This little boy dreams of being a police officer someday. But first, he needs a new heart.
NEW BEDFORD — A little boy with a huge heart for helping others is in need of a new one for himself.
Five-year-old JJ Montalban dreams of becoming a police officer, but first, he must address his own health. Since he was born in 2016, he has been fighting for his life, his mother Angelie said.
JJ was born with atrioventricular canal defect, congenital heart defect, single ventricle heterotaxy syndrome and dextrocardia, causing JJ to undergo a gastrostomy feeding tube.
When Angelie and Felix Montalban were told of JJ’s rare heart condition at Angelie’s 21-week check-up, they knew they were in for the long haul. Angelie had to give birth at Boston Children’s Hospital where JJ was immediately intubated.
He had his first operation was he was just seven days old. He remained in the hospital for the first 11 months of his life, during which he underwent four operations.
Charter school debate: State hears arguments for, against charter school proposed for New Bedford
In early 2020, JJ experienced cardiac arrythmia and returned to Boston Children’s Hospital. It was then that the family was told the hardest news.
“He just needs a new heart,” Angelie said. “He’s been in the hospital his whole life.”
Kids health: Experts say the COVID vaccine is safe for kids
For more than a year, JJ has been on the transplant list. Angelie said there is no estimated number of where he falls on the list, but he remains at home with medication to prolong his life for now.
JJ has two sisters, a 2-year-old and an infant of 10 months. Angelie said he has to be careful when playing with his siblings because if he exerts too much energy, his oxygen level will go down and he will become ill. Because of his condition, JJ remains homeschooled.
Optimistic plans: New Bedford Police Chief Paul Oliveira lays out goals for 2022
Despite his challenges, JJ has had a constant light in his life: New Bedford Police officer Gene Fortes and school resource officer Shane Harris who visit and bring him McDonald’s Happy Meals once a week. The two officers hosted a spaghetti dinner at The Washington Club and helped raise $3,500 for JJ’s family. In addition, All Saints Catholic School has donated $1,000 directly to JJ’s transportation fund.
Community caring: All Saints students contribute $1,000 toward a new heart transplant
“He keeps saying he wants to be a policeman,” Angelie said.
Because of his passion for the career, JJ will be sworn in as an honorary member of the NBPD.
If JJ receives a heart transplant, he will still be on medications for the rest of his life. Following the transplant, he will need to visit Boston Children’s Hospital every week for the first six months and then every month after that, racking up the transportation costs. The family has set up a GoFundMe with a goal of $20,000 to fund transportation to and from Boston Children’s Hospital which can receive donations at https://www.gofundme.com/f/JJ-needs-a-heart-transplant-Help-us-help-him. Updates on his condition are posted to the Facebook group Jj CHD Warrior.
Standard-Times staff writer Kerri Tallman can be reached at ktallman@s-t.com. Follow her on Twitter at @kerri_tallman for links to recent articles.
Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Standard-Times today.
This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: New Bedford five-year-old in need of a new heart due to rare condition
