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October 2023

Foundation Friends,

UNC Health Pardee turns pink in October in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed among women in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. This month we honor the women presently fighting this disease, the caregivers and medical professionals working tirelessly to help women survive and thrive, and the loved ones we have lost to this terrible disease.

Pardee will hold activities throughout the month to recognize survivors and their caregivers, and I encourage you to review those events and participate as you are able.

In addition, Pardee Hospital Foundation is celebrating the 26th year of its Women Helping Women program with our annual luncheon on October 20th at Blue Ridge Community College. This luncheon brings together over 400 community supporters to raise funds and awareness for Women Helping Women, a program that provides financial assistance to uninsured and underinsured women in the prevention and treatment of cancer. You’ll read more about one of our founding members of Women Helping Women in our monthly Volunteer Spotlight and find more information about our luncheon in Upcoming Events.

The Foundation team welcomes the opportunity to talk with you about your philanthropic giving and the hospital’s needs. Please reach out to us at (828) 233-2700 or Amy.Treece@unchealth.unc.edu.

With gratitude,

Amy Treece

Executive Director

Pardee Turns Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

There are many ways to support cancer patients and their families this month:

• Wear pink for breast cancer awareness every Thursday during the month of October.
• Thursday, October 5 from 4-10 pm: Hops for Hope, our Breast Cancer Awareness Month Kickoff and Survivor Celebration. This is a family-friendly community event at Dry Falls Brewery in Hendersonville with a portion of proceeds going to benefit the Women Helping Women fund. The Mammo on the Go bus will be on site for screening mammograms. 
• Thursday, October 12: Breast Cancer Program Staff Appreciation Day – community members are encouraged to write thank you notes and drop them off at the Foundation office so they can be delivered to the Breast Cancer Center staff.
• Saturday, October 14: Puttin’ for Pink at Fireside Golf. Get your putters ready for a fun-filled event that aims to raise awareness and funds for Women Helping Women. Whether you're a seasoned mini golfer or just starting out, this event promises a fantastic time for all. Click here for more information on how to register a team.
• Friday, October 20 at 12 noon: Women Helping Women Luncheon at Blue Ridge Community College. This annual event supports our Women Helping Women program. Read more in our 'Upcoming Events' section and get your tickets before they are gone!
• Thursday, October 26 from 5-8 pm: Free Mammogram Night at the Pardee Breast Imaging Center (address: 807 N. Justice Street, Hendersonville). Pre-registration is required. Please call 828.698.7184. Participants must meet the following guidelines:

1. 40 years of age or older
2. Not have had a mammogram within the past year
3. Be uninsured
4. Have no breast problems or concerns

Help Pardee's Cancer Center Purchase Five State-of-the-Art Infusion Chairs

The Pardee Cancer Center has a special funding request for five infusion chairs that will be used primarily when administering chemotherapy. Lengthy infusion sessions necessitate that patients remain seated for extended durations and as such, it is imperative for infusion centers to furnish their facilities with chairs that are meticulously designed, incorporating ergonomic attributes. This is crucial in mitigating discomfort, diminishing pressure points, and fostering optimal postural alignment for patients. These chairs also facilitate unhindered and timely access for nurses and physicians and strike a harmonious balance between patient comfort and clinical accessibility.

The Cancer Center has requested five chairs from Champion Manufacturing Inc. for a total cost of $18,000.

Please consider donating today to help bring these much-needed chairs to our patients at the Cancer Center!

One Women Helping Women Founder Continues to be a Force for Good

This month, we are shining the spotlight on one of our Women Helping Women founders and most ardent supporters, Debbie Rouse.

Debbie was born at Pardee Hospital and both of her parents, as well as her father-in-law, spent their final days being cared for at Pardee.

"It is important to me to support the foundation and to make an impact by volunteering and helping to create excellent health care for our hospital system which strengthens OUR community as well as to make a difference in creating healthier lives. Volunteering gives me a sense of community and satisfaction in knowing that I am helping others just as my family and I have been helped by Pardee," she said.

Debbie was on the first planning committee for Women Helping Women and has remained on the committee for the duration of the 26 years. She added, "this has been one of the most rewarding committees on which I have ever been blessed to serve. This has positively impacted hundreds of uninsured and underinsured women receive quality health care in their most uncertain times."

And when it came time to embark on a capital campaign to build the Pardee Cancer Center, Debbie again stepped up and served as Major Gifts Chair. Debbie said this was one of the most satisfying accomplishments in her entire lifetime because so many friends and family have been able to receive treatment right here in Henderson County and never leave home for comforting and quality care. 

"I am always humbled when I walk into the lobby of the Pardee Cancer Center and look up on the wall at the generous donors' names who made the center possible. I am always grateful for their support," she said, adding "I feel truly blessed that I have had the opportunity to serve Pardee and our community. Thank you for honoring me as a volunteer. I am truly humbled."

Tickets and Sponsorships Available for Annual

Women Helping Women Luncheon

Friday, October 20

12 noon

Blue Ridge Community College Conference Hall

We still have tickets available for our Women Helping Women (WHW) luncheon which will take place on Friday, October 20 at the Blue Ridge Community College Conference Hall. Designed to provide supplementary support for women who require necessary medical treatment but cannot shoulder the costs, proceeds raised through WHW help fill financial gaps for women in moments of greatest need. Now in its 26th year, the 2023 luncheon features Dr. Kate Bowler, New York Times bestselling author, podcast host, Duke University professor, and cancer survivor, as the keynote speaker. 

Since 1997, WHW has evolved into a significant force for good within the community, beginning with a focus on recommended breast screenings and challenging stigma attached to a breast cancer diagnosis. Thanks to awareness raised through this annual gathering, women in our region now have a profoundly improved understanding that mammograms are a critical part of their personal health plans. 

Individual tickets for the luncheon are $125 and may be purchased online. Sponsorships and tables are still available! Call us at 828-233-2700 or email us for more information.