James, Kim Taylor Donate $1M To MA Hospital: Coronavirus

BOSTON, MA — Boston singer James Taylor and his wife, Kim, donated $1 million to the fight against the new coronavirus in Massachusetts. Massachusetts General Hospital said the funds will be used "where the need is greatest," which could be buying protective equipment for healthcare workers, furthering research and more.

"There is no question that it’s a point of pride for New Englanders to claim the MGH as their hospital – our hospital – and this is especially true today with the threat coming from a new and insidious virus," Taylor said. "Kim and I want to be part of this fight. We have been so inspired by the courage and sacrifice of the health care heroes in the trenches who are working so hard to protect us all."

The Taylors gift went to the NGH President's Emergency Response Fund, which was created after the Boston Marathon bombing. It offers flexible funding when there is an urgent need. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it has supported in-house testing, created a hotline for patients, help transform hospital facilities to accommodate patients, expand telemedicine services and purchase protective gear, MGH said in a release.

"[This is an] unprecedented time of deep concern," Kim Taylor said. "The MGH is a place that is looked to for leadership – clinical, scientific and ethical – in humanity’s fight against the danger that is around us. We are proud to support a medical center that is leading the way on so many fronts."

Both Taylors have strong ties to MGH. Isaac Taylor, James' father, completed his residency in internal medicine at the hospital and served as chief resident, as well as conducted research. James was born there, and Kim has served on the board for the Hospital for Children for the past five years. In 2016, the pair helped raise $2.6 million for the hospital's cancer center with a benefit performance.

"The generosity of James and Kim Taylor will not only help Mass General respond to this outbreak but will also provide a meaningful morale boost to our caregivers, the many staff who support them, and the scientists who are working to defeat this scourge," said Dr. Peter SlavinMGH's persident. "The Taylors have long provided comfort and hope through music, and this latest gift embodies that same sense of humanity and sends a heartening message to our staff that their efforts are appreciated, and they are not in this fight alone."