Thank you for another successful Women Helping Women Luncheon! Donations still being accepted.

New Date for Women Helping Women Announced

New Date for Women Helping Women Luncheon Announced for Jan. 24, 2025

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.

Dance the Night Away for a Cause: Benefit Concert with Blake Ellege to Support Women Helping Women

Join us on August 24th from 6-9pm for an unforgettable evening of music and dancing at Point Lookout Vineyards, featuring a high-energy performance by Blake Ellege and his Saddletramp Band. Tickets are $15, with $10 benefiting the annual Women Helping Women initiative.

“We are so grateful to Point Lookout Vineyards for naming Pardee Hospital Foundation’s Women Helping Women as the beneficiary for this special concert,” said Amy Treece, Executive Director for Pardee Hospital Foundation.

About Blake Ellege:  At the age of 4, Blake began traveling and singing with his parents in the Southern Gospel trio “Chosen.” By 6, he had released his first album and went on to win the North Carolina Gospel Singing Championship youth division for five consecutive years. Expanding his musical repertoire, Blake became an Elvis Tribute Artist, headlining at B.B. King’s Blues Club and performing at Graceland. He has performed internationally, including for cruise lines and television, and graduated from Brevard College with numerous accolades. Blake has released 12 albums, with proceeds supporting the Blake Ellege Endowed Vocal Scholarship. He is a member of multiple prestigious music organizations and was named “Outlaw Country Artist of the Year” in 2022 at the Josie Music Awards. Blake continues to perform with various bands across the southeast.

Get ready to hit the dance floor with Saddletramp’s ultimate 90’s country hits and support a worthy cause!

Get your tickets for the Pardee Hospital Foundation’s Blake Ellege Concert to Benefit women Helping Women

Supporting Advanced Patient Care: Pardee Hospital Foundation’s Role in Expanding Minimally Invasive Surgery

We are excited to share the remarkable progress of UNC Health Pardee’s Da Vinci Xi Robotic Surgery program over the past year and announce our commitment to raising funds for its further expansion.

This cutting-edge technology—the Da Vinci Xi system—has significantly enhanced patient outcomes, reducing post-operative pain and speeding up recovery times. It empowers our skilled surgeons to perform more precise and less invasive procedures, directly benefiting our patients.

Over the last year, Pardee successfully completed approximately 330 robotic cases, with its urology services alone surpassing 500 cases. By utilizing the Da Vinci Xi robot, lithotripsy, laser therapy, cryotherapy, ultrasound-guided treatments, and MR Fusion technology, patients receive the most advanced and minimally invasive treatment options available.

Pardee’s general surgeons have also integrated the Da Vinci Xi robot into their practices, enhancing the precision and safety of procedures. The addition of specialists in colorectal and bariatric surgery further expands Pardee’s capabilities, particularly in minimally invasive techniques. In gynecology, the adoption of the Da Vinci Xi robot is also enhancing the range of women’s health services that Pardee can offer.

To support this growing demand and continue offering the highest level of patient care, Pardee acquired a second Da Vinci Xi robot and additional instrumentation earlier this spring. The introduction of the DePuy VELYS orthopedic robot, used for total knee replacement surgeries, further expands the hospital’s robotic capabilities.

To sustain this growth and enhance patient services, the hospital is procuring additional equipment to expand the scope and effectiveness of the Robotic Surgery Program:

  • Ultrasound for Endoscopy – $300,000
  • Urology Laser – $210,000
  • Urology Cystoscopy Instruments – $43,000
  • Urology Equipment Tower – $50,000
  • Endoscopy Equipment Tower – $150,000
  • Endoscopy Scopes – $250,000
  • Sterrad Nx for reprocessing Urology Camera Heads and Robotic Instrumentation – $125,000

Pardee Hospital Foundation is dedicated to supporting the expansion of the Robotic Surgery Program. We invite our donors to contribute to this vital initiative, which is crucial for maintaining our current service levels and accommodating future growth. Your generous support will help us continue to provide state-of-the-art healthcare and improve patient outcomes. Thank you for your continued commitment to advancing healthcare at Pardee.

Supporting Advanced Patient Care: Pardee Hospital Foundation’s Role in Expanding Minimally Invasive Surgery

We are excited to share the remarkable progress of UNC Health Pardee’s Da Vinci Xi Robotic Surgery program over the past year and announce our commitment to raising funds for its further expansion.

This cutting-edge technology—the Da Vinci Xi system—has significantly enhanced patient outcomes, reducing post-operative pain and speeding up recovery times. It empowers our skilled surgeons to perform more precise and less invasive procedures, directly benefiting our patients.

Over the last year, Pardee successfully completed approximately 330 robotic cases, with its urology services alone surpassing 500 cases. By utilizing the Da Vinci Xi robot, lithotripsy, laser therapy, cryotherapy, ultrasound-guided treatments, and MR Fusion technology, patients receive the most advanced and minimally invasive treatment options available.

Pardee’s general surgeons have also integrated the Da Vinci Xi robot into their practices, enhancing the precision and safety of procedures. The addition of specialists in colorectal and bariatric surgery further expands Pardee’s capabilities, particularly in minimally invasive techniques. In gynecology, the adoption of the Da Vinci Xi robot is also enhancing the range of women’s health services that Pardee can offer.

To support this growing demand and continue offering the highest level of patient care, Pardee acquired a second Da Vinci Xi robot and additional instrumentation earlier this spring. The introduction of the DePuy VELYS orthopedic robot, used for total knee replacement surgeries, further expands the hospital’s robotic capabilities.

To sustain this growth and enhance patient services, the hospital is procuring additional equipment to expand the scope and effectiveness of the Robotic Surgery Program:

  • Ultrasound for Endoscopy – $300,000
  • Urology Laser – $210,000
  • Urology Cystoscopy Instruments – $43,000
  • Urology Equipment Tower – $50,000
  • Endoscopy Equipment Tower – $150,000
  • Endoscopy Scopes – $250,000
  • Sterrad Nx for reprocessing Urology Camera Heads and Robotic Instrumentation – $125,000

Pardee Hospital Foundation is dedicated to supporting the expansion of the Robotic Surgery Program. We invite our donors to contribute to this vital initiative, which is crucial for maintaining our current service levels and accommodating future growth. Your generous support will help us continue to provide state-of-the-art healthcare and improve patient outcomes. Thank you for your continued commitment to advancing healthcare at Pardee.

Honoring Jane Thompson

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Remembering Jane Thompson: A Life of Adventure, Dedication, and Service

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Submitted by Myra Grant, former Vice President of Philanthropy for Pardee Hospital and Pardee Hospital Foundation.

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Growing up in the Panama Canal zone with her parents, Anton and Azzie Holgerson, and five sisters, Jane’s childhood was shaped by cultural diversity and exploration. The vibrant flavors of local cuisine, particularly the cherished plantains, left an indelible mark on her palate and heart.

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Upon relocating from California to North Carolina to be closer to her husband Milton’s roots in St. Simons, Georgia, Jane settled in Saluda. Her journey with the Pardee Hospital Foundation began in 1998 as a temporary campaign assistant during the Foundation’s inaugural capital fundraising effort. Quickly proving her talents, she transitioned into a full-time role as an administrative assistant, financial coordinator, and integral part of signature events like the Pardee Tournament, Gala, and Women Helping Women luncheon.

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Colleagues fondly remember Jane’s calm demeanor and remarkable ability to connect with others. Her unwavering assurance and genuine warmth were instrumental in the success of countless events, earning her the admiration of all who worked alongside her.

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Jane’s advocacy for Pardee Hospital’s community care was unwavering. She was a staunch supporter of the Women Helping Women program, recognizing its vital role in providing financial assistance to women facing breast cancer and other health challenges.

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Beyond her professional endeavors, Jane was deeply involved in her community, volunteering with the United Way’s Day of Caring and supporting fundraising efforts for the hospital’s United Way initiatives. Her dedication extended to her church, Church of the Transformation in Saluda, and her extensive family scattered across the USA.

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Jane retired in 2014 to care for her husband. She passed away this past December.u00a0

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As we honor Jane’s legacy, let us continue her mission of service by contributing to the Women Helping Women fund at Pardee Hospital Foundation. In doing so, we ensure that her impact on our community lives on, providing essential assistance to those in need for years to come.

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Honoring Jane Thompson

Remembering Jane Thompson: A Life of Adventure, Dedication, and Service

Submitted by Myra Grant, former Vice President of Philanthropy for Pardee Hospital and Pardee Hospital Foundation.

Growing up in the Panama Canal zone with her parents, Anton and Azzie Holgerson, and five sisters, Jane’s childhood was shaped by cultural diversity and exploration. The vibrant flavors of local cuisine, particularly the cherished plantains, left an indelible mark on her palate and heart.

Upon relocating from California to North Carolina to be closer to her husband Milton’s roots in St. Simons, Georgia, Jane settled in Saluda. Her journey with the Pardee Hospital Foundation began in 1998 as a temporary campaign assistant during the Foundation’s inaugural capital fundraising effort. Quickly proving her talents, she transitioned into a full-time role as an administrative assistant, financial coordinator, and integral part of signature events like the Pardee Tournament, Gala, and Women Helping Women luncheon.

Colleagues fondly remember Jane’s calm demeanor and remarkable ability to connect with others. Her unwavering assurance and genuine warmth were instrumental in the success of countless events, earning her the admiration of all who worked alongside her.

Jane’s advocacy for Pardee Hospital’s community care was unwavering. She was a staunch supporter of the Women Helping Women program, recognizing its vital role in providing financial assistance to women facing breast cancer and other health challenges.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Jane was deeply involved in her community, volunteering with the United Way’s Day of Caring and supporting fundraising efforts for the hospital’s United Way initiatives. Her dedication extended to her church, Church of the Transformation in Saluda, and her extensive family scattered across the USA.

Jane retired in 2014 to care for her husband. She passed away this past December. 

As we honor Jane’s legacy, let us continue her mission of service by contributing to the Women Helping Women fund at Pardee Hospital Foundation. In doing so, we ensure that her impact on our community lives on, providing essential assistance to those in need for years to come.

 

Local Family Honors Their Father’s Legacy

Charles Waters, a Hendersonville attorney for 48 years, was a long-time friend and former member of the UNC Health Pardee board of directors. His connections to Pardee were personal too, as this was the place where all three of his children were born and where he later became a patient, receiving cancer treatment from the medical institution he supported as a board leader.

So it was no surprise when Mr. Waters passed away last fall that his children chose to honor his legacy with an enduring gift that celebrates the oncology nurses who were a critical part of their father’s experience during his end-of-life care. The newly established Charles Waters Memorial Fund will help oncology nurses obtain certifications to advance their careers and improve the care they provide for cancer patients at UNC Health Pardee.

We welcome the opportunity to speak with you about how you can honor your loved ones, like the Waters family did, with a gift to the Pardee Hospital Foundation.

Local Family Honors Their Father’s Legacy

Charles Waters, a Hendersonville attorney for 48 years, was a long-time friend and former member of the UNC Health Pardee board of directors. His connections to Pardee were personal too, as this was the place where all three of his children were born and where he later became a patient, receiving cancer treatment from the medical institution he supported as a board leader.

So it was no surprise when Mr. Waters passed away last fall that his children chose to honor his legacy with an enduring gift that celebrates the oncology nurses who were a critical part of their father’s experience during his end-of-life care. The newly established Charles Waters Memorial Fund will help oncology nurses obtain certifications to advance their careers and improve the care they provide for cancer patients at UNC Health Pardee.

We welcome the opportunity to speak with you about how you can honor your loved ones, like the Waters family did, with a gift to the Pardee Hospital Foundation.