Friend and organ donor Rick Bellando (right) with Matt Fulgieri (left) and Town Board.

On February 5, 2008, Councilman Mark Cuthbertson presented a proclamation to Rick Bellando in recognition of the selfless donation of one of his kidneys to friend and former client, Matt Fulgieri.  Some people may not believe in fate, but if there is such a thing, this story falls squarely in that category. 

Rick Bellando has been an employee of Oheka Castle for 24 years and in 2003 planned Matt Fulgieri's beautiful wedding at the castle.  Matt and Rick became fast friends during the planning process and just a couple of short years later would come learn that Matt was suffering from Polycystic Kidney Disease.  This same disease had taken the life of Matt's grandmother, mother and brother. 

In November of last year, Rick made the decision to donate one of his kidneys to Matt, in order to save his life. 

Councilman Cuthbertson presented a proclamation to Rick Bellando, with Matt Fulgieri by his side, in recognition of his actions.  With family and friends in the audience, they both received an remarkable standing ovation. 

Currently over 87,000 people are on the national organ transplant waiting list and nearly 6,000 people die in the U.S. each year -- about 17 every day -- while waiting for a donated kidney, liver, heart, lung, or other organ.  Moreover, only about 50% of family members who are asked to donate a loved one's organs agree to do so.

While addressing Mr. Bellando and Mr. Fulgieri, Councilman Cuthbertson remarked, "No one thinks that a person met in passing could be their best friend and eventually be the one to save their life.  This is a remarkable story of one of those cases.  It is a true instance of fate."