbi often says that everyone has a story. She believes that if we have the ability to help others, we also have a responsibility to do so. Her willingness to share her journey has inspired countless women and serves as a reminder that even in life’s most difficult moments, we each have the power to make a difference.

For her extraordinary generosity, unwavering faith, and dedication to helping others, Pardee Hospital Foundation was proud to recognize Debbi Harris as the 2026 Philanthropist of the Year during Pardee Royale.

Congratulations, Debbi, and thank you for showing our community what it truly means to love humanity through service, compassion, and hope.

HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. – The Pardee Hospital Foundation is proud to announce that Vannoy Construction and LS3P will serve as Co-Presenting Sponsors for the 2026 Pardee Royale, the Foundation’s signature fundraising event celebrating 30 years of community impact.

This year’s event is planned for Saturday, July 25, at Blue Ridge Community College and promises an unforgettable evening inspired by the elegance and energy of 1960’s Palm Beach bringing together community leaders, supporters, and advocates for a night of celebration with purpose.

Proceeds from Pardee Royale will directly benefit the Pardee Adolescent Behavioral Health program, helping expand access to critical mental health services and resources for local youth and families at a time when the need has never been greater.

Funds raised will help enhance the dedicated outdoor therapeutic space designed specifically for adolescent patients. This healing environment will provide a safe, restorative setting where young people can engage in therapy and connection while in nature – an important complement to clinical care that supports emotional well-being and recovery.

“Vannoy Construction was founded 75 years ago in Western North Carolina by people who called this community home—and generations later, that remains true today.  When our neighbors or loved ones are sick or hurting, they shouldn’t have to travel far from the people and places they love to receive care,” states Brian Walker, Vice President of Vannoy Construction.  “Supporting UNC Health Pardee—the hospital that serves so many of our employees, their families, and friends—is deeply personal to us. We are proud to stand alongside Pardee in its strong commitment to advancing high-quality healthcare and ensuring it remains accessible to all and close to home, where our community belongs.”

Vannoy Construction and LS3P have been valued partners of Pardee for many years, playing an integral role in shaping and advancing healthcare facilities across the region. Their investment in Pardee Royale reflects a shared commitment to building spaces—and systems of care—that strengthen the health and well-being of the community for generations to come.

“We are incredibly grateful to Vannoy and LS3P for their leadership and generosity as our Co-Presenting Sponsors,” added Amy Treece, Executive Director of the Pardee Hospital Foundation. “Their support demonstrates the power of community partners and allows the Foundation to invest in the future of adolescent behavioral health in our community. Together, we can create meaningful change for young people and their families across Western North Carolina.”

“UNC Health Pardee’s commitment resonates deeply with us because it reflects the communities we live and work in every day,” says Maggie Carnevale, Vice President and Principal with the LS3P Asheville Office. “At LS3P, we believe access to high-quality healthcare close to home strengthens families and supports the long-term vitality of our region. Supporting UNC Health Pardee is one way we can invest in the people who make Western North Carolina such a special place to call home.”

Tickets for Pardee Royale are now officially on sale and are available for $150 per person. Guests will enjoy an immersive evening featuring vibrant Palm Beach-inspired design, entertainment, and opportunities to support a vital cause.

With strong community interest and limited availability, early ticket purchases and sponsorship commitments are encouraged.

For more information about Pardee Royale, sponsorship opportunities, or to purchase tickets, please visit pardeehospitalfoundation.org/all-events/summer-gala/ or contact the Pardee Hospital Foundation at 828.233.2700.

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