GUNTERSVILLE – The Foundation for Marshall Medical Centers and the Marshall Women’s Guild welcomed more than 300 women to the Guntersville City Harbor Event Center on Wednesday, May 7, for the 11th Annual Women’s Health Luncheon, a sold-out event benefiting Labor & Delivery services at Marshall Medical Centers.
 Presented through the support of generous community sponsors, the luncheon is one of the Foundation’s signature annual events and continues to grow each year in both attendance and impact.
 “This event is such a meaningful reminder of what can happen when women come together with a shared heart for generosity and community,†said Andrea Oliver, Executive Director of the Foundation for Marshall Medical Centers. “Every person in that room played a role in helping strengthen healthcare close to home for mothers, babies, and families across Marshall County.â€
 This year’s event featured a panel discussion titled Keeping Care Close: A Conversation on Local Healthcare, which focused on the future of healthcare in Marshall County and the ongoing efforts to expand access to high-quality care locally.
 Panelists included Chris Rush, President of Marshall Medical Centers; Allison Ross, Senior Vice President of External Affairs for Huntsville Hospital Health System; and Dr. Chandler Stisher, who is helping lead development of Marshall Medical Centers’ rural family medicine residency program.
 The conversation centered on topics including physician recruitment, rural healthcare challenges, the importance of local access to care, and how Marshall Medical Centers continues reinvesting in services, technology, and programs designed to allow patients to receive excellent care close to home.
 Following the panel and, guests heard from keynote speaker Abbie Stockard. A proud Alabama native and Auburn University nursing student, Stockard was crowned Miss America 2025 after first earning the title of Miss Alabama. Through the Miss America Opportunity, she earned $89,000 in scholarships to support her goal of becoming a pediatric nurse.
 During her keynote address, Stockard shared her personal journey, her passion for healthcare, and the advocacy work that has defined her year as Miss America. Inspired by her best friend, she has become a nationally recognized advocate for Cystic Fibrosis awareness and research, raising more than $200,000 for the cause and serving as an official ambassador for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
 Her message encouraged women to lead with purpose, use their voices to create change, and embrace the impact they can have within their communities. Stockard encouraged attendees to lead with purpose, believe in themselves, and to intentionally choose joy even during difficult seasons of life.
In addition to the program, attendees enjoyed giveaways, delicious food and fellowship throughout the event.
 Most importantly, the event raised critical support for Labor & Delivery services at Marshall Medical Centers. Proceeds from previous Women’s Health Luncheons have helped fund projects and equipment benefiting mothers and newborns across the health system.
 “Our community continues to show up in incredible ways,†Oliver said. “We are so thankful for the support that allows us to continue investing in local healthcare and caring for families right here at home.â€
