Mending Manny: Helping Medical, Legal, & Recovery

If you know Manny, you know he is the most giving, caring, and welcoming person-- and while we ALL know Manny is the FIRST person to help when he sees a human, animal, or even an insect in need, he is the LAST person to ask for or even accept it when it’s offered to him.

This is a chance to return his kindness and express our thanks to this wonderful human after he fell victim to an unprovoked attack the night of MSU’s first home game last week.

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As most of you are aware, this past Friday (9/2) was MSU’s first home game of the year. While many individuals were out celebrating in a fun and safe manner, unfortunately, not everyone shared this enthusiasm.

It was late on Friday night when Manny was standing outside of Crunchy’s in the parking lot, coordinating his way home when he engaged in friendly conversation with a group of individuals. This is no surprise, as we all know Manny is quick to make friends anywhere he goes. However, after approximately 10 minutes of conversation, an individual (identity currently unknown) approached Manny from behind and delivered 11 consecutive, unreciprocated, and violent blows.

Luckily, 9-1-1 was called and an ambulance transported him to Sparrow where he remained overnight. Manny was informed he had two broken ribs and received nine stitches for the laceration on his temple (aside from the other lacerations and bruising). In the following days, injuries were further assessed through x-rays and the results confirmed the necessity for oral surgery. While oral surgery was successful, the damage to the jaw was more extensive than first thought. Instead of the two breaks depicted by the x-ray, the surgeon found a third break, as well as a misplaced nerve (adding to the estimated healing time). Additionally, the site where two back molars previously existed will need appropriate antibiotic care. Further monitoring will occur during post-op appointments to ensure appropriate healing is occurring.

To encourage healing, Manny’s jaw will remain wired shut for a total of 6 weeks and he will require a liquid/soft diet throughout the duration and LOTS of rest (which we all know Manny has a difficult time with).

We are hoping to ease the burden of medical expenses, legal services, loss of wages, and dietary accommodations during this period of recovery.

If you have any information regarding the identity of the individual responsible for this brutal assault, please reach out to the East Lansing Police Department.