Lauren Costabile

Lauren was born and raised in New Jersey. She grew up in a very Catholic family but for many years just went through the motions and never truly understood the importance of a relationship with God until later in life. When she was 17, Lauren encountered the person of Christ while volunteering at a camp for children with disabilities. This opened her eyes to the beauty and joy of those with special needs. This experience put a fire in her heart to serve this population, in particular those with Down syndrome.

In 2018, Lauren founded Hearts of Joy International, a 501c3 non profit that provides life saving heart surgery for children with Down syndrome in countries where families can’t afford medical care. Due to poverty and lack of resources in developing worlds, children are not given access to proper medical care. After traveling to Uganda, East Africa in 2017, and seeing the need first hand and witnessing how individuals with Down syndrome are disregarded and seen as a burden to society, Lauren was inspired to start a program to help. Not only does Hearts of Joy International provide this necessary medical care, but they are deeply committed to supporting and educating parents and families on the inherent dignity and value of their child.

Lauren is a fierce advocate for those with Down syndrome and shares about the beauty and dignity of every life and how those with disabilities bring so much joy to our world. Lauren loves sharing about the importance of a personal relationship with God and how her YES to God's will in service to those with Down syndrome has led to her greatest joy in life.