When you’re a child, banana pudding with a marshmallow smiley face can make everything all right. No one knows that better than Marcie Rucker, a nutrition services supervisor at SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital. During her 15 years at Glennon, Marcie has earned a reputation for doing anything in her power to make others happy. To young patients, she is a friend who is always there for them with a hug and a special treat when they need it most. To her coworkers, she is someone who goes out of her way to make others feel appreciated. “I like to make people smile,” Marcie said simply. She recalls a day several years ago when a three-year-old girl named Nicole was receiving chemotherapy treatments at the hospital. “She had not been eating well and her mom was upset. She came to the cafeteria early one morning and said that all Nicole wanted was some Jello pudding.” Since pudding is not a usual part of Glennon’s breakfast menu, Marcie rummaged in the kitchen to find a bowl for Nicole, pausing to add eyes, nose and a mouth made of marshmallows and maraschino cherries. “Nicole and I bonded right away,” Marcie remembers. “Adults complain about their headaches and problems, but all she needed to feel better was some pudding. Kids are like that. They appreciate little things.” Marcie also understands the powerful effect of a “thank you.” Each year, she presents every employee in her department with a card and gift on their birthday, and even decorates their work area with balloons and streamers. “Everyone likes to feel that they’re appreciated,” she beamed. “I like to show other employees how important they are and that they’re special to me.” As she walks through the Glennon halls, Marcie often stops to greet parents and family members of patients. “I can tell when someone is upset, and I tell parents that I’m never to busy to talk to them. I want them to know that I want to help any way I can.” Marcie said that on several occasions she has approached families and asked them if she could say a prayer on their behalf. She has an uncanny knack for knowing just the right thing to say. Marcie also prides herself on her ability to make things happen. “I don’t pass the buck,” she said seriously. “If someone comes to me for help, then I’m the one who will help them. I try to give 110 percent to whatever I do.” For her efforts, she has been featured in Glennon’s newsletter as the “Best of the Best.” She appreciates the attention, but said that doing things for other people is really what makes her day. On Halloween, Marcie donned a clown suit and giant, floppy shoes, just to make the kids laugh--not that she needed any help. Marcie is just one of those people who brings out the smile in everyone.