Pardee Hospital Foundation Opens Nominations for 2026 Physician of the Year

Christine Gordon on February 24, 2026

Hendersonville, N.C. — The Pardee Hospital Foundation is now accepting nominations for its annual Physician of the Year Award, which honors a physician whose career is defined by medical excellence, compassionate patient care, and a commitment to improving the lives of people throughout the community. Nominations may be submitted online through April 1, 2026 at pardeehospitalfoundation.org/physician-of-the-year.

The Physician of the Year Award recognizes a member of the current UNC Health Pardee Medical Staff who has made a lasting impact on patients, colleagues, and the broader community. Nominees should demonstrate a love for the profession of medicine and a commitment to enriching the field through clinical excellence, leadership, and service. Previous recipients are not eligible for consideration.

“The Physician of the Year Award is our way of celebrating the incredible physicians who make a difference every day,” said Amy Treece, Executive Director of Pardee Hospital Foundation. “These are individuals whose skill, dedication, and compassion touch the lives of patients, families, and our entire community. We encourage everyone to share their stories and help us honor a truly deserving physician this year.”

Nominations may be submitted by any individual on behalf of a physician and should address the nominee’s personal and career activities, as well as the qualities that exemplify excellence in patient care and service to the community including:

Exemplary medical expertise
Unmatched dedication to compassionate patient care
Commitment to improving the health and well-being of others.

Once nominations are received, the UNC Health Pardee medical staff will vote to select this year’s honoree. Individuals who have previously received the Physician of the Year and posthumous nominations will not be accepted.

Past recipients of the Physician of the Year Award include:

Dr. Ken Shelton
Dr. James Caserio
Dr. Stuart Glassman
Dr. Eric Byrd
Dr. Peter Goodfield
Dr. Betsy Merrell
Dr. Werner Brooks
Dr. Chris Parsons
Dr. Jennifer McAlister
Dr. Joel Callahan
Dr. Navin Anthony
Dr. David Price

The 2026 Physician of the Year will be announced and honored during the Foundation’s summer gala, Pardee Royale, on Saturday, July 26, 2026.

For more information or to submit a nomination, visit: pardeehospitalfoundation.org/physician-of-the-year.

About Pardee Hospital Foundation
Pardee Hospital Foundation raises funds to support UNC Health Pardee in delivering exceptional healthcare close to home. For 30 years, since its founding in 1996, the Foundation has partnered with generous donors and community organizations to fund lifesaving technology, critical programs, and facility enhancements that advance patient care throughout Western North Carolina. To learn more, visit pardeehospitalfoundation.org.

Pardee Hospital Foundation Celebrates 30 Years of Community Impact, Announces 2026 Signature Events

Christine Gordon on February 18, 2026

Hendersonville, N.C. — The Pardee Hospital Foundation is celebrating 30 years of serving the community in 2026 and marking the milestone with two signature fundraising events that will support vital healthcare programs and initiatives across the region.

Founded in 1996, the Foundation has spent three decades advancing Pardee’s mission through philanthropy by strengthening patient care, expanding access to services, and investing in the health and well-being of the community.

“This year represents an important milestone for our Foundation,” said Amy Treece, Executive Director of the Pardee Hospital Foundation. “For 30 years, our donors, sponsors, and community partners have helped ensure that Pardee remains a trusted source of compassionate, high-quality care. We are excited to honor that legacy while continuing to invest in the future of healthcare in our region.”

Pardee Royale: Celebrating 30 Years of Impact
The Foundation’s premier fundraising event of the year, Pardee Royale, will take place on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at the Blue Ridge Community Center.

This special evening will celebrate the Foundation’s 30th anniversary while honoring the Physician of the Year and Healthcare Champion Award recipient (formerly Philanthropist of the Year). Proceeds from the event will benefit the Pardee Adolescent Behavioral Health program, which provides critical support and services to teens experiencing mental health crises.

Inspired by the hit television series Palm Royale, this year’s theme will transport guests to the glamour of Palm Beach with festive cocktails, live music, and curated culinary experiences.

“Pardee Royale reflects both our commitment to excellence and our dedication to serving some of our most vulnerable patients,” said Dr. Yaseen Zia, Chair of the Pardee Hospital Foundation Board. “The funds raised through this event directly support programs that help young people and families navigate mental health challenges. It’s a powerful example of philanthropy in action.”

Sponsorship opportunities for Pardee Royale and tickets are now available. Sponsorships range from Presenting Sponsor to Foundation Ambassadors. Individual tickets are $150. Sponsorship and ticket information is available online – pardeehospitalfoundation.org/all-events/summer-gala

Women Helping Women Luncheon
The Foundation will host its annual Women Helping Women Luncheon on Friday, October 23, 2026. The Women Helping Women program provides critical financial support to women who need medical care but cannot afford the cost, helping bridge gaps during times of greatest need

The luncheon is a beloved community tradition, bringing together more than 400 supporters each year and serving as a hallmark event for the Pardee Hospital Foundation. Additional details, including sponsorship opportunities, ticket sales, keynote speaker, and program highlights, will be announced in the coming months.

Continuing a Legacy of Care
Over the past 30 years, the Pardee Hospital Foundation has supported programs, advanced technology, patient assistance, and community outreach initiatives. Through the generosity of donors and sponsors, the Foundation continues to strengthen Pardee’s ability to meet the evolving healthcare needs of western North Carolina.

“Our 30th anniversary is both a celebration and a promise,” Treece added. “We are honoring the past while recommitting ourselves to building a healthier future for generations to come.”

For more information about sponsorships, tickets, or upcoming events, visit pardeehospitalfoundation.org or contact the Pardee Hospital Foundation at 828-233-2700 or [email protected].

Pardee Hospital Foundation Fall 2025 Newsletter

Christine Gordon on September 29, 2025

Image reads: From the desk of the Executive Director

Dear Friends,

As we share Pardee Hospital Foundation’s 2024-2025 Annual Report, I am filled with gratitude for what we accomplished together this past year. Each page reflects your generosity, compassion, and belief in the power of community.

Thanks to your support, we expanded programs like Women Helping Women, invested in our teammates’ professional growth through the Circle of Caring Scholarship, and provided comfort and essential resources to patients through the Essentials Program. Together we stood strong after Hurricane Helene, ensuring our hospital teammates had the support they needed so they could continue to care for our community in the most difficult of times.

These stories are a testament to what is possible when we come together. But they also remind us that our work is never finished.

Looking ahead, we are excited to welcome keynote speaker Jamie Valvano at this fall’s Women Helping Women Luncheon on Friday, October 24. This annual event continues to raise critical funds to break down barriers to care for women across our region. Sponsorships and tickets are still available.

And in 2026, Pardee Hospital Foundation will celebrate a milestone nearly three decades in the making—our 30th Anniversary. It will be a time to honor our past, reflect on the impact we’ve made together, and look forward to the next chapter of service and innovation.

I invite you to read our Annual Report and see how your support has touched lives across Henderson, Polk, and Transylvania counties. Most of all, I want to thank you for being a partner in this work. With your continued commitment, the best is yet to come.

With heartfelt appreciation,

See how your generosity made a difference this year—read the full Annual Report.

P.S. Be sure to check out our Save the Dates section below so you can mark your calendar for all of the important events ahead.

“Only 32% of Americans have a legal will.”

If you were given $10,000—or even $10 million, wouldn’t you want to decide how to use it? Of course you would. Yet without a will or beneficiary designations, those decisions are taken out of your hands.

Even icons like Prince, Bob Marley, Pablo Picasso, and Princess Diana passed without legal wills. Their estates faced years of disputes, and assets often weren’t used in ways that matched their passions. Imagine the lost opportunities for music, healthcare, education, and global philanthropy because a few papers were never completed.

You have the power to write a different story. By establishing a will or making a planned gift, you decide how your legacy will live on. At Pardee Hospital Foundation, planned gifts directly support local healthcare, expanding cancer care, strengthening women’s health, advancing lifesaving technology, and ensuring compassionate care for generations to come.

Your estate, no matter the size, can reflect your values and create lasting change in the community you love. It only takes a little planning today to make a difference for years to come.

Don’t leave your legacy to chance. Ensure your interests become your impact by including Pardee Hospital Foundation in your plans.

To learn more, contact us at (828) 233-2700 or visit pardeehospitalfoundation.org.

New Leadership and Board Members Join Pardee Hospital Foundation

Pardee Hospital Foundation is pleased to announce the election of a new Executive Committee and the addition of five new members to its Board of Directors. Each new board member will serve a three-year term through 2028.

Dr. Yaseen Zia, radiation oncologist, has been named the new Board Chair. Since joining the Board in 2022, Dr. Zia has provided invaluable leadership and brings a unique clinical perspective to the Foundation’s mission of advancing regional healthcare. Joining him on the Executive Committee are Bill Jansen (Vice Chair), Heather Ward (Treasurer), and Nicola Barksdale (Secretary).

The Foundation also welcomes four outstanding new Board members:
Dr. Joel Callahan – UNC Health Pardee neurologist, former Chief of Staff, and 2023 Pardee Physician of the Year. He founded the Circle of Caring program, which supports Pardee Teammates pursuing healthcare education.

Dr. Mark Goldstein – Retired child and forensic psychologist with deep expertise in behavioral health. An active supporter of Pardee’s Cancer Center through Kenmure Fights Cancer, he will also help guide the Foundation’s support of adolescent behavioral health.

Vaughan Matthews – Returning board member and past Chair with more than 28 years in business leadership. He and his wife, Kiki, were named Philanthropists of the Year in 2022 for their commitment to community healthcare.

Lynde Mickey, RN – Nursing instructor at Blue Ridge Community College and former Pardee Teammate, Lynde is passionate about strengthening 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.”

Pardee Hospital Foundation Welcomes Christine Brackett Gordon as Marketing & Communications Manager

Pardee Hospital Foundation is excited to welcome Christine Brackett Gordon as our new marketing and communications manager. Christine brings more than 23 years of experience in health care marketing, public relations, and brand strategy. Most recently, she served as director of marketing and public relations at Erlanger Health in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Christine and her family recently relocated to western North Carolina, and she looks forward to using her expertise to share the Foundation’s impact and strengthen connections with our community.

Join Us for the 2025 Women Helping Women Luncheon

You’re invited to join more than 400 community members at this year’s Women Helping Women Luncheon on Friday, October 24, at Blue Ridge Community College. This signature event raises essential funds to ensure women in our community have access to the critical healthcare they need, regardless of ability to pay.

For 26 years, Women Helping Women has been a powerful force for good—supporting patients with diagnostic mammograms, lab tests, MRIs, biopsies, surgeries, infusions, and other vital women’s health needs. Together, we can continue to bridge the gap for women in their moment of greatest need.

This year’s luncheon will also feature Jamie Valvano as keynote speaker. A breast cancer survivor and daughter of legendary coach Jim Valvano, Jamie shares an inspiring story of courage, perseverance, and hope that will move and motivate all who attend.

Sponsorships and tickets are still available!

Reserve your seat today and make a direct impact on women’s health in our community.

UNC Health Pardee Opens ALS Clinic to Expand Neurological Care

UNC Health Pardee is proud to announce the opening of a dedicated Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Clinic, the first multidisciplinary clinic of its kind in the region. This specialized clinic brings together neuromuscular neurologists, respiratory therapy, speech-language pathology, nutrition, physical and occupational therapy, and social work to provide comprehensive, coordinated care for individuals living with ALS.

Led by Dr. Hannah Machemehl, a neuromuscular neurologist with specialized ALS expertise, and supported by Dr. Ben Rardin, the clinic is designed to meet the unique needs of patients and their families while minimizing travel burdens. Currently, over 130 ALS patients in western North Carolina travel more than 90 minutes for care—now they can access holistic support close to home.

This important expansion of services was made possible in part through the efforts of the Pardee Hospital Foundation, which helped secure funding from the ALS Association’s Hoffman ALS Clinic Development Awards program. Through philanthropy, the Foundation continues to play a vital role in advancing specialized care and expanding services for patients in our community.

The ALS Clinic is located at Pardee Neurology Associates, 2775 Hendersonville Rd., Suite 250, Arden, and operates once a month.

For more information about the ALS Clinic and its team, call 828-694-4552 or visit pardeehospital.org.

Upcoming Events & Givebacks

October 2025

Oct. 1–31 | Green River BBQ Give Back – $1 from every chopped chicken plate/sandwich supports the Women Helping Women Fund.

Oct. 1–31 | Campfire Grill Give Back – $5 of each Pink Lady Lemonade supports the Women Helping Women Fund.

Mondays in October (starting Oct. 6) | Tooley’s Café Give Back – A portion of sales supports Women Helping Women.

Tuesdays in October (starting Oct. 7) | AlyKatDeli Give Back – 10% of sales and support Women Helping Women

Oct. 4 | Go Pink Day with Mammo on the Go at Hendersonville Farmer’s Market – Celebrate breast cancer awareness and community support.

Oct. 8 | Mammo on the Go – BlueMD Brevard

Oct. 17 | Mammo on the Go – First Bank Main Street Office

Oct. 18 | Putting for Pink – Fireside Golf

Oct. 22 | Mammo on the Go – Grace Foods, Mills Spring

Oct. 24 | Women Helping Women Luncheon – Blue Ridge Community College

December 2025

Dec. 2 | Giving Tuesday – A global day of generosity benefiting Pardee Hospital Foundation.

April 2026

Apr. 25 | She Slays 5K – Save the date for this empowering run/walk to support women’s health.

Supporting Our Community’s Health
Pardee Hospital Foundation is dedicated to raising funds and awareness to meet the specific needs of UNC Health Pardee. As a non-profit public hospital owned by Henderson County but not funded by it, UNC Health Pardee relies on community support to advance patient care, enhance technology, foster research, and support vital clinical programs. Through the generosity of our donors, the Foundation ensures that UNC Health Pardee will continue to provide exceptional care and inspire health for generations to come.

Pardee Hospital Foundation | 561 Fleming St, Hendersonville, NC 28739

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