Big-hearted Westchester teen finishes veteran hall beautification project in time for Memorial Day — after freak accident
Share this @internewscast.com

A compassionate teenager from Westchester has completed a project aimed at enhancing a local veterans hall right in time for Memorial Day — despite being delayed by a freak accident and a challenging recovery.

Joseph Mana, 18, was on the verge of finishing his work at the Veterans of Foreign Wars hall in Yorktown Heights. His Eagle Scout project involved setting up planter boxes, pressure washing the facility, and refurbishing a bench. He took a break in October to focus on school activities, according to Mana and his father who spoke with The Post.

“It was supposed to be done in time for Veterans Day — but then tragedy struck,” his dad, Ed Mana, said.

While actively participating in Boy Scouts troop 173, Mana was playing touch football during his fourth-period gym class when an accidental collision occurred. Another student ran into his left leg from the side while he was leaning back, leading to the unexpected incident, Mana explained.

The impact and strange angle dislocated his knee and damaged a main artery behind it.

“I was in a lot of pain and shock,” Mana said. “The top of my knee was indented down at an angle.”

He was rushed to an emergency room, where doctors explained he needed surgery immediately to fix the artery.

“After they popped it back into place, they said it could be something wrong with the vascular side,” Mana said.

For the next four months, the teen was forced to remain hospitalized while he recovered from three surgeries — including to repair the artery, remove pins from his ACL and fix a tendon.

Ed Mana, 52, said it was hard to check his son into Blythedale Children’s hospital in Valhalla knowing he’d likely be there for months.

“When you have to leave [your kid] there, it’s like you’re leaving someone in jail. There were tears,” he said.

As the months passed, the teenager celebrated Halloween, New Years ‘Day and his 18th birthday at the hospital.

“I was upset and annoyed I couldn’t see [my friends],” Joseph Mana said.

He even applied to colleges while on painkillers and confined to the medical center.

“I told him if you don’t get in, you should write the college a letter later and say, ‘I was high but not for the normal reasons,’”  Ed Mana said.

Finally, in March the teen was released and advised to do physical therapy twice a week and to wear a knee brace for the next year and a half.

Over the weekend, he returned to complete the vets project, which will also include a flag box, and will be unveiled in a ceremony after the town’s Memorial Day parade Monday. Mana is expected to give a short speech.

“Vets deserve this because they fought for our country, so we should spend our time helping them too,” he said.

Since his accident, Mana has been accepted to SUNY Polytechnic Institute, where he plans to study computer science.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Virginia murder suspect in bus stop stabbing had lengthy criminal history, multiple dropped charges

Virginia Stabbing: Unveiling the Troubled Past of a Suspect with a History of Dropped Charges

A Virginia man, facing charges for the fatal stabbing of a woman…
Tucker Carlson's antisemitic ramblings 'bordering on pornography,' says Israel ambassador

Israel Ambassador Criticizes Tucker Carlson’s Remarks as ‘Bordering on Pornography’ Due to Antisemitic Content

Israel’s ambassador to the United States sharply criticized Tucker Carlson on Friday,…
DNA is still pending as volunteers find another glove in the search for Nancy Guthrie

Breaking True Crime Updates: New Nancy Guthrie Video, Caleb Flynn Faces Charges, Missing Mom Found and Arrested

An image featuring Nancy Guthrie alongside her daughter, Savannah Guthrie, host of…
Israel says it launched preemptive attack against Iran

Israel Initiates Strategic Strike in Response to Perceived Iranian Threat

On Saturday, Israel announced it had launched a preemptive strike against Iran,…
The suspect was caught on camera allegedly spraying the food with poison.

Shocking Footage: Roommate in Gas Mask Caught Allegedly Poisoning Couple’s Meals

A couple from California experienced their worst fear when surveillance footage revealed…
Philadelphia sued for allegedly not promoting five police officers because they are White

Philadelphia Faces Legal Action Over Alleged Racial Discrimination in Police Promotions

Philadelphia is currently embroiled in a legal battle as five police officers…
Alvin Bragg screwed up again — 'Diaperman' snowball charges should've been decided by grand jury  

Controversy Erupts as Alvin Bragg Faces Backlash for Bypassing Grand Jury in ‘Diaperman’ Snowball Case

History may well recall the moment Alvin Bragg, the Manhattan District Attorney,…
Fox News ‘Antisemitism Exposed’ Newsletter: 'Ludicrous' Mamdani boots Israel-linked drone firm

Controversy Unfolds: Fox News Highlights Antisemitism in Mamdani’s Decision to Oust Israel-Linked Drone Company

Fox News’ “Antisemitism Exposed” newsletter sheds light on the growing issue of…
Ex-MLB pitcher Dan Serafini gets life in prison for shooting in-laws in California home

Former MLB Pitcher Dan Serafini Sentenced to Life for California In-Law Shooting

Former Major League Baseball pitcher Dan Serafini has been sentenced to life…
Feel-Good Friday: Law Enforcement, First Responders Accomplish the Incredible When Allowed to Excel

Inspiring Achievements: Law Enforcement and First Responders Shine When Given the Opportunity to Excel

Back in my days as a single individual, I experienced a harrowing…
'America’s Most Wanted' co-host Callahan Walsh reveals what 'sticks out' to him in Nancy Guthrie case

Inside the Nancy Guthrie Case: ‘America’s Most Wanted’ Co-Host Callahan Walsh Uncovers Surprising Details

TUCSON, Ariz. — Callahan Walsh, co-host of the popular true-crime television show…
Gavin Newsom touts 'most ambitious water plan' in California

Gavin Newsom Unveils California’s Groundbreaking Water Strategy

Governor Gavin Newsom has announced what he describes as California’s “most ambitious”…