Late Harrison Town Clerk Remembered by Transplant Advocates
A person dies every 18 hours waiting for an organ transplant in New York. Unfortunately, on August 8, 2011, one of those people was Joseph Acocella. He was serving a second term as the Harrison Town Clerk when he passed away at the age of 30, waiting for a second kidney transplant.
Last week, on the fifth anniversary of his passing, Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino joined with the Acocella family, Harrison Mayor/Supervisor Ron Belmont and organ donor advocates to pay their respects, and raise awareness for organ donations, during a ceremony at Harrison Town Hall.
“In many ways, it seems like just yesterday that Joe was with us, because his personality was such a remarkable one,” Astorino said. “He was always an inspiration to me, personally, and I often think about how he somehow managed to remain positive despite any challenges that stood in his way. His spirit certainly lives on here in Harrison and beyond, in our hearts and prayers.”
The Acocella family has worked tirelessly to advocate for organ donor registration. But there is still much work to be done, they said, citing that New York currently ranks 50th out of 50 states in terms of the percent of residents over the age of 18 who are registered organ donors.
“The vast majority of New Yorkers think organ donation is a good thing, but they don’t take the steps necessary to register,” said Laura Acocella-McCorry, Joseph Acocella’s sister. “The fact that only 27 percent of residents statewide are registered organ donors is just shocking to me. We need to make sure as many people get a second chance at life as possible. Every single donor can make a major difference.”
In fact, one organ donor can save up to eight lives; and one tissue donor can improve the lives of up to 50 people, according to the nonprofit LiveOnNY, a federally designated organ procurement organization.
How to Register as an Organ Donor in New York: If you are 18 and older, you can register to become an organ donor with the Department of Motor Vehicles; the Board of Elections; or via the Department of Health. Visit the New York State Department of Health for online registration options. If you are under 18 years old, your parents/guardian will make the decision regarding organ donation. Let them know your intentions so they can carry them out.
Helen Irving, President and CEO of LiveOnNY, said that there are many common misconceptions about organ donation that need to be clarified.
“There are several truths about organ donation that need to be emphasized,” said Irving. “To be clear, doctors will always do everything in their power to save you even if you are a registered organ donor; it is not against your religion to be an organ donor; rich and famous people do not get preference when determining who receives a transplant; and traditional funeral services are possible after any type of donation.”
As Acting Chief of Intra-Abdominal Transplant and Hepatobiliary Surgery at Westchester Medical Center, the flagship of the Westchester Medical Center Health Network, Thomas Diflo, MD, says more than 580 patients are currently awaiting solid organ transplants – heart, kidney and liver – in Westchester Medical Center’s transplant program. Kidney patients make up more than three-quarters of those awaiting an organ transplant.
“While Westchester Medical Center is at the forefront of transplant capabilities in kidney, liver, heart, bone marrow and corneal transplant, including using living donor transplants in some cases, the act of organ donation plays a crucial role in saving and restoring the lives of people in our communities,” said Dr. Diflo. “Through organ donation, patients of all ages are afforded a second chance at life.”
In Memory of Joseph Acocella
Joseph Acocella was born on July 14, 1981, and was the youngest of four children. He was born with Lumbar Sacral Agenesis, which led to both his legs being amputated when he was just three years old.
“Joseph was taught from a young age that even though he was in a wheelchair, he should stand up for what he believed in – and he always did,” said Acocella-McCorry. “He never let his disability dictate his life.”
Acocella began getting involved in student government in middle school, and by the time he was a senior at Harrison High School, he had been elected Student Body President four times. After graduating in June 2000, he attended Fordham University and studied political science.
In May 2005, Acocella became the youngest member to be elected to the Harrison Board of Education, making it his number one priority to open doors to all students despite their circumstance.
In November 2007, he was elected as the youngest Town Clerk in the State of New York, a position he held in Harrison for two terms. He passed away on August 8, 2011, as he was running for re-election.
“The entire community lost a friend and dedicated public servant when Joseph passed away,” said Harrison Mayor Belmont. “He is missed to this day, every day.”
