MADERA, Calif. – Valentine’s Day arrived early for patients at Valley Children’s as more than 1,000 red heart‑shaped balloons streamed into the hospital – part of a tradition that’s brought joy for more than a decade.
Future Farmers of America (FFA) Sweetheart candidates from Los Banos High School arrived to the hospital with a trailer filled to the brim with balloons this week. Zoey Wooten, Jazmine Rodriguez and Suri Ramirez helped organize this year’s balloon drive, which first started 13 years ago.
“It really warms my heart,” said Wooten, a senior at Los Banos High School. “These kids are so undeniably strong, and this is just our way to support them and make them smile – and make sure they know that they’re loved and supported.”
The tradition began with Jenna Gilardi, an acute care clinical coordinator at Valley Children’s. Patients lit up with excitement when the balloons arrived, along with a blanket for each patient.
“Each balloon represents a moment of joy for a child or family who may be having a difficult day,” said Victoria Brasil, a certified Child Life specialist with Valley Children’s. “Seeing our hallways filled with hearts is a powerful reminder of how small acts of kindness can make a big difference.”
For the students, participating in the delivery is just as meaningful.
“It makes me feel really good that these balloons help to brighten the day for these kids. We’re here to support them and make their day better,” said Rodriguez, a freshman at Los Banos.
The balloon fundraiser helps support leadership activities for the FFA program.
“It makes me really happy that we’re able to give to the community,” said Ramirez, a freshman at Los Banos. “Nobody wants to spend their Valentine’s in a hospital, but I’m glad that we can give back to them and show them that they’re loved.”
