Donor support will enhance the $30M state-funded project with a therapeutic outdoor space

Pardee Hospital Foundation has announced the launch of its year-end fundraising campaign supporting UNC Health Pardee’s new inpatient Adolescent Behavioral Health Center, scheduled to open in 2026. The center is being made possible through a $30 million partnership between the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), Vaya Health, and the UNC School of Medicine, which funds the creation of the inpatient facility. While this investment lays the foundation, philanthropic support is essential to enhance the project, beginning with therapeutic outdoor space designed specifically for young patients in crisis.

“We have the foundation of the project thanks to the State’s $30 million investment,” said Amy Treece, Executive Director, Pardee Hospital Foundation. “Now we turn to our community to help us bring this space to life—creating an environment that ensures every young patient who walks through our doors feels safe, supported, and seen.”

With youth mental health challenges continuing to rise across the region, the center will provide a safe and compassionate environment for stabilization and treatment. The addition of a therapeutic outdoor space, made possible through community support, will offer adolescents opportunities for movement and connection, all of which are proven to support healing and clinical outcomes.

“As mental health needs continue to grow, this center represents hope for families across our region,” said Bridget Fluech, Administrative Director of Behavioral Health and Emergency Medicine at UNC Health Pardee.  “The therapeutic outdoor space will give young people a place to breathe and enjoy nature during one of the most difficult moments in their lives.”

How the Community Can Help

Pardee Hospital Foundation is inviting individuals, families, businesses, and community organizations to join this effort by making a year-end, tax-deductible gift. Donations will directly support the therapeutic outdoor space and other enhancements that elevate the environment of care for young patients receiving treatment.

Ways to Give:

• Visit our webpage Space that Heals – Pardee Hospital Foundation
• Give securely online or mail a gift to Pardee Hospital Foundation, 561 Fleming Street, Hendersonville, NC 28739
• Contact the Foundation at 828-233-2700 to discuss giving options

“Every gift is an investment in the mental health of our region’s young people,” added Treece “Together, we can create a healing space that empowers young people to rediscover their strength, resilience, and hope.”

Pardee Hospital Foundation is proud to announce a generous gift of $79,018.18 from Kenmure Fights Cancer, a long-standing community partner dedicated to advancing cancer care close to home. These funds support Pardee Cancer Center and were used to purchase four state-of-the-art Quality Assurance (QA) devices for the Linear Accelerator system in the Department of Radiation Oncology. Kenmure’s contribution strengthens Pardee’s ability to deliver safe, precise, and effective treatment for every patient who entrusts us with their care.

“We are deeply grateful to the Kenmure Fights Cancer community for their ongoing commitment to our patients and providers,” said Amy Treece, Executive Director of Pardee Hospital Foundation. “This gift helps us continue providing exceptional, life-saving care right here in Henderson County, and it demonstrates the power of a community working together to make a difference in the fight against cancer.”

Kenmure’s donation funded the acquisition of four advanced QA instruments, including an IC Profiler, ID Scanner, PC Electrometer, and an ArcCheck. These tools play a critical role in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of Pardee’s radiation therapy treatments. This equipment is used for daily, monthly, and annual machine performance checks, as well as individualized pre-treatment patient quality assurance — a vital step that confirms each treatment plan is delivered with the highest level of precision.

“With this generous donation, Pardee Cancer Center continues to meet — and exceed — the most rigorous standards in radiation oncology,” said Thomas Dellinger, Medical Physicist at Pardee Cancer Center. “The new equipment allows Pardee to maintain exceptional accuracy in our Linear Accelerator systems, ensuring that every patient receives treatment that is both safe and highly effective.”

Since its founding, Kenmure Fights Cancer has raised more than $560,650.00 for local cancer care, helping ensure that patients in Western North Carolina have access to advanced diagnostics, treatments, and support services close to home.

HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. — The Pardee Hospital Foundation’s Annual Women Helping Women Luncheon, presented by First Bank, held Friday, October 24 at Blue Ridge Community College, brought together more than 430 guests for an inspiring afternoon of compassion, community, and hope — and a record-breaking year of support for women’s health in Henderson County.

Thanks to the generosity of sponsors, donors, and attendees, this year’s event raised over $139,000, the highest total in the program’s history. These funds will directly support women in our community who are uninsured or underinsured, ensuring access to essential and often lifesaving care — from mammograms and diagnostic imaging to surgery, treatment, and beyond.

This year’s keynote speaker, Jamie Valvano, daughter of legendary basketball coach Jim Valvano, inspired attendees with her moving story of resilience and hope, challenging everyone to “believe in the impossible” and live with a bold, audacious vision. Her words inspired attendees to carry forward the Women Helping Women mission with renewed purpose.

Guests were also moved by the story of Sterling Woodruff, who shared her journey as a breast cancer survivor alongside her UNC Health Pardee breast surgeon, Dr. Jennifer McAlister. Their story reflected the true heart of Women Helping Women — ensuring that every woman has access to the care and compassion she needs during life’s most challenging moments.

The Foundation extends its heartfelt gratitude to all who made this year’s event possible, including Presenting Sponsor, First Bank; Diamond Sponsors, Brian & Gail Garren, Meliora House of Design/Andrea Martin, and Fireside Golf; and Women of Hope Sponsors, Associated Land Surveyors and Planners, PC, Construction Specialties & Design Builders, Inc., Charlotte Corrigan, Marty Cornwell, Angie Edgell, Patricia Haire, Idaph Events + Timing, LS3P, Dr. Neal and Ann Dennison Marrano, Carol Morrison, Robinson Hill Humanitarian Fund, Stuller Power Solutions, and Vannoy Construction, as well as the many Silver, Ruby and Pearl sponsors who contributed to this year’s success. Special thanks are also extended to the dedicated Women Helping Women Committee whose leadership and passion continue to drive this mission forward.

In addition to the luncheon, community partners across Henderson County found creative ways to give back throughout October in support of Women Helping Women. From restaurant givebacks to golf, tennis, and pickleball tournaments, to walk and run events, these efforts collectively made a meaningful difference. The Foundation is deeply grateful to businesses and organizations including Tooley’s Café, AlyKat Deli, Green River BBQ, Campfire Grill, Champion Hills, Lake Pointe Landing, Hendersonville Country Club, Fireside Golf, and Andrea Martin for hosting events and donating portions of sales to support women’s health initiatives. Their dedication and enthusiasm demonstrate the power of community coming together for a common cause.

Since its founding in 1997, Women Helping Women has raised more than $3.4 million to help local women access the care they need. What began nearly three decades ago as an effort to provide mammograms to uninsured women has grown into a vital program that offers assistance for a wide range of medical services, ensuring that women in our community receive care close to home where they are seen, valued, and supported.

“Each year, this event reminds us of the incredible compassion and strength within our community,” said Amy Treece, Executive Director, Pardee Hospital Foundation.  “The generosity of our donors, sponsors, and volunteers truly transforms lives and ensures that women in our community never face a health crisis alone.”

About Pardee Hospital Foundation
The Pardee Hospital Foundation raises funds to support UNC Health Pardee in delivering exceptional healthcare close to home. Since its founding in 1996, the Foundation has worked alongside generous donors and community partners to fund lifesaving technology, critical programs, and facility enhancements that advance patient care throughout Western North Carolina. To learn more, visit pardeehospitalfoundation.org.

The Pardee Hospital Foundation announces the addition of five new members to its Board of Directors and the election of a new Executive Committee. Each new board member will serve a three-year term, expiring in 2028. The Foundation is also proud to name Dr. Yaseen Zia as the incoming Board Chair.

Since joining the board in 2022, Dr. Zia has provided invaluable leadership. As a practicing radiation oncologist, he offers a unique clinical perspective that supports the Foundation’s mission of advancing regional healthcare.

Joining Dr. Zia on the Executive Committee are Bill Jansen (Vice Chair), Heather Ward (Treasurer), and Nicola Barksdale (Secretary).

The Foundation also welcomes the following new board members:

• Dr. Joel Callahan – A Pardee neurologist for 14 years, former Chief of Staff, and 2023 Pardee Physician of the Year. Founder of the Circle of Caring Program, a scholarship initiative for Pardee Teammates pursuing healthcare education and certifications.

• Dr. Mark Goldstein – A child and forensic psychologist and resident of Kenmure, Dr. Goldstein has been an active supporter of Pardee’s Cancer Center through Kenmure Fights Cancer. His expertise will be key as the Foundation supports Pardee’s expansion into adolescent behavioral health.

• Vaughan Matthews – Returning to the board after previously serving two terms and as Board Chair, Vaughan brings extensive business acumen and a deep passion for philanthropy. He and his wife, Kiki, were named Philanthropists of the Year in 2022 for their outstanding contributions to the community.

• Lynde Mickey, RN – A nursing instructor at Blue Ridge Community College and former Pardee Teammate, Lynde offers a firsthand understanding of healthcare challenges in our region. Her experience will strengthen the Foundation’s Sharing & Caring Teammate Engagement program.

“We are excited about Pardee Hospital Foundation’s future and our role in shaping healthcare in our region,” said Amy Treece, Executive Director of Pardee Hospital Foundation. “Our Board brings incredible experience combined with a clear vision that will play an important role in supporting Pardee and the patients we serve.”

Recent events at Pardee Cancer Center reminded us just how powerful community, compassion, and connection can be. In a heartfelt celebration honoring cancer survivors and the many loved ones, caregivers, and supporters who walk beside them, patients, families, and friends gathered for a day filled with joy, remembrance, and renewed hope.

The Foundation was honored to partner with Pardee Cancer Center in hosting this meaningful event, which featured live music, delicious food, uplifting improv performances, and a moving butterfly release. Special guests Lake Lure Mayor Carol Pritchett and Dr. John Hill offered deeply personal reflections on what it truly means to be a survivor, adding a powerful layer of meaning to the day.

Among the most memorable moments was a tribute from Mr. Bill Meyers, who honored the memory of his late wife, Maryke, with a generous $21,500 gift to establish an endowment in her name. This endowment will support advanced education opportunities for the Pardee Cancer Center team, helping to ensure exceptional, compassionate care continues well into the future.

Events like this one are a powerful reflection of the Foundation’s continued commitment to transforming cancer care in our region. Pardee Cancer Center offers advanced treatment options, same-day support through its new Oncology Acute Care Clinic, and expanded screenings that save lives through early detection. In 2023, Pardee treated more than 840 new patients, the most in its history, and continues to serve as a trusted destination for cancer care across Western North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina.

This progress would not be possible without you. Donor support fuels innovation, expands access, and ensures that patients and their families receive life-changing care close to home. If you believe in making that care possible, we invite you to support Pardee Cancer Center today.

As Pardee Hospital Foundation looks ahead to a new fiscal year, we pause with deep appreciation to recognize three outstanding board members whose terms have come to a close. Each of these individuals brought unique expertise, heartfelt commitment, and a deep love for this community to their service, and Pardee is stronger because of them.

Hilton Swing has been a pillar of the Henderson County community for more than five decades, offering his time and talent to a variety of causes that improve the quality of life for residents. In addition to his dedicated service on the Pardee Hospital Foundation board, Hilton served as President of the Housing Assistance Corporation, helping to create safe and affordable housing for those in need. A seasoned real estate professional and natural connector, Hilton generously shared his professional network and community knowledge with the Foundation throughout his term. And if you ask him about golf, he may tell you a story or two about his graduate school days spent mastering the links at St. Andrews in Scotland.

Jennifer McAlister, MD, FACS, brought both her clinical insight and deep compassion to her board service. A highly respected fellowship-trained breast surgeon, Dr. McAlister has spent her career empowering women to make informed decisions about their health. Her medical expertise and her firsthand understanding of patient needs have made her a vital voice in advancing Pardee’s commitment to women’s health. Outside the operating room, Dr. McAlister brings that same energy to hiking trails, tennis courts, and her kitchen.

Chip Gould has long believed in the power of service, and his time on the Foundation board reflects that belief in action. Currently serving as chairman of the Pardee Hospital Board, Chip understands that the success of the Foundation and the hospital are deeply connected. As President and CEO of Cason Companies, Inc., he brought a strategic mindset and a deep care for the community to every conversation. A recipient of the G. Ray Cantrell Award for Community Service, Chip has served on numerous boards throughout his career, but when he finds time to relax, you might find him out on the water, enjoying the peace of his boat.

To Hilton, Dr. McAlister, and Chip: thank you. Your dedication to our mission, your generosity of spirit, and your belief in better health for all have left a lasting legacy.

The Circle of Caring Scholarship Program, a workforce development initiative of Pardee Hospital Foundation, continues to gain momentum, doubling the number of applicants since its inaugural cycle and helping UNC Health Pardee retain and grow top talent from within.

Created in response to an idea from Pardee’s physician leaders, the Circle of Caring is fully managed and promoted by the Foundation to support employees in their pursuit of continued education and professional growth. More than 60 employees have applied for support during the current cycle, reflecting the deep interest across departments and roles.

The program offers scholarships for a wide range of development opportunities, including leadership training, medical certifications, research, process improvement, and technical skill-building. It is designed not only to empower employees but to strengthen Pardee as an organization by keeping experienced, mission-driven professionals engaged and advancing in their fields.

“Programs like Circle of Caring are not just about advancing careers, they are about investing in people who already know our patients, our standards, and our mission,” said Amy Treece, Executive Director of Pardee Hospital Foundation. “Every scholarship awarded helps strengthen our team and reduce the costly cycle of turnover.”

The initial concept for the program originated from Dr. Joel Callahan and Dr. Gregory McCarty, who recognized the potential to cultivate a culture of learning that would benefit both staff and patients. Their idea became reality through a close partnership with the Foundation and hospital administration, and the program’s continued success relies on that same spirit of collaboration.

Physicians remain among the program’s most active advocates and contributors. Retired Pardee physicians with a heart for encouraging professional growth are also invited to support the program’s sustainability with a financial gift.

Most ongoing funding comes from employee payroll contributions, but anyone can donate to the Circle of Caring, including community members, local businesses, and former healthcare professionals who want to be part of developing the next generation of care.

To learn more or make a gift to the Pardee Hospital Foundation Circle of Caring Scholarship Program

By Valerie A. Hoffman

Marilyn Gordon: A True Leader and Philanthropist, Named 2025 Philanthropist of the Year for Her Lifelong Dedication to Community and Service