In loving memory of their precious boy, who gained his angel wings far too soon, the Mapaling family spread joy to other brave warriors facing illness with inspiring courage.
Cape Town, South Africa (26 November 2025) – For the Mapaling family, the anticipation of welcoming their precious baby boy was filled with joy and the promise of new adventures. However, when little Jude made his entrance into the world, he came with unexpected challenges.
Diagnosed with Pulmonary Valve Stenosis and an Atrial Septal Defect, he arrived in respiratory distress, sending the family into one of their most challenging seasons yet.
Jeandre and her husband, both possessing immeasurable strength, recall the parenting journey that tested their resilience and was mostly spent in hospital wards.
“It was a journey we were never prepared for, but we are so thankful that God has given us the strength and sustained us throughout,” says Jeandre.
“We’ve been in the hospital since he was born. We had him home for one month, but his condition deteriorated, so we needed to take him in immediately for care. We discovered that he’d need open heart surgery on 18 March 2025.”
Jeandre admits that the journey as parents was extremely scary, and that they were very concerned for their baby.
“He was only three months at the time. But Jude had a strength about him that inspired everybody who knew his name.”
After the surgery, Jude fought his bravest fight, spending months on a ventilator. It took a heavy toll on his tiny lungs, ultimately placing too much strain on his brave heart until he earned his angel wings at just five months old in May this year.
“It was devastating, but we are still thankful for the time we got to share with him,” Jeandre says.
In loving memory of Jude and to keep his legacy shining brightly, Jeandre and her husband formed the Lion Heart Foundation and recently handed out soft toys and care packs to bring comfort to the children at Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital.
“It felt so good to give back, to put smiles on their faces and take Jude’s light forward.”
Jude’s dad also extended his gratitude to the Children’s Hospital Trust for the opportunity to share a little bit of love with parents and children on similar journeys.
“I’ve seen today, speaking to the parents and the children in the wards, how much they appreciate the little we could give. I also thank all those who contributed to the Foundation for our son. It will forever be in our hearts.”
We send all the strength and healing to the Mapalings as Jude’s light continues to shine through every pack, every smile, and every family supported through their kindness and generosity.
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Sources: Children’s Hospital Trust
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