New Bedford Five-Year-Old Bravely Awaits Heart Transplant

By writer to wbsm.com

A really particular five-year-old New Bedford boy has spent his complete life defining the phrase “braveness.”

JJ Montalban has been clinging to life fearlessly, ready for a coronary heart transplant, since he was born. Angelie and Felix Montalban’s world toppled over in 2016 when it was found their unborn child boy had a uncommon coronary heart situation.

The choice was given to terminate, however Angelie would not hear of it. “No, that is my child and I’ll carry him into the world,” she advised docs.

When JJ was born, the younger couple, of their twenties, had completely nothing. They had been sleeping of their automobile, parked close to Boston Kids’s Hospital in order that they might be shut by their hospitalized toddler.

Over the previous 5 years, issues have not been any simpler for this household. With three young children, they’re in nice want of a minivan to move JJ to Boston on his frequent journeys. They presently have an previous car that isn’t up for the journey.

New Bedford Police Officers Take JJ Montalban Underneath Their Wing

Two New Bedford law enforcement officials have develop into finest pals with JJ and needed to assist. Shane Harris and Gene Fortes have taken it upon themselves to place collectively a fundraising marketing campaign particularly for transportation, in line with their spokesperson Melissa Batchilder.

“Shane and Gene have been working feverishly for two months to prepare just a few occasions,” she stated.

Harris, New Bedford’s College Useful resource Officer and recipient of the distinguished Regional Distinctive Service Award, bought began on this journey when he obtained a name from Batchilder.

“Melissa requested if I might meet JJ as a result of he desires to fulfill you,” Harris stated, noting that JJ desires to be a police officer himself when he grows up. “After I met JJ, I simply fell in love with the little man, who’s so comfortable hoping to get a coronary heart and a minivan,” stated Harris.

Fortes felt the identical approach upon assembly JJ.

“The primary time I met that little boy, that is all I wanted. I could not say no. I needed to go ahead with this,” he stated. “The way in which this brave little boy has survived towards all odds is inspiring.”

JJ Will Put His New Coronary heart to Use as a Police Officer Sometime

Along with serving to him together with his medical and transportation points, the officers are additionally guiding JJ with recommendation for his future profession.

“I principally advised him to hearken to mother and pop, and comply with the foundations about getting up within the morning and going to highschool.” Fortes stated.

First, JJ Wants the SouthCoast’s Assist

“There’s a bit boy in want of a brand new coronary heart and a household that has had greater than their justifiable share of uphill battles,” Fortes stated. “I might just like the the individuals right here to indicate help for the household.”

These two law enforcement officials, who began a GoFundMe for JJ and his household, have additionally put collectively a spaghetti supper that shall be held this Saturday, December four on the Washington Membership, positioned at 90 David Road in New Bedford, between four p.m. and seven p.m. Seabra Meals can also be promoting $1 hearts for JJ as nicely.

To make a donation, contact (508) 717-1605.