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In 2006, the NPDF established a medical fund for two-year old Joseph Hopkins, the son of NYPD Homicide Detective Michael Hopkins, who was suffering from a rare disease, “Tuberous Sclerosis”. Little Joseph was partially blind due to several tumors near his brain. The NPDF publicized the plight of the boy with the local media and did several fundraisers one of which was hosted by the stars of the HBO Series, “The Sopranos”.
GRATEFUL PARENTS THANK OPERATION KIDS In May of 2003 after nine years of marriage to my husband ( a New York City Homicide Detective) we were blessed with the birth of triplet boys. At three months old 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 causes benign tumors to grow on his vital organs. In Joseph’s case they were affecting his brain causing him to have uncontrolled seizures. After exhausting all combinations of medications without success. The NPDF and Operation Kids were instrumental in gaining us access to a cutting edge brain surgery at NYU Hospital to remove the tumors. The surgery was conducted in 2006 when Joseph was three years old. Joseph is now 14 years old and has overcome many obstacles related to Tuberous Sclerosis illness, his seizures are now controlled by medication and he is able to attend school. During this time Joseph and Angela Occhipinti and the NPDF Operation Kids Program have been unwavering in their support. Mr & Mrs Michael Hopkins 12-10-2017 |