This issue of Vital Signs is dedicated to our Pardee Teammates, Volunteers & Donors |
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| Together Through the Storm:
Our Donors and Teammates Prove Resilience Shines Bright Dear Friends
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the incredible outpouring of donations and financial contributions we received in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene. Your generosity has significantly helped many of our teammates who have experienced unimaginable losses. Although several still have a long road to recovery, we are uplifted by your support in helping them rebuild their lives during this challenging time.
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This is a special edition of our newsletter, one where we are focusing most of our usual space here to celebrate our teammates, donors, and volunteers. The response from our community was overwhelming, and we are so thankful for the support that poured in to aid our teammates during their time of need. |
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What has truly left me in awe is how our Pardee teammates continued to show up for work, day in and day out, despite having sustained their own personal losses. Their dedication speaks volumes about the stellar workforce we have here at Pardee, and it’s a testament to their commitment to meeting the healthcare needs of our community. We are incredibly fortunate to have such caring and resilient individuals on our team.
I am deeply honored to work for such a caring and community-focused organization. Every day, I am humbled and inspired by the unwavering commitment of our donors and friends, who continue to stand by us and our mission. As we enter this season of giving, it’s impossible not to reflect on the losses we’ve all faced across the region. However, we have the most important thing to be grateful for: A compassionate community that comes together, shoulders the burdens, and walks alongside those in need.
In exciting news, we are pleased to announce that the new date for our Women Helping Women (WHW) luncheon is January 24. Please be sure to review the details below—we hope you’ll be able to join us for this very special event. Your earlier RSVP is still valid.
And we have a date and theme for the 2025 Spring Soiree, where we annually honor our Physician and Philanthropist of the Year. Check it out below and put the date on your calendar.
As mentioned, this issue of our newsletter is dedicated to our teammates affected by the storm. Below, you’ll read about two of them and their resilience and you'll also learn about a very special donor who went out of her way to support Pardee teammates by creating her very own corporate giving campaign all the way from New York.
Thank you for your unwavering support. Your contributions, no matter how great or small, demonstrate the incredible impact we can achieve together. The positive effects continue to ripple through our community! |
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"STRENGTH IN THE STORM" Stories of Resilience and Unity from Pardee Hospital Foundation and Our Community |
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Across our region, evidence of Tropical Storm Helene’s dramatic impact is everywhere: homes damaged, businesses disrupted, and lives upended.
Yet amid this widespread devastation, one constant remains—the unwavering dedication of our Pardee teammates.
Despite facing personal loss and hardship, they continued to show up and care for others, offering strength when it was needed most.
In partnership with UNC Health Pardee, our Foundation, and the generosity of donors and volunteers from near and far, we’ve come together to support our team through the storm's aftermath.
While we can’t capture every story of resilience and recovery, we’re honored to highlight three inspiring individuals who embody the spirit of strength, selflessness, and perseverance in times of crisis.
As you read about these remarkable team members, we hope you share in our sense of inspiration and gratitude, witnessing firsthand the courage and unity that make our community Mountain Strong. |
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When Tropical Storm Helene left Andrew Ruckman and his young son with nowhere to go, Pardee Hospital stepped up. Forced from his flooded home, Andrew found refuge at the hospital, where his team and the Pardee Hospital Foundation provided him with safe shelter, essential supplies, and resources to rebuild his life. Discover how Andrew’s story of resilience and community support highlights the strength that sustains our region in times of crisis.
Read Andrew's full story here. |
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In the wake of Tropical Storm Helene, Pardee’s Heather Carroll stepped up to help her colleagues and community despite her own challenges. Volunteering with the Pardee Hospital Foundation, she delivered supplies, cooked meals, and uplifted others, finding hope in the generosity around her. A simple note from a young child, “YOU GOT THIS,” became her turning point.
Read Heather’s inspiring story of resilience and compassion here. |
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After Tropical Storm Helene struck Western North Carolina, Hendersonville native Sarah Gudger, now in New York, felt a deep call to support her hometown. Unable to be here in person, Sarah launched a rapid-response fundraiser in partnership with Pardee Hospital Foundation, connecting donors nationwide to storm recovery efforts. Driven by gratitude for her roots and a desire to unite communities, Sarah’s campaign delivered vital aid and lasting connections.
Read Sarah Gudger's heartfelt story here |
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If you are Inspired by these Stories of Strength, Here are a few ways to Support Pardee’s Mission: |
If like us you have been touched by these stories of volunteerism, resilience and recovery, and you would like to support our teammates or Pardee Hospital's mission as a whole, here are just three options out of several. If you want to discuss your own ideas for supporting Pardee, please reach out to Executive Director, Amy Treece here.
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GRATEFUL PATIENTS
Through our Grateful Patients program, anyone can honor a Pardee physician, nurse, or care provider who made a difference for you or a loved one with a donation of any amount. The honoree receives a Grateful Patient thank you note, but the donation amount is not shared. |
| SHARING & CARING
A payroll contribution initiative that allows Pardee teammates to support their hospital and community directly. Teammates can make regular donations from their paychecks, funding essential hospital projects, patient care enhancements, and community health initiatives. |
| MOVING MOUNTAINS SOCIETY
Moving Mountains members are transformative donors committed to providing critically needed, unrestricted funds that address our community’s major healthcare needs. These donors make annual, unrestricted contributions, allowing the hospital to utilize their when and where needed. |
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New Date Announced for Pardee Hospital Foundation’s 27th Annual Women Helping Women Luncheon |
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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 Luncheon will be at Blue Ridge Community College Conference Hall at Noon.
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 annual Women Helping Women Luncheon is an annual tradition, bringing 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 2 breast cancer twelve years after losing her daughter to leukemia, McCloud’s powerful story continues to inspire women to face their battles with courage. The presenting sponsor, First Bank of Hendersonville, continues its generous support, making this event possible.
Don’t miss out on your chance to attend or sponsor this impactful event.
For more information, contact Executive Director Amy Treece at [email protected] or call 828-233-2700. |
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The 2025 Spring Soiree, a highlight of the community calendar, is set to be truly memorable. Guests can look forward to an exquisite dinner, live entertainment, and an exciting silent auction, all in the spirit of celebration and togetherness. The evening will honor the Philanthropist and Physician of the Year, showcasing the strength and support within our community for UNC Health Pardee. Most importantly, your presence will directly contribute to addressing urgent needs at the hospital in the months ahead.
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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.
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