Please join us in congratulating Emmy Arroyo-Cruz, RN, of Shore Medical Center’s 5 Hayes Unit, for once again being named our Guardian Angel of the Month – this time for April! It wasn’t long ago that Emmy received this special recognition back in October 2024, and we’re thrilled to see her outstanding dedication continue to make such a powerful impact on her patients and their families. A Shore team member since 2018, Emmy’s journey from nurse aide to RN is nothing short of inspiring. She’s known for her professionalism, compassion, and commitment to going above and beyond. One grateful family recently honored her through a Guardian Angel donation, sharing: “Emmy was very kind and committed to giving excellent care to our 100-year-old father, and she did it with such empathy. Emmy being bilingual is such an asset to the hospital. Having someone who understands our culture & values is a huge advantage in the kind of care that one receives.” Emmy, we are so proud to have you on the Shore team, and we thank you for the exceptional care you continue to provide! 💙 To learn more about the Guardian Angel program or to honor a Shore caregiver who’s made a difference in your life, visit: https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=shoremem&id=58 (fb)

Happy #NationalVolunteerMonth! This April, we celebrate the incredible individuals who give their time and hearts to make a difference at Shore Medical Center. And, what better way to kick off this month of appreciation than by honoring Barbara Grill, a dedicated NICU volunteer who has been volunteering for 21 years and just celebrated her 90th birthday on March 23! Once a week, Barbara arrives at our Level 2 NICU, ready to provide warmth and care to babies born as early as 32 weeks. While our nurses and neonatologists deliver expert medical care, Barbara ensures that each tiny baby gets the love and attention they need—especially when parents can’t be at their bedside. Holding, rocking, and soothing these fragile newborns isn’t just heartwarming; it’s also medically beneficial. “Being held helps babies regulate their breathing and can even reduce their length of stay,” says Dr. Raquel Gomez, an Onsite Neonatal Partners neonatologist at Shore. “Babies don’t always know how to breathe in rhythm, but when they’re skin-to-skin with their mom, they learn. Barbara helps provide that same comfort. She’s like a baby whisperer—the babies could be crying and fussy, but as soon as she picks them up, they go right to sleep.” Over the years, Barbara has supported the nursery in countless ways—rocking babies, giving bottles when parents couldn’t be there, folding blankets and even giving some newborns their very first bath. These days, she focuses solely on what she loves most. “I used to do everything,” Barbara says with a smile. “Now, I just sit and hold the babies. But that’s the best part.” Barbara has been celebrating her 90th birthday in style, with a family gathering in Hawaii in September and, on her birthday, lunch at The Lobster House in Cape May. She even received a special recognition from her church congregation. She also looks forward to having 33 of her family members all together this June, keeping the celebration going. Please join us in wishing Barbara a very happy 90th birthday and in thanking her for more than two decades of extraordinary service to our tiniest patients. Barbara, you are truly one in a million! (fb)