For John and Linda Carson, giving back to Lowell General Hospital isn’t just about writing a check—it’s about making a tangible difference in the lives of patients who need it most. This year, their generosity provided something seemingly simple yet profoundly impactful: the chance for patients with dementia to enjoy a trip for a cup of coffee.
The Carsons’ donation purchased two mobile reclining chairs that, for the first time, allow patients with restricted mobility to leave their unit. Paired with Dunkin’ gift cards, their gift created both the means and the motivation for meaningful excursions. It also provided a specialized shower chair for patients needing additional support.
A program unlike any other
When Linda Carson met with Myra Dionido-Magat, BSN, RN, Clinical Manager of Lowell General’s MS2 inpatient unit, she knew right away she wanted to support what Myra was building.
MS2 is unlike any other unit at Lowell General—or anywhere else. It’s an acute care medical-surgical unit designed to be dementia-friendly. When patients with dementia are hospitalized for other health issues—a fall, an infection, pneumonia—they face accelerated cognitive and physical decline. MS2 addresses this with specialized staff training, purposeful activities, enhanced safety measures and personal touches from home.
Myra spearheaded the effort to create this specialized environment, driven by personal motivation. “I see these patients and I picture my dad or my grandfather,” she explains. “We owe it to them that we have to give them dignified, respectable care. I just don’t want to fail that generation who gave so much to us.”
Life-changing impact
Thanks to the mobile recliners, Myra’s team now makes daily trips with patients to the Dunkin’ in Lowell General’s lobby. The outings restore something precious: a sense of normalcy and the ability to choose. Patients decide what to order and sit in the lobby among staff and visitors, reading the newspaper with their coffee and doughnuts—just like anyone else.
One patient told staff, “I can’t remember the last time I ordered what I wanted.” For Myra, that moment captures everything. “It’s just a cup of coffee, and yet it brings so much happiness to these patients,” she reflects. It’s become a daily highlight they eagerly request.
The shower chair proved equally transformative. After using it for the first time, one patient cried. “He said, ‘After 10 months, finally, I get to take a real shower,’” Myra recalls, calling it a “godsend” for this patient population.
The gift extends beyond patients to the staff who care for them daily. “It’s life-changing for the staff as well, because now we can bring more satisfaction to patients,” Myra notes. Witnessing patients, especially those who stay for months, experience moments of joy and connection has been deeply moving for caregivers.
John and Linda know the more support Lowell General receives, the more it can do for its patients. “This hospital is meeting [patient’s] needs in an unbelievable way, and the more the community supports it, the more things the hospital can do,” John says. Their gift embodies the kind of patient-centered care Linda has always championed—practical support that meets people where they are.
“Seeing the patients smile,” Linda says. “That’s our reward.”
Giving back with time, treasure and talent
The Carsons have deep roots at Lowell General. Linda joined the Auxiliary Board 25 years ago and continues volunteering with the Spiritual Care program, bringing comfort to patients through special touches like her handmade prayer shawls. Having worked as a nurse for over 45 years, she brings a patient-first philosophy to giving. “It’s very important to me that our donations support patient-centered care,” she explains.
John’s involvement began when Dr. Mike Gilchrist, a beloved former pediatrician and close family friend, arranged for him to be appointed to the Patient Care Assessment Committee, which advises hospital leaders on clinical initiatives. His engineering background provided a valuable perspective, leading to board service at both Lowell General and Tufts Medicine. He’s now in his twelfth year on the Lowell General board.
Their motivation is straightforward: Give back with time, treasure and talent. "We try to do all three," John says. “It gives us great pleasure to be able to share what we have with others and give back,” Linda adds. Their commitment stems from recognizing Lowell General as a cornerstone of the community, offering services once requiring trips to Boston. "It's a real gem in this area," John says. "We want to do what we can to make a difference in the lives of patients at Lowell General."
Thanks to the Carsons, patients on MS2 now experience moments of normalcy and dignity that seemed impossible before—a cup of coffee ordered just the way they like it, a real shower after months of waiting. Their gift demonstrates what’s possible when thoughtful philanthropy meets passionate clinical vision, turning innovative ideas into life-changing care.
