Life-long Connection to Regions Inspires Estate Commitment

Carol Lundstrom, Anne Mkalama, RN, and Nancy Miller

Regions Hospital has always been a part of Carol Lundstrom's life. Her father taught anatomy to students of the Ancker Hospital School of Nursing, which was located on the hospital's campus before closing in 1976. At 13, Carol began volunteering at Regions. After a 42-year career at the hospital and HealthPartners, she was inspired to make an estate commitment through Regions Hospital Foundation.

"Regions is a fabulous organization," Carol said. "I know how much a contribution to the hospital can make a difference and want to encourage others to give as well.

"It's my experience as an employee that gives me such loyalty to Regions," Carol said. During her career she experienced many facets of the hospital, working as a clerk, ER nurse and nurse practitioner in outpatient clinics. She retired in 2014, finishing her career as the director of information services for HealthPartners Care Delivery Systems. "I worked in so many places and saw all the good work being done here."

Carol's family is jam packed with members who worked at Regions. In addition to her father, Carol's long-time partner was an ER physician, as is his daughter, Rachel Dahms, MD, who also helps educate ER residents. Before deciding on the designation of her estate commitment, Carol consulted closely with her sister, Nancy Miller, who has worked at Regions for 40 years.

Half of Carol's estate commitment will go toward the greatest needs of Regions Hospital patients. "Contributions to Regions Hospital Foundation fill many gaps that exist in the world today. To me, that's important," Carol said. "In contributing to the foundation, patients in need can get prescriptions, a cab ride home, or a lift to a shelter. As an ER nurse I saw a lot of that."

The other half of Carol's gift will help fund the Gloria Fox Nursing Scholarship and Ancker Hospital School of Nursing Memorial Scholarship. These awards help Regions Hospital employees either pursue a career in nursing or further their current nursing career.

Carol notes two reasons she gave to the scholarship funds. "I wanted to recognize my Dad. Teaching nursing students was near and dear to his heart. I also wanted to help give nurses the knowledge they need to provide the best care.

"I had so many wonderful opportunities in this organization. I'm very grateful and I want to give others the same opportunities."