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

It has been said that challenges don’t build character—they reveal it.

In the fall of 2024, Hurricane Helene tested us in ways we could never have imagined.

In the face of devastation and uncertainty, our community’s incredible strength, compassion, and resilience were revealed.

Thanks to your generosity, the Pardee Hospital Foundation responded swiftly, providing critical support to our Pardee Team Mates and our community when needed most.

We are proud to share a part of that journey with you.     This is our story—your impact in action.

Dr. David Price named 2025 UNC Health Pardee Physician of the Year
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When we launched our list of Essential Needs during the recent Spring Soirée, it was just the beginning. Now, we’re excited to fully launch an enhanced and simplified way to support UNC Health Pardee with practical purchases that help the hospital right now. 

These items are not flashy, but they are essential. From improving comfort and communication to enabling quicker diagnosis and treatment, every piece of equipment on our list serves a direct purpose in caring for patients and supporting our clinical teams.

Your gift today helps fund the needs for several items, including:

Patient Recliners.

Industrial Hospital Dryer  – FUNDED

Premier Double Door Refrigerator  –FUNDED

Centrella Smart+ Hospital Beds

Hoyer Patient Lift –FUNDED

HeartMath – Supports Behavioral Health.

emWave2 – Supports Mental Health

Vital Signs Machines

Your generosity will impact the lives of patients for years to come. Every purchase helps UNC Health Pardee continue its mission of providing top-tier medical care in our community.

SEE WHAT IS NEEDED TODAY AND HOW YOU CAN HELP

The 2025 Planning Committee for the Annual Women Helping Women Luncheon announces that Jamie Valvano will be the Keynote speaker at this year’s event on Friday, Oct. 24th at Blue Ridge Community College.

Women Helping Women 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.
It was founded 26 years ago to help low- and moderate-income women receive critical medical care. Over the years, this program has become a hallmark of the Pardee Hospital Foundation and a significant force for good within our community.

Designed to provide supplementary support for women who require necessary medical treatment but cannot shoulder the costs, WHW steps forward to fill this financial gap in women’s moment of greatest need.

The WHW Fund supports:

• Diagnostic mammograms
• Lab tests, MRIs, CT scans, biopsies, ultrasounds, and endoscopies
• Financial assistance for breast cancer and other medical procedures including surgery, anesthesia, x-rays, implants and devices, therapeutics, and infusions
• Other critical women’s health needs

About this Year’s Speaker:

Jamie Valvano is an ordinary person who has been transformed by extraordinary circumstances. She witnessed the amazing victory when her beloved father, legendary basketball coach Jim Valvano, realized
his lifelong dream of winning the National Championship in 1983. 
Years later, however, her family was devastated when Jim was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Jamie was in the audience during his famous ESPY speech in 1993 when he stated, “We are establishing The
V Foundation for Cancer Research.  It may not save my life, it may save my children’s lives, it may save someone you love.”
After graduating from North Carolina State University, Jamie worked for The V Foundation for Cancer Research in its formative years and helped to establish the organization that has now awarded over $330
million to cancer facilities across the nation. In 2005, at the age of 33, Jamie was diagnosed with breast cancer. As a result of groundbreaking research, doctors were able to uncover the genetic mutation that she had inherited from her father and create a course of treatment that would increase her odds of survival. The prophetic words her father spoke took on an entirely different meaning now that she was facing her own battle.
Eighteen years after her diagnosis, Jamie continues to share private and personal insights with a variety of audiences in her role as a public speaker. She uses her voice as a cancer survivor, mother, and writer,
constantly pushing others to embrace their personal vision. Individuals cannot help but be inspired by the open, honest, and often heartbreaking lessons.

Learn about the various sponsorship opportunities for this year’s event: