Pardee Hospital Foundation

For the first time in Pardee Hospital Foundation’s history, every dollar the Foundation invested in UNC Health Pardee during fiscal year 2026 was connected to a specific project, program or equipment need.

This milestone represents an important step forward in how we share the impact of philanthropy with our donors. By partnering with the UNC Health Pardee Accounting Department, the Foundation can provide an even greater understanding of how charitable giving strengthens healthcare across our community.

From advanced technology and lifesaving equipment to patient support programs and essential services, every gift helps ensure our physicians, nurses and care teams have the tools they need to deliver exceptional care close to home.

Because of our donors, FY2026 Foundation funding supported:

Cancer Care

• Linear Accelerator Technology – Supporting more precise radiation therapy treatments for cancer patients.
• Women Helping Women Breast Cancer Initiatives – Providing critical resources to enhance breast cancer diagnosis, treatment and patient support.
• Oncology Pharmacy Improvements – Strengthening medication management and care for patients receiving cancer treatment.
• Lymphedema Therapy Equipment – Expanding supportive services that improve quality of life for cancer survivors.

Cardiovascular Care

• Advanced Cardiac Monitoring Systems – Providing caregivers with technology to monitor and respond to patients’ heart health needs.
• Echocardiography Equipment – Supporting accurate diagnosis and evaluation of cardiovascular conditions.
• Cardiac Rehabilitation Technology – Enhancing recovery and long-term wellness for heart patients.
• EKG Equipment for Mills River Urgent Care – Expanding access to essential cardiac diagnostics in our community.

Surgical Care

• Aquablation Technology – Bringing advanced treatment options for men’s health and urologic care.
• Surgical Visualization Technology – Enhancing precision and supporting complex procedures.
• Spine Microscope Technology – Supporting advanced orthopedic and spine procedures.
• Operating Room Equipment Upgrades – Ensuring surgical teams have the tools needed to provide safe, high-quality care.

Neurology & ALS Care

• ALS Clinic Support – Helping sustain specialized clinic services for patients living with ALS and their families.
• Neurology Equipment and Technology – Supporting diagnosis, treatment and mobility care for neurological conditions.
• Neurodiagnostic Equipment – Enhancing the ability to evaluate and manage complex neurological needs.

Women’s & Children’s Services

• OB Equipment Enhancements – Supporting safe, compassionate care for expectant mothers and newborns.
• Pediatric Cardiac Ultrasound Technology – Helping physicians evaluate and care for younger patients.
• Women’s Health Equipment – Strengthening services that support women at every stage of life.

Emergency & Diagnostic Services

• Mobile Imaging Technology – Improving access to diagnostic imaging where and when patients need it.
• Radiology Equipment Enhancements – Supporting faster, more accurate diagnosis.
• Emergency Care Technology – Equipping care teams with resources to respond quickly to patient needs.

Patient Support & Essential Needs

• Essential Patient Equipment – Providing resources such as mobility and patient care equipment that improve safety and comfort.
• Patient Assistance Programs – Supporting programs designed to remove barriers and help patients focus on healing.
• Volunteer Services Support – Strengthening programs that enhance the patient experience.

Behind-the-Scenes Care

• Environmental Services Equipment – Helping maintain a safe, clean healthcare environment for patients and caregivers.
• Hospital Technology and Infrastructure Improvements – Supporting the systems and resources that keep care moving forward.
• Care Team Resources – Investing in the tools and services that allow providers and staff to focus on what matters most — caring for patients.

FY2026 Impact at a Glance

• 30+ projects funded across UNC Health Pardee
• More than $1.3 million invested in care, technology and services
• Every Foundation-funded project connected to a specific hospital need

See the complete list of FY2026 Foundation-funded projects.

Planning for the future is one of the most meaningful gifts you can give your loved ones. Yet creating a will is something many of us put off.

National Make-a-Will Month is a reminder that taking this step doesn’t have to be difficult. Whether you’re creating your first will or updating an existing plan, having your wishes documented can bring peace of mind.

Why It Matters

A will helps ensure your wishes are honored while making things easier for those you love. It can help you:

• Protect you and your loved ones.
• Decide how your assets will be distributed.
• Name guardians for minor children, if needed.
• Reduce uncertainty during a difficult time.
• Establish a legacy that reflects your values.

A complete estate plan also includes important documents like an Advance Healthcare Directive and Durable Financial Power of Attorney, helping ensure your healthcare and financial wishes are known if you’re ever unable to communicate them yourself.

A Simple Way to Get Started

To make estate planning more accessible, Pardee Hospital Foundation offers complimentary access to Giving Docs, a secure online platform that helps individuals create or update essential estate planning documents from the comfort of home.

For many people with straightforward planning needs, Giving Docs is an easy place to begin. If your estate or family situation is more complex, an estate planning attorney and financial advisors can help create a plan that’s right for you.

A Legacy That Lasts

Your legacy is deeply personal. While most people begin by planning for family, some also choose to include a charitable gift to support causes that are important to them.

Designating Pardee Hospital Foundation in your estate plan is one way to help advance healthcare close to home. Legacy gifts help support patient care, innovative technology, and the future health of our community for generations to come.

No matter what your plans include, having them documented is one of the most caring things you can do for the people you love.

Learn more about Giving Docs and their suite of estate planning tools.

Pardee Hospital Foundation celebrated three decades of philanthropy and community impact during Pardee Royale, the Foundation’s signature summer event, while unveiling the next chapter in its mission to advance healthcare close to home.

Close to 300 guests gathered at Blue Ridge Community College of Saturday, July 25, to commemorate the Foundation’s 30th anniversary, recognize the 2026 Philanthropist and Physician of the Year, and learn how philanthropy will help create a therapeutic outdoor healing environment for the future Pardee Adolescent Behavioral Health Center.

The evening featured remarks from John Bryant, Vice President of Operations and Support Services for UNC Health Pardee, who introduced TC Strong founder, Rik Emaus. Emaus shared his personal story and his commitment to advancing adolescent behavioral health, reinforcing the importance of the Foundation’s philanthropic initiative. Guests also heard from Jay Kirby, President and CEO of UNC Health Pardee, who reflected on the Foundation’s 30-year legacy of community impact before inviting attendees to raise a toast to the next 30 years of advancing healthcare through philanthropy.

“For 30 years, our community has shown what’s possible when generosity meets purpose,” said Amy Treece, executive director of Pardee Hospital Foundation. “As we celebrate this milestone, we’re also looking ahead. The Adolescent Behavioral Health Center represents an important opportunity in our Foundation’s history to improve the lives of children and families, and we’re inviting our community to help make that vision a reality.”

During the program, the Foundation invited community members to help establish a legacy of support for adolescent behavioral healthcare by supporting the fundraising efforts centered around the outdoor healing environment. Donors will be recognized on a permanent donor recognition wall, honoring those whose generosity helps create a healing environment designed specifically for young patients being treated in the Center.

The evening also celebrated two individuals whose extraordinary leadership, compassion and commitment to serving others embody the values that have defined Pardee Hospital Foundation for the past 30 years.

Debbie Harris was honored as the 2026 Philanthropist of the Year for her unwavering dedication to raising awareness and supporting patients and families across Western North Carolina. A breast cancer survivor, Harris has transformed her personal journey into a commitment to giving back—championing access to cancer care and inspiring others through her generosity. Her passion for ensuring others receive the same compassionate care she experienced has made a substantial impact and truly reflects the power of philanthropy.

The Foundation also recognized Dr. Stephen Gamboa as the 2026 Physician of the Year for his exceptional clinical excellence, compassionate patient care and leadership. As an emergency medicine physician at UNC Health Pardee, Dr. Gamboa is respected not only for the outstanding care he provides to patients every date, but also for the calm, collaborative leadership he demonstrated during Hurricane Helene, his commitment to mentoring colleagues and his dedication to strengthening emergency care throughout the region. His unwavering commitment to serving others exemplifies the mission and values of UNC Health Pardee.

In recognition of its 30^th anniversary, the Foundation reflected on three decades of community generosity through a special commemorative video celebrating the donors, volunteers, healthcare leaders and community partners whose support has helped transform healthcare in Henderson County and across the surrounding communities. The tribute highlighted the lasting impact made possible by a community that continues to invest in exceptional healthcare for its neighbors, friends and families.

For 30 years, Pardee Hospital Foundation has served as a bridge between community generosity and better healthcare, investing more than $50 million in programs, technology, facilities and services that have expanded access to care and strengthened UNC Health Pardee. The anniversary celebration served as a reminder that every milestone has been made possible through the support of donors and the community.

Pardee Hospital Foundation also extends its sincere appreciation to presenting sponsors Vannoy Construction and LS3P, along with the event sponsors, volunteers, planning committee members and supporters whose generosity made the entire evening possible.

As the Foundation begins its next 30 years, community members are invited to become founding members of the Pardee Adolescent Behavioral Health Center initiative and help create a legacy of hope, healing and compassionate care for generations to come.

For more information about Pardee Hospital Foundation and ways you can support, visit pardeehospitalfoundation.org or call 828.233.2700.

About Pardee Hospital Foundation

Pardee Hospital Foundation raises funds to support UNC Health Pardee in delivering exceptional healthcare close to home. Since 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.