Dec. 23, 2025 – Grammy Award-winning flutist Néstor Torres returned to Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital, an affiliate of Martin Health, to play a holiday performance for patients and staff. The jazz artist became a patient at Encompass Health in 2025 after a long battle with osteoarthritis and a total hip replacement. While Torres was a patient working through intensive therapy treatments, he found ways to uplift other patients through music.
Hospital CEO Charmaine Blanchard knows the impact the hospital’s care made on Torres and why he wanted to give back.
“Néstor returning to our hospital to provide this holiday performance shows that Encompass Health didn’t just help him recover physically but also emotionally,” Blanchard said. “He trusted our staff due to their kindness and consistency. It reinforces the idea that healing is not just physical, but emotional and spiritual, too.”
The jazz artist played masterful tunes and spent time visiting with patients to offer encouragement. One of the patients he spent time with is Sandra Gonsalves, who is recovering from a spinal fusion and brain injury.
“I am ready to return home, and Néstor’s story touched me,” Gonsalves said. “His kind words of encouragement and seeing how he recovered after his surgery really inspire me.”
Blanchard says events like these boost patients’ morale and strengthen their motivation to continue working hard.
“His performance brought joy to patients, families and staff,” she said. “Seeing patients cheering, smiling and rocking to the music is a reminder that moments like these restore joy.”
Blanchard added that events like this are important because they show the hospital’s commitment to a culture of compassion. They also reconnect staff to the meaning of their work as they watch patients smile, cheer and momentarily forget their worries.