joy stories
changing lives and healing hearts
Ezrah - philippines
Ezrah lives on a remote island in the Philippines with her mom, dad and older brother who has autism. With little access to resources or medical care, her parents work hard to provide for two children with special needs. In 2019, during Hearts of Joy’s first mission to the Philippines, Ezrah received her life-saving heart surgery. It was delayed at first because her blood levels were low, but after a week of waiting, her heart was healed. Soon after, doctors discovered she had leukemia. Because she was able to get het heart surgery, her heart was strong enough to withstand chemotherapy and fight the cancer. Her diagnosis was caught just in time, a blessing that saved her life. Today, Ezrah is 6 years old, going to school, dancing and playing with her brother and cousins. She is a living miracle. A pillar of courage and strength.
Blessing - Uganda
Blessing lives in a remote village in Uganda with her mama, her dad and her 9 siblings. She was a year old when she received her heart surgery in India in 2019. Before surgery, she often got chest infections and was hospitalized for pneumonia. Her breathing was labored and she was malnourished. It was a hard time for her family. Her parents struggled to provide for her medical needs, but were determined to do whatever was needed to get her heart healed. They sold their goats to pay for Blessing’s passport to go to India. Now, 6 years post-surgery, Blessing is thriving and improving daily. Because her heart is working properly, she has developed quite the appetite and has gained a healthy amount of weight. She walks, talks and loves to dance. She is always smiling and such a light. This girl lives up to her namesake and is a true blessing indeed, so full of love and joy.
Adrian - Philippines
Adrian was part of the very first group that was brought to India for heart surgery in 2019. He was Hearts of Joy’s youngest patient at just 4 months old. Only weighing 6 pounds, he was teeny tiny, but the doctors were still able to repair his heart through corrective surgery. His mama is very young and as a single mother, she takes care of him with the help of her parents and family. Post surgery, he has grown a tremendous amount. Once his heart began working properly his appetite grew and he began gaining weight for the first time in his life. He is now 5 years old and walking. He says “mama” and loves to dance. The love between him and his mama is so precious.
Emmanuel - Uganda
Emmanuel is a sweet and playful little boy living in Uganda with his mama and family. His name means “God is with us” and God truly is with this one and loves him so dearly. He got his heart surgery in India when he was 3 years old. Post – surgery, he developed a big appetite which helped him to finally gain a good amount of weight. He is now 8 years old, goes to school and is thriving! He has improved his fine motor skills and has made strides in his development. He is funny and full of joy. Emmanuel lives in a culture that does not understand or fully accept him as a valuable member of society. This makes it very difficult for his mama and family. But despite that, his mama has learned how to be a voice for her son, to fight for him and advocate for his rights. She is breaking stigmas and changing the culture in Uganda of how people view those with Down syndrome. The love him and his mama have for one another is fierce and so inspiring.
