Our mission
WNC Health Advocates exists to offer comfort and support to people with illness and disability to new mothers and to families, and to advocate for access to quality health care for all.
Meet our inspiration
Mike Danforth was the son of our founder, Leslie Boyd. He was a student, restaurant worker and volunteer. He was also uninsurable because a birth defect is a pre-existing condition. That condition left him vulnerable to colon cancer, but because he was uninsured, he couldn't get the colonoscopies he needed. As a result, his cancer was Stage 3 before it was diagnosed.
Still, Mike continued to find humor, even in his illness. He called himself an egomaniac with self-esteem issues. He continued to volunteer through his 12-step program, helping people into recovery from addiction. Although, he saved many lives, no one could save his. He died on April 1, 2008. He was 33 years old.
It is in his memory and in his spirit of generosity that we work to help people from whom others might turn away, to educate the public about our health care system and to advocate for access to quality health care for all.
Still, Mike continued to find humor, even in his illness. He called himself an egomaniac with self-esteem issues. He continued to volunteer through his 12-step program, helping people into recovery from addiction. Although, he saved many lives, no one could save his. He died on April 1, 2008. He was 33 years old.
It is in his memory and in his spirit of generosity that we work to help people from whom others might turn away, to educate the public about our health care system and to advocate for access to quality health care for all.
All our services are free
We depend on your donations to help people in need. Please consider a tax-deductible gift today. Thank you.
Events |
Programs |
Pancake brunch
Come to our second annual Mother's Day Pancake Brunch, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. May 11 at the Grey Eagle, 185 Clingman Ave., Asheville.
The event benefits our Start From Seed program .Admission will include a stack of pancakes (gluten free option available), local farm fresh eggs, fruit, and a beverage. We will highlight some of the best local ingredients for the meal and the best local hotspots in our raffle baskets. Admission is $10; raffle tickets will be on sale. |
Patient Pals & Family Friends
WNC Health Advocates has a peer support program for people with one or more serious or chronic medical issues or disabilities.
We need volunteers, who are asked to donate a minimum of one hour a week. Training is free and includes information on active listening, ways to help and when to know more help is needed. And of course, we need funding, too. To learn more, call Leslie Boyd at 828-243-6712 or e-mail leslie@wnchealthadvocates.org |
Michael T. Danforth Community Service Award Our second "Mikey" winner, Laurey Masterton
Our second annual Michael T. Danforth Community Service Award goes to Laurey Masterton, whose community activism, her devotion to educating people about food, her enlightened business practices and her courage in overcoming three bouts of cancer makes her an inspiration to everyone who knows her.
Laurey is owner of Laurey's Catering and Gourmet to Go on Biltmore Avenue in Asheville. We will celebrate her at a luncheon on July 19. Please plan to be there. For more information, e-mail leslie@wnchealthadvocates.org |
Start From Seed
Start from Seed is a volunteer doula program aimed at providing non-medical, comprehensive support to low income, high-risk women and families of Buncombe County.
Doulas, or birth coaches, help to reduce complications and to ensure that mother and baby are bonding properly. Our moms are referred to us by the Buncombe County Health Department, free clinics and more. Our new mothers have many needs. If you can help them with baby clothes and supplies, e-mail chelsea@startfromseed.org |
Eat at Mike's
This is our biggest party of the year, a community potluck with favorite dishes by area chefs and restaurants, plus a silent auction with items by local artists and crafters and from local businesses.
New this year was a raffle featuring a "date night" basket and more. Each year in early November, we get together to eat great food and bid on auction items. Tickets, a minimum donation of $20 each, go on sale in early October. To learn more, call 828-243-6712 or e-mail leslie@wnchealthadvocates.org. |
True Stories
True Stories is our education program. We tell the stories of people's journeys through our health care system and we talk about the new Affordable Care Act, what it means to consumers and what does -- and doesn't -- do. We sort out the myths and the facts and we tell people what their rights are under the new law, much of which is already in effect.
Did you know your insurance company has to pay for your flu shot in full? Do you know what screening tests must be covered in full by your insurance company under the law? Call us to learn more. We offer answers to your questions by phone or e-mail, and we have a PowerPoint presentation. For more information, call 828-243-6712 or e-mail leslie@wnchealthadvocates.org. |
True Stories
We tell true stories of people in our health care system, and of how the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) will affect you and your family.
The presentation is followed by a Q & A session, and a chance for people to tell their own stories. Would you like some information in the new law? Please feel free to let us know. The presentation is free. For information, call 828-243-6712 or e-mail leslie@wnchealthadvocates.org. |
Dance Like There's Nobody Watching
Our annual dance where you are free to just move however you feel.
No one cares because we're all there to just have fun. and get a little physical activity for a good cause. The dance features live music by local bands, plus a silent auction and raffle, and was inspired by Mike's love of music and his total inability to dance. |