Independence Blue Cross (IBX) announces the recipients of its 2026 Celebrate Caring Sunshine Award, honoring extraordinary nurses whose leadership, dedication, and commitment to patient care make a meaningful difference across the region.
Selected from hundreds of nominations submitted by patients, colleagues, friends, family, and community members, this year’s honorees demonstrate the profound impact nurses have on the health and well-being of our communities. From supporting children and families during difficult moments to advancing patient safety and expanding access to care, these hometown heroes touch countless lives every day.
The 2026 Sunshine Award winners are:
- Sarah Bruno, BSN, RN, CPN, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
- Ian Montgomery, BSN, RN, MEDSURG-BC, Virtua Marlton Hospital
- Madison Schmus, BSN, RN, CWOCN, Penn Medicine
Each winner will receive a $500 gift card, a $2,500 donation to a nonprofit organization of their choice, and recognition at a Phillies home game. Their stories will also be featured by IBX media partners 6abc and iHeartMedia.
More information about the 2026 Sunshine Award recipients:
Sarah Bruno, BSN, RN, CPN — Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Sarah Bruno is a pediatric nurse recognized for her extraordinary compassion and commitment to helping children and families navigate difficult moments with dignity and care. Her nomination highlighted two remarkable acts of kindness: creating a trauma clothing closet for children entering foster care and helping a pediatric oncology patient participate in a family wedding celebration while receiving care in the hospital. Through her creativity, empathy, and dedication, Bruno helps create moments of comfort, connection, and joy when they are needed most.
Ian Montgomery, BSN, RN, MEDSURG-BC — Virtua Marlton Hospital
Ian Montgomery is a board-certified medical-surgical nurse recognized for his leadership, commitment to patient safety, and dedication to advancing nursing excellence. His nomination highlighted his work to strengthen clinical practice and support the professional growth of fellow nurses, helping make care safer and more reliable for both patients and care teams. Through his leadership and commitment to continuous improvement, Montgomery is helping shape the future of nursing practice.
Madison Schmus, BSN, RN, CWOCN — Penn Medicine
Madison Schmus is recognized for her compassionate, community-based approach to care and her dedication to supporting individuals facing substance use disorders, chronic illness, and histories of homelessness. As a community health nurse, she provides clinical care, care coordination, and advocacy for individuals navigating complex health care and social service systems. Her commitment to building trust and expanding access to care continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of some of the community’s most vulnerable residents.
“Nurses are the backbone of our health care system, providing care, comfort, and advocacy during some of life’s most important moments. Through Celebrate Caring, we’re proud to recognize extraordinary nurses whose compassion, leadership, and dedication impact the lives of patients, families, and communities throughout our region,” said Koleen Cavanaugh, senior vice president and chief marketing officer at IBX.
Since its launch in 2019, Celebrate Caring has received thousands of nominations and recognized over 60 nurses whose extraordinary contributions have strengthened patient care and community health across the region. The Sunshine Award name pays tribute to Paula Sunshine, IBX’s former senior vice president and chief marketing officer, who played a significant role in the campaign’s inception.
For more information about Celebrate Caring, visit ibx.com/nurses or follow #CelebrateCaring on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.
Media contact:
Jennifer Ruiz
215-817-5705
jennifer.ruiz@ibx.com