Historically, nursing involvement in the Napa Valley Marathon was limited — until the Voice of Nursing (VON) team stepped up to bridge that gap in community service. On March 2, 2025, seven dedicated VON nurses volunteered at the event, which featured 5K, half-marathon, and full marathon races winding through the scenic Silverado Trail.

This wasn’t just volunteering; it was a carefully orchestrated effort. Each nurse’s assignment was based on clinical risk assessments, ensuring the best possible care where it mattered most. The team — Jica Naval, BSN, RN, SNIV, Jeanette Ferrer-Valladares, MSN, RN, SNIV; Lauren Koeppen, BSN, RN; Marly Luna, BSN, RN, SNIII, Lalaine Escaner, BSN, RN, SNIII, and Aika Baluyot, BSN, RN, SNIII were stationed at miles 20-23, a critical stretch where runners face increased risks of cardiac arrest and dehydration. Their acute care backgrounds meant they were ready for anything, bringing hospital-level expertise directly to the course.

The medical stations themselves were a bustling hub of teamwork. Nurses joined forces with physical therapists and physicians, while high school students kept runners hydrated and motivated. This collaborative setup didn’t just highlight the value of nursing; it showed how clinical skills can make a tangible difference outside hospital walls right in the heart of the community.

By volunteering at events like the Napa Valley Marathon, nurses step into roles where their advanced skills, compassion, and encouragement have an immediate impact. As Marly Luna, BSN, RN, SNIII, shared, “It was a privilege to be a volunteer at the Napa Valley marathon. All the athletes were grateful that we were there and able to offer the help that they needed. It was an awesome experience to be in the medical team as a volunteer and fulfilling as the athletes passed by and thanked all of us.”

There were also moments of camaraderie, like when Elizabeth Souza, BSN, RN, SNIII, ran the half-marathon and received cheers from her nursing colleagues. Interactions like these created unique bonds that extended beyond the hospital.

The event also fostered connections across Kaiser Permanente facilities as nurses recognized peers from other centers, strengthening professional networks and reminding everyone that community engagement is a powerful tool for bringing healthcare professionals together.

Learn More: https://napa-solano.kp.org/recap-2025-kaiser-permanente-napa-valley-marathon/