“In May of 2003 after nine years of marriage to my husband (a New York City Homicide Detective) our son Joseph started having seizures. After extensive testing at Cohen Children’s Hospital and NYU Epilepsy Center he was diagnosed with a rare illness called Tuberous Sclerosis. The illness caused benign tumors to grow on his brain, causing him to have uncontrolled seizures. After exhausting all combinations of medications without success, the National Police Defense Foundation and Operation Kids were instrumental in gaining us access to a cutting edge brain surgery at NYU Hospital. The surgery to remove Joseph’s tumors was conducted when he was three years old. He is now 14 years old, has overcome many obstacles related to his illness and is able to attend school. Joseph and Angela Occhipinti and the NPDF Operation Kids Program have been unwavering in their support.”

“I was falsely accused and charged with a crime I didn’t commit. I unsuccessfully sought help from government agencies and local politicians. The situation looked very bleak for me and my family until the National Police Defense Foundation got involved in my case. They conducted an independent investigation, provided invaluable assistance to my legal defense team and supplied the results to both government officials and the public. Ultimately I was completely exonerated and restored to my career.”