JJ's new heart supported by police and community!

Funds for transportation 

When New Bedford Police Officers Gene Fortes and Shane Harris dropped by to deliver 5 year-old JJ Montalban his favorite McDonalds snack recently, they realized they could do so much more to support the NBPD's #1 fan. 

JJ has been waiting for a heart transplant for more than a year and has been been fighting for his life since he was born in 2016. For the past year, he's been enjoying visits from the police and is
confident he will one day wear the uniform! 

JJ and his family
When Angelie and Felix Montalban were at their 21-week check-up for their first born, their world turned upside down. Their unborn child had a rare heart condition that would see the New Bedford family transfer to Boston Children's Hospital ICU when JJ was born and
immediately intubated. He had his first operation when he was 7 days old. There were no family photos. No videos. No one could hold baby JJ until just before his first surgery. JJ remained in hospital for the first 11 months of his life, during which he had 4 operations and teetered on the verge of death many times.

After his last operation in 2018, his heart failed causing the loss of the tips of three fingers from one of his hands. With further complications, the family was given three options: to let him die, to risk a vegetative state or to try another riskyoperation. Together with the doctors,

Angelie and Felix knew the operation was the only option.

Heart transplant only option 
It was long and difficult road after that as JJ had to learn to walk and speak all over again. It was another three months in the hospital. In early 2020, JJ experienced cardiac arrhythmia and returned again to Boston Children's Hospital. It was then that the Montalban family received the hardest news yet:  JJ would need a heart transplant. 

As an incredibly faithful and humble family, the Montalbans insist the difficult part is the cost of travel and accommodations back and forth from New Bedford to Boston Children's Hospital. We all know how this types of costs can quickly mount. 

Inspired by his energy
Officers Fortes and Harris are always inspired by JJ's energy and optimism - it's clear they know who the real super-hero is! Together with all of JJ's supporters we ask that you join them in raising funds to support this incredibly courageous family as they face mounting
medical costs and unforseen challenges ahead. 

Let's all give thanks for JJ's life and do our best as we approach the giving season to make a difference to JJ and his family. 

Thank you!