Feb. 14, 2026 – Valentine’s Day looked a little brighter this year at Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Clermont, where students from Montverde Academy delivered handmade cards to patients.
The collaboration began during the Christmas season, when students created handwritten notes and crafts for patients. After seeing the impact, both organizations agreed to continue the effort through Valentine’s Day, with hopes of expanding it further.
“Partnering with organizations like Montverde Academy strengthens the bridge between health care and the community we serve,” said AnnaMarie Meredith, an occupational therapy assistant at the hospital. “Being in a hospital can feel incredibly lonely, especially during holidays and special events. If we can give our patients even a small reminder that someone is thinking about them, it helps them feel a little less alone — and that kind of connection truly supports healing.”
For many patients, the cards offered more than a cheerful message. They provided a moment of emotional support during a challenging time. Michelle Sacino, one of the recipients, experienced that firsthand.
Sacino was admitted after a subarachnoid hemorrhage caused by a ruptured brain aneurysm. When she began therapy Feb. 6, she faced severe expressive aphasia, difficulty following commands and significant mobility limitations. After one week of intensive therapy, she is now greeting staff, expressing basic needs and participating actively in her care.
Receiving a handmade valentine became a meaningful part of her progress. “Sharing joy with others is so important — it fills your heart too,” she said.
Hospital leaders say stories like Sacino's reflect why the partnership matters.
“These notes may seem simple, but to our patients, they are a reminder that they are seen beyond their diagnosis,” Meredith said. “Students learn empathy, and our patients feel supported by people outside our walls. It creates a cycle of compassion that benefits everyone involved.”
As the partnership continues to grow, Encompass Health Clermont hopes to expand the initiative into additional seasons and explore interactive opportunities with the school, such as art projects, service days or ongoing outreach.
