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
FWC investigating after finding crocodile with spear in the back of its head

Florida Wildlife Commission Probes Disturbing Crocodile Spearing Incident in State’s Waters

Efforts by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers and experts…
Marcia Carty granted period to improve skills amid complaints

Marcia Carty Given Opportunity to Enhance Skills Following Public Concerns

Marcia Carty’s employment agreement stipulates a 30-day period for her to address…
Man who planned to shoot up Atlanta's airport is arrested in a terminal following a tip, police say

Swift Police Action Thwarts Potential Atlanta Airport Shooting After Crucial Tip-Off

ATLANTA — A man was apprehended at Atlanta’s bustling airport on Monday…
Fraternity suspended after possible hazing leaves university student in critical condition: report

University Fraternity Faces Suspension Amid Alleged Hazing Incident: Student Critically Injured

A fraternity in New Jersey is facing suspension due to potential hazing…
Sanae Takaichi becomes Japan’s first female prime minister, citing Thatcher inspiration

Sanae Takaichi Makes History as Japan’s First Female Prime Minister, Drawing Inspiration from Margaret Thatcher

As the United Kingdom recently commemorated the centenary of Margaret Thatcher’s birth,…
One of the world's rarest whales that makes the Atlantic its home grows in population

Atlantic’s Rare Right Whale Population Sees Promising Growth: A Conservation Success

PORTLAND, Maine — In an optimistic turn for marine conservation, one of…
Demolition starts at White House East Wing to make way for Trump's ballroom

Historic Transformation: White House East Wing Undergoes Demolition for Trump’s Grand Ballroom Vision

Trump has announced plans for an expansive 90,000-square-foot ballroom, citing the East…
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson discuses budget plan, lawsuit against President Donald Trump

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson Outlines Budget Strategy and Addresses Lawsuit Against Former President Donald Trump

CHICAGO (WLS) — Mayor Brandon Johnson has introduced a $16.6 billion budget…
'21st Century Digital Watergate': Another GOP Senator’s Phone Records Were Targeted by Biden’s DOJ

Biden’s DOJ Under Fire: Allegations of Targeting GOP Senator’s Phone Records in ‘Digital Watergate’ Scandal

Senator Ted Cruz of Texas has reportedly had his phone records subpoenaed…
Miami Beach tops US priciest home zip codes in 2025

Miami Beach Overtakes Nation as Most Expensive Zip Code for Homes in 2025

California has cemented its reputation for high real estate costs, claiming seven…
Alleged stalker detained then released after girls’ hit-and-run deaths, arrested days later: officials

Shocking Twist: Teen Suspect Linked to Fatal Hit-and-Run Allegedly Swatted Victim’s Home Weeks Prior

A 17-year-old male, suspected of a fatal hit-and-run involving two teenage girls,…
The time is now to unleash Jaxson Dart on your fantasy football league

Now is the Moment to Introduce Jaxson Dart to Your Fantasy Football Lineup

The Denver Broncos’ thrilling comeback against the New York Giants on Sunday…