Janice Lopez and son Jaden
This year's World Down Syndrome Day theme "Improve Our Support Systems" highlights the significance of building stronger, more inclusive support systems that empower people with Down syndrome.
Doha, Qatar: "I was overwhelmed with shock, and the tears just wouldn't stop. I cried endlessly, prayed with all my heart. When I first learned that my son had Down syndrome, there was a deep fear inside me—the fear of the unknown, the fear of what his future might look like, and the fear of him being rejected by the world. I was terrified."
As we observe World Down Syndrome Day on March 21, Janice Lopez, a 43-year-old Filipino expat in Qatar, opens her heart to share a life-altering journey. For 16 years, she worked tirelessly in the Middle East, like many Filipinos striving for a better life for their families back home. But in 2015, everything changed when her son, Jaden, was born with Down syndrome and a congenital heart defect.
Jaden’s condition required immediate and costly treatments, including open-heart surgery. Babies with Down syndrome often face congenital heart defects, and as the primary breadwinner and a single mother, Janice returned to the UAE to continue working. Currently, she works for a conglomerate company in Doha and has been living in Qatar for the past eight years.
"As much as I longed to be with my son, I left him when he was just two months old. I was told that Jaden’s heart defect needed to be addressed before he turned six months old. At that time, I had to raise 800,000 pesos (approx. QR50,000) for his surgery," Janice told The Peninsula.
Jaden underwent open-heart surgery when he was 15 months old. He also had extensive dental work, including the removal of 14 teeth, and another 16 teeth when he was at age three and six. At age two, Jaden also had laser eye surgery.
Despite the emotional struggles and financial burdens, Janice remained resolute in supporting her son from afar. In 2017, after Jaden’s successful heart surgery, she founded Jaden and Friends (JAF), an advocacy initiative that helps children with Down syndrome and congenital heart disease access the medical care they desperately need.
"Leaving my child behind was never an easy choice, but it was a necessity. The homesickness and pain I felt during those times became a driving force for me to stay busy and help others. I started a Facebook page to share my journey and connect with other parents who could benefit from my experiences."
Through social media, Janice began raising awareness and launching various initiatives, including Preloved Strollers, Diaper Drives, Blood Donation Drives, Happy Hearts, and Provincial Pedia Cardio Screening—all aimed at helping children like Jaden.
"I began with the Preloved Strollers project, which was a great success. That motivated me to continue expanding the initiative. Today, with the help of supporters and volunteers, we focus mainly on Happy Hearts, where we offer free heart surgeries to underprivileged families and children with Down syndrome," Janice explained to The Peninsula.
JAF also provides free pediatric cardiac screenings, traveling to provinces with limited access to hospitals, ensuring that children with Down syndrome receive essential care.
"We aim to visit these areas twice a month. We’ve even started offering non-invasive heart surgeries in provinces like Cebu, Davao, and Bacolod, so families don’t need to travel to Manila for treatment. Our dedicated Happy Hearts doctors travel to these places with the support of sponsors and affiliated hospitals," she shared.
While Janice is based in Qatar, her volunteer network in the Philippines helps carry out these vital projects. To date, JAF has distributed around 350 preloved strollers and cribs and assisted approximately 1,700 children and adults with heart surgeries.
"I am lucky to have two days off from work, which I use to answer all queries and requests sent to JAF Facebook page. It breaks my heart to see children die because they can’t afford the surgery they need. Jaden's own battle to survive was a testament to the power of early intervention. I don’t want any other parent to go through that same despair."
She continued, "Every child with Down syndrome who has received heart surgery is special to me. Sadly, some children are denied the care they need because medical practitioners deem them less of a priority. It’s heartbreaking, but I promised myself that if Jaden survived, I would make sure he would be loved by many and would make a positive impact on the world."
JAF has saved lives, but Janice knows her mission is far from over. "I just want to be there for Jaden, to watch him grow up healthy. Jaden and Friends is his legacy, and I hope it inspires others to take action."
"It's not always easy, but acceptance is key. We are the ones chosen to raise a child with Down syndrome. Jaden has transformed my life for the better. He has taught me unconditional love, brought me closer to God, and filled my life with joy. He may not have been the baby I imagined, but he has given me countless reasons to celebrate."
This year’s theme for World Down Syndrome Day is “Improve Our Support Systems”. Besides highlighting the significance of building stronger, more inclusive support systems that empower people with Down syndrome, it also emphasises the importance of supporting individuals and families who care for and advocate for their loved ones with Down syndrome.
Janice Lopez’s story is one of love, selflessness, and advocacy. While working in Qatar to support her son and her cause, she has become a source of hope for families affected by Down syndrome. Her message is simple: no child should be left behind. With the right support, we can truly make a real difference in the lives of those who need it most.
