50% of children born with Down syndrome have a congenital heart defect, typically a hole in the heart, that requires surgical correction before six months of age to prevent life-threatening complications (National Down Syndrome Society).

In the United States, Down syndrome is often diagnosed prenatally. At birth, babies receive immediate cardiac evaluations and, if necessary, timely access to life-saving open heart surgery, often within the first few months of life.

In developing countries, however, the situation is drastically different. Due to limited resources and a lack of medical education, children with Down syndrome are frequently undiagnosed and do not receive essential heart screenings. Many families live in extreme poverty, unaware of their child’s condition or unable to afford medical treatment. As a result, children are dying from conditions that are entirely treatable with basic surgical care.

This is where we step in.

Hearts of Joy International provides critical cardiac care for children with Down syndrome in underserved communities, ensuring they receive the life-saving open heart surgery they need to survive and thrive.