Pardee Hospital Foundation

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.

Honoring a Physician Who Leads with Compassion, Purpose and Service

Exceptional physicians are often remembered for the lives they save. The most extraordinary, however, are remembered for the way they care for others, inspire those around them, and strengthen an entire community.

The Pardee Hospital Foundation is proud to recognize Dr. Stephen Gamboa as UNC Health Pardee’s 2026 Physician of the Year, honoring a physician whose dedication, leadership, and compassion have made a lasting impact on patients, colleagues, and the organization he serves.

As an Emergency Medicine physician, Dr. Gamboa is often there during life’s most uncertain moments. Patients and families rely on his expertise during times of crisis, while fellow physicians and caregivers look to him for thoughtful leadership, steady guidance, and unwavering support.

While his clinical excellence is widely respected, those who know Dr. Gamboa best say it is his character that truly sets him apart.

“Steve brings intention and intelligence to every encounter, whether as a leader, physician, or colleague,” said Dr. Joel Callahan. “He has a remarkable ability to see the big picture while meeting people where they are. His humor and kindness create an immediate sense of trust and connection.”

Those qualities became especially evident during Hurricane Helene, when catastrophic flooding, widespread power outages, and damaged infrastructure left much of Western North Carolina isolated from essential services. As one of the region’s few accessible healthcare facilities, UNC Health Pardee became a critical lifeline for emergency medical care.

With communication systems unavailable, Dr. Gamboa quickly organized regular meetings for physicians throughout the hospital, ensuring medical teams remained connected and coordinated while continuing to care for patients under extraordinary circumstances.

The experience and lessons learned from Pardee’s response were later published in the Annals of Emergency Medicine, highlighting the resilience, innovation, and teamwork that enabled a rural healthcare system to continue serving patients during one of the region’s most challenging times.

For Greg McCarty, Chief Medical Officer at UNC Health Pardee, Dr. Gamboa’s recognition reflects the qualities that define exceptional physician leadership.

“Steve represents the very best of UNC Health Pardee,” said McCarty. “He combines exceptional clinical expertise with humility, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to serving others. Whether caring for patients, mentoring colleagues, or leading during times of uncertainty, Steve consistently brings out the best in those around him.”

“He understands that great healthcare is built on trust, teamwork, and genuine human connection. His leadership has strengthened our medical staff, our culture, and ultimately the care we provide to our community. We are proud to recognize him as our 2026 Physician of the Year.”

Originally from Charleston, South Carolina, Dr. Gamboa earned his medical degree from the UNC School of Medicine and has devoted his career to advancing emergency medicine while mentoring future physicians. Outside the hospital, he enjoys running, cycling, practicing yoga, and exploring the mountains of Western North Carolina with his wife, Dr. Olivia Gamboa.

Some people give because they are asked.

Others give because they have experienced firsthand the difference compassion can make.

For Debbie Harris, philanthropy began with a simple question she asked while receiving treatment at Pardee’s Cancer Center:

“How can I help other women?”

That question became a mission.

For nearly three decades, Debbi has faced breast cancer with extraordinary courage, resilience, and unwavering faith. Since her first diagnosis, she has endured multiple recurrences, surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation, and ongoing treatment for metastatic breast cancer. Through every challenge, she has chosen not to let cancer define her. Instead, she has used her experience to encourage others, offer hope, and ensure that women facing breast cancer know they are never alone.

Inspired by her own journey, Debbi and her family transformed gratitude into action by launching Puttin’ for Pink at Fireside Golf in 2023. What began as a family fundraiser has quickly become an annual tradition, bringing together survivors, caregivers, families, and supporters to celebrate hope while raising critical funds for Women Helping Women, a program of Pardee Hospital Foundation.

The event has become more than a fundraiser—it is a celebration of resilience, compassion, and community. Through the generosity of Debbi, her husband Mike, their daughters Maddison and McKenzie, their son Colby, the Fireside Golf family, sponsors, volunteers, and participants, Puttin’ for Pink continues to help local women receive the support and resources they need throughout their breast cancer journey.

“Debbi reminds us that philanthropy isn’t measured simply by dollars given,” said Amy Treece, executive director of Pardee Hospital Foundation. “It is measured by the love, compassion, and hope we share with others. She has taken one of life’s greatest challenges and transformed it into a mission that continues to encourage, uplift, and support women throughout our community.”

Debbi often says that everyone has a story. She believes that if we have the ability to help others, we also have a responsibility to do so. Her willingness to share her journey has inspired countless women and serves as a reminder that even in life’s most difficult moments, we each have the power to make a difference.

For her extraordinary generosity, unwavering faith, and dedication to helping others, Pardee Hospital Foundation was proud to recognize Debbi Harris as the 2026 Philanthropist of the Year during Pardee Royale.

Congratulations, Debbi, and thank you for showing our community what it truly means to love humanity through service, compassion, and hope.