Dear Operation Kids Supporter:

When I started "Operation Kids" over a decade ago, I would have never imagined what started out as a free child fingerprint kit program would expand to saving the lives of critically ill babies.

To date, Operation Kids has saved the lives of eight critically ill babies!

It was through the hard work of volunteers and generous donors like you who made it possible to protect these children from life threatening diseases.

What makes it all worth while is when I see the glowing faces of the parents and the fact our efforts helped save their son or daughter.

Operation Kids has not gone unrecognized, especially when a real American Hero, like John Walsh of America's Most Wanted" wrote to me and said:

"I am happy to support your organization and the incredible work that you do, God Bless"

We also appreciate being recognized on the "CBS Early Show" for saving two month old Emily Mendoza who received a heart operation.

I must tell you about our newest challenge involving 8 year old Alessio Cirelli whose parents are both Police Inspectors with the Italian State Police.

Please take a look at Alessio's picture sitting in the wheel chair wearing his father's police hat from the Italian State Police.

Alessio's father, Chief Inspector Sergio Cirelli is a highly decorated policeman assigned to New York City where he works with many police agencies in the "War on Terrorism".

I was first introduced to Sergio through a federal agent who works with the United States Department of Homeland Security, Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Inspector Cirelli, a little embarrassed to admit, told me about his son who was born with a rare disease called "Kasa Back Merrit", a condition that damaged the left and right area of the brain that left him paralyzed.

According to Sergio, the only medical facility in the world able to deal with this rare disease is in New York City.

Sergio explained that despite the fact Italy has socialized medicine, he is responsible to pay any medical treatment outside of his country.

I saw hesitation in his speech; Sergio was becoming emotional, fearful that he might not be able to pay for Alessio's lifesaving treatment.

I became teary eyed and said "As a father, you must do whatever is necessary to save his life."

I explained how six years earlier, my own daughter, Lisa, was stricken with ovarian cancer and we were not sure if she would survive.

Fortunately, after undergoing surgery and chemotherapy, "thank God", Lisa has been caner free for over five years.

I proudly showed him a photograph of Lisa's little baby girl who was just born six months ago despite the fact she has only one ovary.

I explained the cost of Lisa's medical treatment was tens of thousands of dollars, and since she was a college student she was not covered by my health insurance.

The bottom line, I struggled financially to make sure she received the quality medical treatment that saved her life.

I hugged Sergio and told him, I would not abandon his family, especially Alessio who at the time was still in Italy.

Through the efforts of some of our volunteer, we were able to get donated a new wheel chair to replace Alessio's worn out one.

When the Italian State Police learned about the donated wheel chair, arrangements were made through the Vatican to have both Alessio and his new wheel chair blessed by Pope Benedict XVI.

What was even more compelling, I was invited to have a Private Audience with the Pope. I couldn't believe it!

I have accomplished much in my life as a federal agent that included the satisfaction of knowing I put away international drug lords, terrorists and criminals in jail.

But the thought of the Pontiff recognizing our efforts and meeting with a delegation from the National Police Defense Foundation left me speechless.

On September 5, 2007, Pope Benedict XVI, whose father was a policeman in Germany, went over to Little Alessio and blessed him and his donated wheel chair.

I still get tears thinking about the love and compassion shown this sick boy by this great man of God.

A few days later, Little Alessio and his family arrived at Newark Liberty Airport to a "Hero's Welcome" being hosted by the Port Authority Police.

Alessio and his family were overwhelmed by this reception that is often reserved for only the heads of state.

Alessio is no diplomat or son of a president; he is a severely handicapped boy of a policeman that needs your financial assistance.

Remember, neither he nor his family has health insurance to pay for this life saving medical treatment only available in the United States.

Nor does he have the additional income to pay for his families housing, medicines, physical therapy and schools in the United States, which is not being reimbursed by his government.

That's why, I am making a personal plea to our faithful Operation Kids supporters, to help little Alessio and his family in their time of need.

If you're especially blessed financially and can find it in your hear to make a generous donation of $250, $500 or even $1,000, your gift would be a God sent.

The National Police Defense Foundation is an IRS designated 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization, which means any donation, either small or large is 100% tax-deductible.

Let's hope and pray that through your generosity and the special blessing by Pope Benedict XVI that we will be able to pay for Alessio's life saving medical treatment.

Please take a look at the photo below of little Alessio and look into his eyes. This courageous boy received the blessing of Pope Benedict XVI and I pray those blessings will be the needed miricle to overcome this debilitating illness.

We can save Alessio and help his family pay for the life saving medical treatment he needs to live a quality life.

"Thank you" and "God Bless You" for your friendship and financial support and together lets make a difference in Alessio's life.

Click here to make a donation online
Click here to download the donation form.

With warm regards,

Joseph Occhipinti
Founder & Executive Director