Community generosity advances breast imaging and contrast-enhanced biopsies, strengthening breast health services across the region.
HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. — The generosity of the community through Pardee Hospital Foundation’s Women Helping Women Fund is helping advance breast health services at UNC Health Pardee, securing the funding needed to purchase a new contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) machine and upgrades to Pardee’s existing CEM technology.
The investment represents a meaningful step forward in supporting breast cancer detection and helping women in the region access cutting edge technology close to home. Since its launch in 1998, Women Helping Women has raised more than $3.5 million to advance breast health education, early detection and access to diagnostic services and procedures for women in the community.
For women who require additional breast imaging, contrast-enhanced mammography can help to better evaluate a potential abnormality or assess their risk of breast cancer. This exam combines a traditional mammogram with an injection of an iodine-based contrast dye that helps highlight areas of increased concern in the breast tissue. These enhanced images give radiologists more tools to detect, evaluate, and diagnose breast abnormalities.
This new equipment and technology will support Pardee’s ability to provide cutting edge breast imaging options for its patients and help physicians evaluate breast concerns quickly and efficiently. For women who need advanced diagnostic testing, access to this technology can provide a clear picture of their breast health and guide next steps in their care.
“Women Helping Women reflects what is possible when a community comes together around a shared commitment to women’s health,” said Amy Treece, executive director of Pardee Hospital Foundation. “We are grateful to the donors, sponsors, local businesses and community partners whose generosity makes investments like this possible. Their support helps strengthen breast health services for women throughout our region.”
The impact of Women Helping Women extends beyond the annual luncheon. Throughout October, local businesses, community partners and supporters rallied around the cause through special events and giveback opportunities—from Tooley’s and Green River BBQ to Puttin for Pink and cookie sales at West Hendersonville High School to name a few. These efforts all contribute to advancing Women Helping Women’s mission.
The annual Women Helping Women Luncheon, presented by First Bank, brought community members together on October 23 at Blue Ridge Community College. The program featured personal testimony, an inspiring keynote address and opportunities to celebrate the impact of community generosity.
Maya Starr shared her powerful personal testimony, emphasizing the importance of women supporting one another throughout the cancer journey. She also encouraged women to become informed advocates for their own breast health, including understanding their breast density and Tyrer-Cuzick risk assessment score. Increased breast density can increase a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer and make it more difficult for cancer to be visualized on a mammogram. Tyrer-Cuzick risk assessment model helps to estimate an individual’s risk for developing breast cancer over the course of their lifetime. Knowing these numbers can have a meaningful impact on one’s overall breast health. They can also help guide conversations with healthcare providers to ensure the appropriate imaging is being done each year.
Keynote speaker Nicole Phillips inspired attendees to think about the dreams, goals and possibilities they have been saving for “someday” — and to find the courage to take that first step toward making them a reality. Through her message of kindness, resilience and intentional living, Phillips encouraged the audience to embrace the opportunities in front of them, pursue what matters most and remember that small acts of kindness can have a lasting impact on the people around us.
This year’s luncheon was made possible through the generosity of sponsors at every level. First Bank served as presenting sponsor, joined by businesses, individuals and community partners whose support helps advance the mission of Women Helping Women.
2026 Women Helping Women Luncheon Sponsors
- Presenting Sponsor: First Bank
- Empowerment Sponsors: Gail Garren; Robinson-Hill Humanitarian Fund
- Hope Sponsors: Fireside Golf; Blue Ridge Health; SanStone; iDaph Events & Timing; LS3P; Vannoy; Carol Morrison; Patricia Haire
- Community Sponsors: Carolina Village; Lake Point Landing; Lisa & John Bryan; Angie Edgell; Marilyn Gordon; Dawn Kamus; Dr. Laura & Ron Leatherwood; Kiki & Vaughan Matthews; Joy & Eric Rutherfurd; Leigh & Bob Tate
- Advocate Sponsors: Cdr. Bill Meyers, USN (Ret.); Jimmy & Hardy Chandler; Four Seasons; Mark Russell; SELEE Corporation
- Ruby Sponsors: Jennifer McAlister, MD; Echo Hill Flower Farm; Lou Hackney; Carol Larimore; Dr. Ann & Neal Marrano; Point Lookout Vineyards; Debbie & Turner Rouse; Martha Todd
- Pearl Sponsors: Ruth Birge; Jana Johnson Humleker; Susan Kain; Pamela Kessaris; Brian Leutner; Catherine Quinn
Retail Row added another opportunity for attendees to support local businesses while giving back to the Women Helping Women Fund. Participating businesses included Elite Luxury Consignment & Boutique, iDaph Timing & Events, First Bank, Kendra Scott, Kiki’s Sportswear, Marble & Steel Craft Chocolates, Pardee Gift Shop, Pink Regalia, The Sanctuary Boutique, The Velvet Wind and YogaSix Asheville. Participating Retail Row vendors contributed 20% of their sales to the fund.
Together, these efforts demonstrate how community philanthropy can help strengthen local health care and support women throughout western North Carolina. Pardee Hospital Foundation extends its gratitude to the luncheon committee, sponsors, vendors, volunteers, local businesses, donors and everyone who contributed to this year’s Women Helping Women activities.
To learn more about Women Helping Women or support its mission, visit pardeehospitalfoundation.org.