Marla goes above and beyond for her patients and their families on a regular basis. Marla functions differently than other navigators within the Centura system by finding patients regardless of where they are in the system. She meets them at diagnosis, preop for surgery, chemotherapy appointments, radiation appointments, and any outpatient procedure. At all of these pivotal meetings, Marla provides the consistency that is so important for patients to feel throughout the Centura system. She is the glue that holds everything together for these cancer patients. 

Recently, Marla really carried out our mission with a patient. The patient was a stage IV cancer patient that had never been married and had no children, so she had very little support. The patient recently lost her job due to her end-stage cancer diagnosis. She also lost her apartment and all her belongings to a house fire. Marla came to her rescue and arranged for a place for her to stay for a week, funded by the Foundation. Marla then coordinated an effort through the entire oncology service line to collect donations to furnish her new apartment. These donations included a couch, chair, tables, bedding, toiletries, various kitchen items, and a Target gift card to fill in with other needed items. This was an amazing team coming to together under Marla’s direction to meet the needs of one of our community members during a tragic time. Marla and her husband then delivered all the collected items to the new apartment. The patient was surprised by the outpouring of support and became very emotional. Marla made a huge difference in a woman’s life and proved the power of people coming together to help. 

Marla will tell anyone that this was not a big deal. We will say she truly does these types of things all the time, both in her professional and personal life. Marla is a gift to the oncology service line and LAH. We are so proud to call her our colleague and friend. She exemplifies all the characteristics a DAISY Honoree should have. Thank you Marla for all you do to help patients and families every day!