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It all started in October 2014 when the NPDF saw a You-Tube video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtPJDzrh1-k&feature=youtu.be) that went viral profiling the plight of an Italian teenager, Claudia Digregorio who had an unknown illness that left her wheelchair bound. The video showed how Pope Francis personally visited Claudia at her home and asked for international assistance to help identify Claudia’s illness. The NPDF immediately responded and with the coordination of the Italian State Police convinced the U.S. National Institute of Health (NIV) in Bethesda, Maryland to evaluate her. It should be noted that the Italian State Police formally invited the NPDF to Rome, Italy to help transport Claudia and her family back to the United States for the NIV evaluation scheduled for August 27, 2015. |
| While in Rome, the NPDF met with key Italian legislative, police and Vatican security officials who presented the NPDF with their humanitarian awards in recognition of his efforts to help Claudia. Moreover, Vatican security officials arranged a private meeting with Pope Francis On August 26, 2015, the NPDF and his wife along with Claudia and her father met with Pope Francis who blessed the teenager. In addition, the Pontiff personally thanked the NPDF for answering his prayer to help Claudia as well as the important humanitarian work he is doing on Operation Kids. According to medical officials at the NIV, they are still actively researching Claudia’s unknown illness and feel optimistic that they will identify it and give her appropriate treatment. | |
