News

Donation moves Cancer Center close to $6M goal

By Bill Moss, Published: April 5, 2017

Pardee Hospital Foundation moved closer to reaching its goal of $6 million with the news that it had received a $100,000 grant from the Cannon Foundation to support the hospital's new Cancer Center.

Home to Pardee's medical oncology, radiation oncology, cancer navigation and cancer research, the Cancer Center has several unique features: an infusion bay with 16 private and semi-private rooms; advanced technology, such as the ultra-precise linear accelerator, a CT simulator that uses lasers to map tumors inside the body; and a phlebotomy lab that can complete tests in less than two minutes, all of which helps to reduce waiting and anxiety for patients.

"We are so grateful for the generous support of The Cannon Foundation," said Kim Hinkelman, executive director of Pardee Hospital Foundation. "Their grant provided funding to help complete the new Cancer Center at Pardee, giving more patients access to advanced, compassionate cancer care.”

The Cannon Foundation, Inc. is part of the philanthropic legacy of Charles A. Cannon, industrialist and humanitarian, who was president and chairman of Cannon Mills Company for more than half a century. The Foundation continues Mr. Cannon’s philanthropy through funding in health care, higher education, human services and community.

The Pardee Foundation reported good news, too, on the philanthropy front.

Hinkelman told the Pardee Hospital board last week that 270 donors have moved the foundation close to its $6 million goal for the Comprehensive Cancer Center.

“The campaign was not just about raising money but also about planting seeds and preparing for what comes next,” she said. “It was a three-year campaign but we’re going to bring it in in two years. Half of the donors were first-time donors. That’s extraordinary.”

Going into the campaign in April 2015, she predicted that most donations would come from “loyal donors and older donors.” Instead, donors skewed younger than the usual pattern, many in their 50s and 60s. “That’s great news for us. That gives us the opportunity to work with these people who continue to grow as donors and continue to support the hospital.”

Pardee board Chair Bill Medina, who also serves as co-chair of cancer center fundraiser, praised the effort.

“This has been one of the most successful marketing campaigns we’ve ever had,” he said.

Pardee Memorial Hospital Foundation was approved as a nonprofit Foundation in January 1996. The Foundation exists to educate and inspire the community to support Pardee Hospital. Since its inception, the Foundation has generated more than $30 million in pledges and cash gifts for Pardee services. For more information, visit www.pardeehospitalfoundation.org or call (828) 233-2700.

Pardee UNC Health Care is a not-for-profit community hospital founded in 1953 and is managed by UNC Health Care. The hospital is licensed for 222 acute care beds. Pardee has several locations separate from the main campus, including a comprehensive physician practice network, two urgent care locations and five orthopedic clinics. For more information or to find a physician, visit www.pardeehospital.org.