Saving Lives Through Happy Hearts

Join our mission to provide hope and opportunities to those in need.

Awards/Recognition

The Puerto Princesa 2026 Mayor’s Award for Jaden and Friends Inc. for Gender and Development (Group) and Dr. Louisa Joan Go for Health (Individual)

News

Jonathan Sterling and Celeste Cortesi Bring New Support for Pediatric Heart Screening

Announcement

Where: Luis Hora Regional Memorial Hospital
Abatan, Bauko Mt. Province
When: April 8, 2026 (Wednesday)
Time: 7:00am to 3:00pm
To Register: https://bit.ly/jafimountainprovince

Changing Lives,
One Step at a time.

Jaden and Friends Inc. was founded by Ms. Janice Lopez, an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) and devoted mother, after her son, Jaden, was born with Down syndrome and a complex congenital heart defect.

Jaden required open-heart surgery, which involved significant financial resources. To raise funds, Janice returned abroad, seeking support from various foundations. Many applications were denied due to the complexity of Jaden’s condition.

Through perseverance and faith, Janice connected with Gift of Life International, whose medical teams successfully performed Jaden’s life-saving surgery. Inspired by her experience and driven by a desire to help other children facing similar challenges, she founded Jaden and Friends.

The organization began by seeking donations through social media for essential items such as diapers, pre-loved strollers, toys, and cakes for hospitalized children—both children with Down syndrome and congenital heart disease (CHD), and children with CHD alone.

With the support of medical professionals and volunteers, the Happy Heart Project was established, enabling numerous children with CHD to receive free, life-saving surgeries through partnerships with hospitals, NGOs, and government units.

In late 2020, Jaden and Friends Inc. was officially registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as a non-profit organization, strengthening its capacity to serve more children in need.

Jonathan Sterling and Celeste Cortesi

Bring New Support for Pediatric Heart Screening

QUEZON CITY, PHILIPPINES — Part of the medical equipment donated by philanthropists Jonathan Sterling and Celeste Cortesi was officially delivered at De Los Santos Medical Center, marking another milestone in supporting the lifesaving mission of Jaden and Friends Inc. through its Happy Hearts program. The donation forms part of a ₱14.5-million worth of medical equipment and medications intended to strengthen the organization’s capacity to provide free cardiac screening and medical care for children with congenital heart disease (CHD) and other heart conditions. Among the equipment delivered are essential diagnostic and monitoring tools including an ECG machine, pulse oximeters, portable monitor, capnography unit, portable blood pressure monitors, cables, sensors, and other supporting medical accessories used for pediatric cardiac evaluation and monitoring. These devices will help medical teams conduct screenings and monitor pediatric patients during diagnostic procedures and outreach missions organized by Jaden and Friends Inc. QUEZON CITY, PHILIPPINES — Part of the medical equipment donated by philanthropists Jonathan Sterling and Celeste Cortesi was officially delivered at De Los Santos Medical Center, marking another milestone in supporting the lifesaving mission of Jaden and Friends Inc. through its Happy Hearts program. The donation forms part of a ₱14.5-million worth of medical equipment and medications intended to strengthen the organization’s capacity to provide free cardiac screening and medical care for children with congenital heart disease (CHD) and other heart conditions. Among the equipment delivered are essential diagnostic and monitoring tools including an ECG machine, pulse oximeters, portable monitor, capnography unit, portable blood pressure monitors, cables, sensors, and other supporting medical accessories used for pediatric cardiac evaluation and monitoring. These devices will help medical teams conduct screenings and monitor pediatric patients during diagnostic procedures and outreach missions organized by Jaden and Friends Inc. The organization is also awaiting the arrival of two additional 2D echocardiography machines, which will significantly expand its capacity to perform free 2D Echo examinations for children in need. Once operational, these machines will allow doctors to screen more patients and detect heart conditions earlier, giving more children access to timely treatment and potentially life-saving interventions. According to the organization, the donation represents a major step toward improving access to specialized pediatric cardiac care in the Philippines, particularly for families who cannot afford diagnostic procedures. With the continued generosity of partners and supporters, Jaden and Friends Inc. aims to reach more underserved communities and provide free heart screenings, medical guidance, and hope for children and families facing congenital heart disease. The organization expressed its deep gratitude to Jonathan Sterling and Celeste Cortesi for their generous support and shared commitment to saving children’s lives through the Happy Hearts Project initiative. Click the Newsletter to read and see more news.

Jaden and Friends Newsletter
Vol. #02-2026