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Pardee Foundation honors Physician, Philanthropist of the Year

By Lightning Reports, Published: June 24, 2024

Before hundreds of guests at its annual gala Friday night, Pardee Hospital Foundation honored the 2024 Physician of the Year and Philanthropist of the Year and celebrated expanded services throughout the region.

Dr. Navin Anthony, a UNC Health Pardee Oncologist who has been on the Pardee team since 2012, received this year’s Physician of the Year honor during the Summer Soiree at Kenmure.

Those who nominated him, including patients and community members, had much to say about Dr. Anthony’s dedication to the people he serves. They called him a leader and advocate committed to providing top-notch care for the community.

However, it was not just patients who recognized Dr. Anthony’s exceptional qualities. Throughout the nomination process, Pardee teammates shared stories of his unwavering dedication — from calling patients late into the night to ensure their peace of mind to always being in their corner and facilitating collaborative decision-making. 

“He is inspired to continue to work in the emotionally taxing field of oncology/hematology by his patients," Nicola Barksdale, of award sponsor First Citizens Bank, said as she introduced Anthony. "He has this unique ability to form a special bond with his patients and celebrate every small or large ‘win’ during their journey while providing guidance during difficult times.”

"The Physician of the Year Award represents an opportunity for us to recognize and express our gratitude to the exceptional physicians within our community who consistently go above and beyond to deliver outstanding healthcare services," said Amy Treece, the foundation's executive director. "Dr. Anthony’s unwavering dedication and commitment to excellence have impacted the lives of individual patients and colleagues and contributed to advancing healthcare standards."

Philanthropist of the Year

In a break from its tradition of recognizing an individual or couple, the  foundation named the nonprofit organization Kenmure Fights Cancer its 2024Philanthropist of the Year. 

Kenmure Fights Cancer was honored as Philanthropist of the Year.Over the years, Kenmure Fights Cancer has funded critical programs and equipment at the Pardee Comprehensive Cancer Center. The group has also funded contrast-enhanced mammography software and technology to upgrade blood compounding in the Cancer Center Infusion Pharmacy. They are the largest donor to Pardee’s Mammo on the Go, a mobile mammography unit offering the same state-of-the-art, digital 3D breast imaging that is available at the breast center.  Two exam rooms in the Pardee Cancer Center are named in honor of Kenmure Fights Cancer.

“Rather than staying behind the gates of their neighborhood, these residents look outward to recognize the needs of the entire community, and they work to improve the lives of everyone,” said Dr. Bill Medina, retired Pardee Oncologist and the 2014 Philanthropist of the Year. “The word ‘philanthropist’ doesn’t fully capture the remarkably generous and compassionate nature of the people behind Kenmure Fights Cancer,” he said.  The Philanthropist of the Year honor was sponsored by Norm’s Minit Mart.

The evening also included a report from Treece about the hospital’s expansion of services. In the last year, UNC Health Pardee opened a new cardiac catheterization lab and expanded services in cardiology, neurology, orthopedics, and primary care by adding new providers. 

“Looking forward to the next few years, growth is inevitable, and the community’s support will be needed more than ever as we open four new medical office buildings across Hendersonville, Mills River and Transylvania County, providing care to underserved areas,” Treece said. “It is an honor to host you, our guests this year, whose support ensures that our community's medical needs are met with urgency and excellence.”