Salisbury, MD — At the heart of TidalHealth Foundation’s mission lies the Guardian Angel Program—a powerful way for patients and families to honor those caregivers who made a profound difference in their medical journey with compassion, expertise, and humanity.
When someone donates to the Foundation in their name, the honoree(s) receives a personalized letter and a custom lapel pin marking them as a true Guardian Angel.
On July 28, two of TidalHealth’s extraordinary physicians were honored as Guardian Angels by the Foundation’s President and the health system’s Chief Philanthropy Officer, Jessica Hales.
Dr. Desaulniers: A Lifesaver in the Emergency Department
A family member recently shared that her mother experienced a sudden, life‑threatening brain bleed, which prompted emergency physician Dr. Brian Desaulniers to rush into action. With calm precision and urgent professionalism, he stabilized her condition—quick thinking that meant the difference between life and death.
The family member shared: “Dr. Desaulniers was quick to respond and save her life! He was very kind and patient with my family during this emergency. I believe that mom would not be alive today if not for his quick response and amazing knowledge as an ER doctor.”
In recognition of his decisive and caring leadership, she donated to the TidalHealth Foundation’s Emergency Department fund, honoring Dr. Desaulniers as her family’s Guardian Angel.
Dr. Shakur: The Neuroscience Guardian Angel
Following her care in the Emergency Department, the patient required immediate surgery to control the bleed. Dr. Sophia Shakur intervened with her swift judgment and deep knowledge of neuroscience.
The daughter credited her entirely: “Without Dr. Shakur’s fast response and her incredible knowledge of her profession, mom wouldn’t be alive today. I owe her everything!”
Moved by gratitude for her care, the family donated to the Neuroscience fund, designating Dr. Shakur as their Guardian Angel.
“The Guardian Angel program is a powerful reminder that gratitude is healing, for both the giver and the receiver, added Hales. “Every time a patient or family honors a caregiver through this program, it not only lifts the spirit of our team members but reinforces our shared purpose: to deliver compassionate, exceptional care.”
If you would like to learn more or make a Guardian Angel donation, please visit tidalhealth.org/guardianangel.
In the photo: Physicians Brian Desaulniers and Sophia Shakur were recently presented Guardian Angel pins by the TidalHealth Foundation for their care and compassion shown to a patient experiencing a brain bleed.
