Raising Organ Donation Awareness on the Anniversary of Joseph Acocella's Death

A person dies every 18 hours waiting for an organ in New York. Unfortunately, on Aug. 8, 2011, one of those people was Joseph Acocella, who was waiting for a second kidney transplant when he died at age 30.

On the fifth anniversary of his death, Westchester County Executive Robert P. Astorino will join with organ donor advocates, the Acocella family, and Harrison Mayor/Supervisor Ron Belmont to pay their respects at Harrison Town Hall, county officials said.

Acocella, a popular and inspiring Harrison resident, had battled Lumbar Sacral Agenesis—a spinal condition—since birth. Acocella had both of his legs removed at the age of three. He also battled kidney and heart problems throughout his life.

He never let handicaps become obstacles. Acocella attended Harrison schools, where he was elected student body president during all four years of high school. He had served on the Harrison Board of Education and was running for a third term as Town Clerk.

Monday's ceremony and press conference is to start at 11 a.m.