Pardee Hospital Foundation’s annual hallmark event to support women who cannot afford necessary medical treatment will now be on Jan. 24th, 2025. The 27th annual Women Helping Women (WHW) Luncheon will be at Blue Ridge Community College Conference Hall. 

Originally scheduled for October 18th, the event was postponed due to the widespread impact of Tropical Storm Helene, which left many in the community facing severe challenges and disruptions.

The Women Helping Women Luncheon is an annual tradition that brings together over 400 community members to raise essential funds for women in need of healthcare services that they cannot afford. This year’s luncheon will feature Sharon Delaney McCloud as the keynote speaker. McCloud, Director of Corporate Communications at UNC Health, is an Emmy Award-winning broadcaster, cancer survivor, and advocate for resilience. Diagnosed with stage 2B breast cancer twelve years after losing her daughter to leukemia, McCloud’s powerful story continues to inspire women to face their battles with courage.

“We are so grateful to Ms. McCloud for rescheduling her time to be part of this transformative event,” Treece said. “Her story of strength and perseverance is a beacon of hope for women facing significant health challenges.”

The presenting sponsor, First Bank of Hendersonville, continues its generous support, making this event possible.

The decision to reschedule the event was made after careful consideration to support Pardee teammates and community members affected by the storm. The leadership at Pardee Hospital Foundation recognized that the storm’s aftermath compounded existing barriers to healthcare, particularly for those who rely on the Women Helping Women program for critical screenings and medical services. By postponing the event, the Foundation prioritized supporting those in urgent need during a time of heightened regional devastation.

Since its founding in 1997, the Women Helping Women program has raised over $3.4 million, helping countless women in the community access critical healthcare services, including cancer screenings and treatment. Initially focused on breast cancer, the program has expanded its reach over the years to cover a wide range of health needs. The funds raised from this year’s luncheon will continue to provide financial assistance to women in Western North Carolina, ensuring they receive the care they need during financial hardship.

A limited number of tickets remain for the luncheon. To learn more about attending or becoming a sponsor, please contact Amy Treece at [email protected] or call 828-233-2700.