Pardee Hospital Foundation

Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are now available for the 2026 Women Helping Women Luncheon, scheduled for Friday, October 23, 2026, at Blue Ridge Community College.

The Women Helping Women Annual Luncheon is one of Pardee Hospital Foundation’s signature events, bringing together hundreds of women from across Western North Carolina for an afternoon of inspiration, connection, and philanthropy. Proceeds from the event support community education, breast health awareness initiatives, and investments in advanced breast imaging technology and innovative equipment that strengthen breast cancer prevention, early detection, diagnosis, and treatment at UNC Health Pardee.

This year’s luncheon will feature nationally recognized keynote speaker Nicole Phillips—breast cancer survivor, bestselling author, and host of The Kindness Podcast. Known for her heartfelt storytelling and uplifting message of resilience, Phillips inspires audiences to discover the extraordinary impact kindness, courage, and community can have during life’s most difficult moments.

“Women Helping Women has always been rooted in empowering women through education and community,” said Amy Treece, Executive Director of Pardee Hospital Foundation. “Nicole’s personal journey and message of hope beautifully reflect the heart of this event. As we continue to expand our impact through investments in advanced breast imaging technology and innovation, we’re excited to bring our community together to help shape the future of women’s healthcare close to home.”

Founded in 1998 as a breast health advocacy initiative, Women Helping Women has evolved to meet the changing needs of our community. Today, the program is guided by three pillars:

• Knowledge – Empowering women with education and resources to better understand their breast health, recognize the importance of early detection, and make informed healthcare decisions.
• Access – Increasing awareness of breast health services and helping connect women to the care they need.
• Innovation – Investing in advanced breast imaging technology and innovative equipment that enhances the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of breast cancer at UNC Health Pardee.

“Early detection remains one of our greatest tools in the fight against breast cancer,” Treece said. “The generosity of our sponsors, donors, and attendees helps ensure women in our region have access to leading-edge technology and exceptional breast care without having to leave the community.”

Businesses and individuals are invited to become event sponsors, with sponsorship opportunities providing meaningful visibility while demonstrating a commitment to advancing women’s healthcare throughout Western North Carolina. Individual tickets are also available, and community members are encouraged to reserve their seats early.

The 2026 Women Helping Women Luncheon will be held on Friday, October 23, 2026, at Blue Ridge Community College. Retail Row opens at 11 a.m., followed by the luncheon and keynote program beginning at noon.

To purchase tickets, become a sponsor, or learn more about Women Helping Women, visit www.pardeehospitalfoundation.org/all-events/women-helping-women/ or call 828-233-2700.

About Nicole Phillips

Nicole Phillips is a breast cancer survivor, keynote speaker, author of five books, and host of The Kindness Podcast, recognized by Oprah Magazine as one of the top happiness podcasts. Through her books, speaking engagements, and podcast, she inspires audiences nationwide with stories of hope, resilience, and meaningful human connection. Learn more about Nicole.

About Women Helping Women

Founded in 1998, Women Helping Women is a signature program of Pardee Hospital Foundation dedicated to advancing women’s health through education, early detection, and innovation. The program empowers women with the knowledge to take charge of their breast health while supporting investments in advanced breast imaging technology and other innovative resources that enhance the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of breast cancer. Through the generosity of donors and sponsors, Women Helping Women helps ensure women throughout Western North Carolina have access to exceptional breast care close to home.

For the first time in Pardee Hospital Foundation’s history, every dollar the Foundation invested in UNC Health Pardee during fiscal year 2026 was connected to a specific project, program or equipment need.

This milestone represents an important step forward in how we share the impact of philanthropy with our donors. By partnering with the UNC Health Pardee Accounting Department, the Foundation can provide an even greater understanding of how charitable giving strengthens healthcare across our community.

From advanced technology and lifesaving equipment to patient support programs and essential services, every gift helps ensure our physicians, nurses and care teams have the tools they need to deliver exceptional care close to home.

Because of our donors, FY2026 Foundation funding supported:

Cancer Care

• Linear Accelerator Technology – Supporting more precise radiation therapy treatments for cancer patients.
• Women Helping Women Breast Cancer Initiatives – Providing critical resources to enhance breast cancer diagnosis, treatment and patient support.
• Oncology Pharmacy Improvements – Strengthening medication management and care for patients receiving cancer treatment.
• Lymphedema Therapy Equipment – Expanding supportive services that improve quality of life for cancer survivors.

Cardiovascular Care

• Advanced Cardiac Monitoring Systems – Providing caregivers with technology to monitor and respond to patients’ heart health needs.
• Echocardiography Equipment – Supporting accurate diagnosis and evaluation of cardiovascular conditions.
• Cardiac Rehabilitation Technology – Enhancing recovery and long-term wellness for heart patients.
• EKG Equipment for Mills River Urgent Care – Expanding access to essential cardiac diagnostics in our community.

Surgical Care

• Aquablation Technology – Bringing advanced treatment options for men’s health and urologic care.
• Surgical Visualization Technology – Enhancing precision and supporting complex procedures.
• Spine Microscope Technology – Supporting advanced orthopedic and spine procedures.
• Operating Room Equipment Upgrades – Ensuring surgical teams have the tools needed to provide safe, high-quality care.

Neurology & ALS Care

• ALS Clinic Support – Helping sustain specialized clinic services for patients living with ALS and their families.
• Neurology Equipment and Technology – Supporting diagnosis, treatment and mobility care for neurological conditions.
• Neurodiagnostic Equipment – Enhancing the ability to evaluate and manage complex neurological needs.

Women’s & Children’s Services

• OB Equipment Enhancements – Supporting safe, compassionate care for expectant mothers and newborns.
• Pediatric Cardiac Ultrasound Technology – Helping physicians evaluate and care for younger patients.
• Women’s Health Equipment – Strengthening services that support women at every stage of life.

Emergency & Diagnostic Services

• Mobile Imaging Technology – Improving access to diagnostic imaging where and when patients need it.
• Radiology Equipment Enhancements – Supporting faster, more accurate diagnosis.
• Emergency Care Technology – Equipping care teams with resources to respond quickly to patient needs.

Patient Support & Essential Needs

• Essential Patient Equipment – Providing resources such as mobility and patient care equipment that improve safety and comfort.
• Patient Assistance Programs – Supporting programs designed to remove barriers and help patients focus on healing.
• Volunteer Services Support – Strengthening programs that enhance the patient experience.

Behind-the-Scenes Care

• Environmental Services Equipment – Helping maintain a safe, clean healthcare environment for patients and caregivers.
• Hospital Technology and Infrastructure Improvements – Supporting the systems and resources that keep care moving forward.
• Care Team Resources – Investing in the tools and services that allow providers and staff to focus on what matters most — caring for patients.

FY2026 Impact at a Glance

• 30+ projects funded across UNC Health Pardee
• More than $1.3 million invested in care, technology and services
• Every Foundation-funded project connected to a specific hospital need

See the complete list of FY2026 Foundation-funded projects.

Planning for the future is one of the most meaningful gifts you can give your loved ones. Yet creating a will is something many of us put off.

National Make-a-Will Month is a reminder that taking this step doesn’t have to be difficult. Whether you’re creating your first will or updating an existing plan, having your wishes documented can bring peace of mind.

Why It Matters

A will helps ensure your wishes are honored while making things easier for those you love. It can help you:

• Protect you and your loved ones.
• Decide how your assets will be distributed.
• Name guardians for minor children, if needed.
• Reduce uncertainty during a difficult time.
• Establish a legacy that reflects your values.

A complete estate plan also includes important documents like an Advance Healthcare Directive and Durable Financial Power of Attorney, helping ensure your healthcare and financial wishes are known if you’re ever unable to communicate them yourself.

A Simple Way to Get Started

To make estate planning more accessible, Pardee Hospital Foundation offers complimentary access to Giving Docs, a secure online platform that helps individuals create or update essential estate planning documents from the comfort of home.

For many people with straightforward planning needs, Giving Docs is an easy place to begin. If your estate or family situation is more complex, an estate planning attorney and financial advisors can help create a plan that’s right for you.

A Legacy That Lasts

Your legacy is deeply personal. While most people begin by planning for family, some also choose to include a charitable gift to support causes that are important to them.

Designating Pardee Hospital Foundation in your estate plan is one way to help advance healthcare close to home. Legacy gifts help support patient care, innovative technology, and the future health of our community for generations to come.

No matter what your plans include, having them documented is one of the most caring things you can do for the people you love.

Learn more about Giving Docs and their suite of estate planning tools.