When Hendersonville resident Bill Meyers set out to honor the life of his late wife, Maryke S. Meyers, he knew he wanted to create something lasting that would carry forward her values while giving back to the hospital that had cared for her so compassionately. His decision to establish The Maryke S. Meyers Scholarship Endowment through Pardee Hospital Foundation ensures that her memory will continue to inspire and support future cancer care professionals.

“This scholarship endowment embodies the core principle of Maryke’s life,” says Bill. “She believed deeply that education is the key to a successful life, and she instilled that fervor for knowledge in our family and everyone she met.”

The endowment will provide educational opportunities for Pardee Cancer Center caregivers and staff, helping them access continuing education and professional development. For Bill, it is a tribute to his wife’s passion for learning and a way to honor the exceptional care she received at Pardee.

“Everyone who treated her acted so personally and compassionately, like she was a member of each one’s own family,” Bill recalls. From her primary care physician, Dr. Grey Tilden, to oncologist Dr. Praveen Vashist and the oncology infusion nurses, “the staff bent over backwards to accommodate every aspect of her treatment.”

Maryke’s daughter, Heather Ramsey, shared a similar appreciation for the care her mother received. “I was with her during her last hospital stay at Pardee,” Heather says. “All the staff were kind and took their time to answer our questions—and I had a lot! They also made time to talk and discuss things privately when needed.”

Bill remembers small gestures that made a lasting impact, like the infusion nurse, Christie, who made a point to visit with Maryke whenever she could, and who once personally carried a blood transfusion from the hospital back to the Cancer Center for her. “It was as if Maryke looked forward to her visits,” Bill says.

Those experiences deepened Bill’s commitment to giving back to Pardee. “From our first contact with Pardee, we were impressed with the professionalism and treatment,” he says, noting that even before officially moving to Hendersonville in 2010, they were welcomed like longtime residents. “Pardee is a public hospital but receives no direct financial support from the county. This is a way to help Pardee financially and to honor the care Maryke received.”

The endowment reflects Bill’s vision and values shared across the Meyers family. Maryke’s oldest son, Jason—a cancer survivor and U.S. Air Force veteran, expressed his hope for its impact: “While my care was elsewhere, I know firsthand how critical a compassionate care team can be. My wish is that this endowment supports and inspires the next generation of cancer caregivers, just as others once supported me.”

“Bill’s decision to honor Maryke this way is especially meaningful. It is exceptional when someone chooses to honor a loved one through an enduring gift. The Meyers family has not only preserved Maryke’s legacy, but they have created a gift that will uplift Pardee staff and benefit patients for years to come. We are honored to be a part of it.”

Amy Treece, Executive Director for Pardee Hospital Foundation

As Bill reflects on what this endowment means, he imagines what he might say to a future recipient:
“This scholarship is awarded to you in memory of Maryke S. Meyers, a Pardee Cancer Center patient who received superb care and compassion. May this inspire you to carry on that tradition of excellence.”

Through his generosity, Bill hopes to inspire others who have experienced the power of compassionate care at Pardee to consider ways they can honor the people they love. “Like any personal story, I hope it resonates and motivates others to support the Cancer Center.”

With this gift, Bill has transformed gratitude into action, lighting the way for others to see what is possible when love, appreciation, and legacy come together.

By Valerie A. Hoffman