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.
Our Highest Fundraising Priority
Help Build Spaces that Heal
The Pardee Adolescent Behavioral Health Center is a transformational investment in the future of our community. Pardee Hospital Foundation is raising $750,000 to create an outdoor therapeutic healing space where adolescents can reduce stress, reconnect with nature, participate in therapeutic activities.
Your generosity will help create an environment that extends healing beyond four walls and offers hope to teens and their families for generations to come.
Help us reach our $750,000 goal and build a place where healing can grow.
National Make-a-Will Month: A Simple Step That Protects the People You Love
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 Celebrates 30 Years of Community Impact, Honors Philanthropist and Physician of the Year and Looks to the Future of Adolescent Behavioral Health
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 30th 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.
Dr. Stephen Gamboa Named UNC Health Pardee’s 2026 Physician of the Year
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.
