Marlyn Beard is an example of what a nurse should be. She has an upbeat personality and is always warm and welcoming to staff and patients alike. Her care and compassion shines in everything she does. Every year, she takes a lead role in sponsoring the "Get Your Rear in Gear" fundraiser for the Colon Cancer Coalition. Her spirit is contagious and this summer she will lead this effort again.

Prior to the pandemic, this activity was a 5K race in San Francisco. We had a large department turnout much to the fact that Marlyn rallied the staff. This past April, we had our first Operation Access event in over two years. Operation Access provides care to underinsured and uninsured members of our community. Marlyn has taken a lead role in every event we had had in the past and she again rallied the troops and compiled a list of over 20 volunteers to help provide colonoscopies and endoscopies to the patients. Out of 21 patients, 15 had findings. This event is an intervention that results in saving lives. We could not have done it without Marlyn's support. After getting staff support, she completed the schedule, she was an admission and recovery RN during the event, and she made all of us smile.

Patients and staff alike are inspired by her wonderful personality. She has a way of inpiring others and making everyone feel welcome no matter what level of participation. After two years of a pandemic, this event was special to us all. It was a signal that Spring is here. That we have come out of this with our commitment to care intact and Marlyn is the person that keeps us grounded to the cause and why we do this in the first place. Marlyn is the type of nurse that makes us all remember what brought us to health care and the care of others in the first place. Her enthusiasm and commitment to helping others and inspiring the team reminds us of our purpose.