In partnership with UNC Health Pardee, our Foundation, and the generosity of our donors, we have come together to support our team in the aftermath of the storm. Though we cannot share every one of the many stories of resilience, generosity, and recovery, we are proud to highlight three stories that embody the spirit of strength, selflessness, and resilience that has emerged during this challenging time.

Pardee Hospital Foundation Provides  Lifeline to Employee After Devastating Flood

On September 26, 2024, Andrew Ruckman made the crucial decision to pick up his son, sensing the approaching storm. After discussing it with his son’s mother, they agreed it was best for the child to stay with him. The next morning, as Andrew looked out the window, he saw the water rising rapidly. Realizing his home was about to flood, he told his little boy they were going on a trip to Grandma’s house, trying to keep him calm amidst the growing uncertainty.

Before they could leave, a neighbor knocked on his door, warning him that the water was already at the doorstep and advising him to move his car. Andrew quickly grabbed his son and what belongings he could carry, unsure of how high the water would rise. Unfortunately, the floodwaters and fallen trees blocked their way, making it impossible to reach Grandma’s or return his son to his mother.

At that moment, Andrew felt lucky to have his son with him. Had he stayed behind alone, he might have tried to fight the rising water, unaware of the severity of the flooding.

With nowhere else to go, Andrew headed to Pardee Hospital, where he works in the Cardiovascular department. While he didn’t expect special treatment, the hospital welcomed him and his son, offering them a safe place to sleep until the storm subsided. The next morning, after ensuring his son was safely back with his mother, Andrew returned to his apartment, only to find the entire first floor submerged. His living room, dining room, kitchen, and belongings were destroyed.

Upon hearing about the Pardee Hospital Foundation’s assistance, Andrew reached out—and they didn’t hesitate to help. They provided a storage unit for the few items he could salvage and arranged for an Airbnb while he figured out his next steps. By the end of that week, with their support, he could secure a new apartment and move in by the weekend.

But the Foundation’s help didn’t end there. They informed Andrew that he was eligible for financial aid to help recover from his losses. They also kept him updated on donations of household items, such as pots, pans, towels, and even children’s books—particularly meaningful since some of the hardest things to lose were his son’s toys and books.

“Throughout this ordeal, I’ve never been prouder to work for Pardee Hospital,” he said. “The overwhelming support from the Pardee Foundation and my coworkers have helped me rebuild my life and provide a safe home for my children. I am truly grateful to everyone who stepped in to help during this difficult time.”   Andrew Ruckman, Lead Coordinator, Pardee Cardiology Associates

Rising Above the Storm: A Story of Volunteerism and Resilience

In the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene, Heather Carroll, a Radiology Receptionist at Pardee, found herself not only facing personal challenges but also deeply affected by the loss experienced by her fellow teammates. “When I finally got my phone working and was able to reach out to those in need, my heart broke,” Heather recalls, as she learned of the devastation her coworkers faced.

Despite her own hardships, Heather immediately turned her focus to helping others. Volunteering with the Pardee Hospital Foundation, she assisted employees in gathering essential items for their homes and families, donated clothes and personal care items, and even cooked meals for her neighbors while her power was out. Once her electricity was restored, she continued to help by donating non-perishable food to those still in need. “It makes my heart so full to be able to help others,” Heather reflects.

The empathy and support from the Pardee Hospital Foundation stood out to Heather during this time. “I’ve never worked anywhere that cared so much about their teammates,” she shares, describing how the Foundation provided both material support and emotional comfort to employees. Though her own home was spared from damage, Heather was initially hesitant to accept help but was encouraged by the Foundation to take what she needed. “They made me feel comfortable and even encouraged me to ask for more if I needed it.”

Helping others profoundly impacted Heather, shifting her perspective from fear to hope. “We are one huge community that can and has come together as one,” she says, recognizing how sharing stories of loss and survival strengthened the community’s bonds. Volunteering reminded her that no one should go through difficult times alone. “Helping my fellow teammates reminded me that we all lost something on September 27, 2024, and it’s a day none of us will ever forget.”

A turning point for Heather came on her first day of volunteering when she opened a box and found a note from a 7-year-old child that read, “YOU GOT THIS.” Overwhelmed with emotion, Heather says that moment shifted her outlook. “That’s the day I went from being scared and heartbroken to hopeful—hopeful that we can rebuild, that we are stronger than the storm.”

Uniting Communities: A Native’s Commitment to Supporting Pardee Through Storm Recovery

Sarah Gudger, a native of Hendersonville, felt an overwhelming need to help her hometown after Tropical Storm Helene devastated the area. Though living in New York, Sarah’s deep ties to Western North Carolina, and particularly Pardee Hospital, made the disaster personal. “Pardee has been a constant in my family’s life for decades, and my grandmother was on its first nursing staff,” she shared.

Unable to physically return, Sarah tapped into her fundraising expertise to make an impact from afar. After reconnecting with Debbie Rouse, a Pardee Hospital Foundation board member, she knew exactly where to focus her efforts. “I instantly knew this was the cause I wanted to support,” she said.

Sarah’s grassroots approach brought together a community of donors from across the country. She partnered with Pardee Hospital Foundation’s team, quickly launching a campaign that raised significant support for storm recovery efforts. “We had our own fundraiser up and running within five days of the storm! People were so thankful to have a way to directly contribute to an affected community.”
For Sarah, this effort was about more than raising funds—it was about uniting communities. “Fundraising isn’t just about money; it’s about building relationships and trust,” she explained. Her campaign provided essential support for storm recovery and strengthened the bonds between her New York network and the Western North Carolina community she holds dear. “Helping my hometown was the least I could do for the place that raised me. Sarah Gudger is a senior analyst with a research and strategy firm in New York.