Monte Love was born on May 14, 2024, in Rochester, NY, with complex congenital heart issues. From the very beginning, it was clear that his journey would be anything but ordinary. As any parent would, Charlotte and Matt envisioned a happy, healthy life for their son, filled with first steps, giggles, and milestones. But life had a far more difficult path planned for Monte—a path that has demanded extraordinary courage, resilience, and love from everyone around him.
A few weeks after his birth, Monte underwent his first open-heart surgery. The procedure was intended to repair his fragile heart, but an unexpected complication occurred: one of his coronary arteries became kinked
, a problem that went unnoticed at the time. In August 2024, this kink caused Monte to have a heart attack, leaving him with only 50% heart function. His local hospital was unable to provide further care, and in September, the family made the difficult decision to transfer Monte six hours away to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), seeking the specialized treatment he desperately needed.
At CHOP, Monte had a stent placed in his coronary artery in hopes of restoring some of his heart function. For months, progress was slow, and despite the family’s hopes, Monte’s heart continued to struggle. Doctors recommended a
second open-heart surgery to make several repairs and to implant a Berlin mechanical heart (LVAD) to support the left side of his heart and improve his chances of recovery.
Unfortunately, shortly after this surgery, Monte developed a
chest infection. This led to a weakened connection between the LVAD and his aorta, resulting in a leaking aortic aneurysm. In January, he had to undergo a
third open-heart surgery to repair the aneurysm, a procedure fraught with risk.
Since then, Monte has made some progress, but his heart may never fully recover on its own. In
February, he was added to the heart transplant list. Due to previous surgeries and numerous blood transfusions, Monte’s antibody levels are extremely high, making it difficult to find a matching donor. Doctors have warned the family that he could be waiting
18 months or more for a suitable heart, with another six months of recovery and monitoring afterward.
This long and uncertain journey has placed incredible demands on his parents, Charlotte and Matt. They must remain
six hours from home in Philadelphia to be close to Monte. Charlotte has not been home since before he was born, dedicating herself entirely to his care. Matt, a teacher, travels home three days a week when possible to maintain his work and provide some income, but the family relies heavily on temporary housing through
Ronald McDonald House, which is nearing its maximum stay limit.
Currently, the most affordable option for permanent housing near the hospital is a studio apartment costing $1,200 per month
, within walking distance of Monte’s care team. Additionally, if Matt continues his reduced schedule next school year, he will face a 40% pay cut and $15,000 more in insurance costs. If he must take the entire year off, the family will have no income and will need to pay $45,000 in insurance themselves. In order to live in Philadelphia, maintain insurance, and allow Charlotte to rest while Matt still sees Monte a few days a week, the Love family will need
$54,400 per year to cover housing, insurance, and basic living expenses.
Monte’s family has been relentless in their love and care for him. They have sacrificed everything to ensure he has the best possible chance at life, navigating the emotional and financial strain of multiple surgeries, hospital stays, and long commutes. Yet, even with the support of their community, the costs are overwhelming.
Every donation, no matter how small, helps keep Monte’s family together, provides a safe place to stay near the hospital, ensures insurance coverage, and allows them to focus entirely on his care and recovery. Your support can give this brave little boy the opportunity he deserves—a chance at a
heart transplant, a fighting chance at life, and the love of his devoted family by his side every step of the way.
We are asking for your help, your prayers, and your compassion. The journey ahead is long, but with the generosity of friends, family, and the community, Monte and his family can face it with hope and security. Please share this story, donate if you are able, and join us in supporting a tiny boy with a heart as strong as his courage.
Monte Love is a fighter. With your help, we can give him the time, care, and opportunity he needs to survive and thrive. 💖
