Shore Medical Center Honors 61 Guardian Angels at 18th Annual Pinning Ceremony

Shore Medical Center celebrated 61 exceptional caregivers at its 18th annual Guardian Angel Pinning Ceremony on Thursday, December 11. The Guardian Angel program gives patients and their families a meaningful way to say "thank you" to a special Shore caregiver through a donation to the hospital in their name.

Throughout the year, Guardian Angels are recognized individually at staff meetings, where they receive a certificate and hear personal messages from the patients who honored them. These notes often reflect moments of compassion, reassurance, and connection that left a lasting impression. The December pinning ceremony brings all of the year's honorees together for a shared celebration with colleagues, family, and, in some cases, the patients who inspired the recognition.

Mary McGuckin, Shore's Director of Planned Giving and Development, welcomed guests and expressed gratitude to the patients and families whose generosity celebrates caregivers and supports Shore's nonprofit mission.

"The Guardian Angel program allows patients and families to turn gratitude into something lasting," McGuckin said. "Their generosity recognizes caregivers who made a real difference during a vulnerable time in their lives, while supporting Shore's work in providing high-quality care and essential services to our community."

Shore Chief Nursing Officer Jill Shultz added remarks about the impact of the program, highlighting how meaningful it is for caregivers to hear directly from the patients and families they serve. She then presented each honoree with a custom Guardian Angel pin, a symbol of compassion, gratitude, and patient-centered care.