More than 425 men and women gathered at Blue Ridge Community College on Friday, October 19 to raise over $166,000 to help uninsured and underinsured women at Pardee Hospital with health care expenses. In addition, a group of Pardee physicians raised $7,500 and challenged those in attendance to match their contribution. To date more than $9,000 has been raised in matched donations.
The money raised from Pardee Hospital’s Women Helping Women program provides financial assistance for breast cancer and breast health, heart disease, osteoporosis, other women’s cancers and critical needs for women’s health. In addition preventative screenings and treatment are available to qualified patients.
The 21st annual event, hosted by Pardee Hospital Foundation, honored the 2018 “Woman of Hope,” Lisa Bryant who shared her inspirational story of a Stage II breast cancer diagnosis in April of 2017 , twenty chemo sessions, a year of infusions and four surgeries. In August of 2018, she was declared cancer-free. Bryant, Artistic Director at Flat Rock Playhouse joins 56 past recipients as an honored Woman of Hope.
“I hope that I will always recall the kindness and compassion that was extended to me daily by so many people,” Bryant said. “I hope that I will always return that kindness and compassion and model leading with a caring heart as life’s journey continues.”
Each year, the event features a guest speaker who presents a message of hope and inspiration. This year, New York Times best selling author Kelly Corrigan shared her passion for cancer care and how it leads to a tremendous growth experience. Her message and her books have grown from her personal battle with breast cancer while caring for her father who was also undergoing cancer treatment.
