On March 15, 2018, NPDF Director Joseph Occhipinti went to the American Embassy in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic and lobbied consular officials to issue a humanitarian medical visa for 18-month-old Grendel De Jesus Moran who has been deaf since birth.
Director Occhipinti presented an affidavit in support of the visa application and through the congressional support of NPDF Honorary Chairman Bill Pascrell and the U.S. Department of State Diplomatic Security Division, the visas were issued both to the toddler and his mother.
In August 2017, a local New Jersey clergyman and some elected officials from Santiago, Dominican Republic asked for the help of “Operation Kids” in helping to secure a cochlear implant for the toddler.
The NPDF was successful in this endeavor through the help of the “Fresh Start for Kids Foundation” who arranged for the pro-bono operation that will take place at the Chicago Comers Children’s Hospital in May 2018.
The NPDF will be paying for all the air transportation, lodging and related expenses for the toddler and mother while undergoing medical treatment in the United States.
While in the Dominican Republic, Executive Director Joseph Occhipinti had the privilege of meeting the Commanding General of the Dominican National Police Ney Aldrin Bautista Almonte and his Deputy, General Nelvia Perez-Sanchez who commended the NPDF for their continued humanitarian efforts in their country.
