![A Dream Come True; Yankees Honor CNY Veteran Battling Stage 4 Cancer](http://townsquare.media/site/39/files/2022/03/attachment-YANKEES-DAY-JOE.jpg?w=980&q=75)
A Dream Come True; Yankees Honor CNY Veteran Battling Stage 4 Cancer
It's unfair that anyone has to fight cancer. This inspiring Central New Yorker had his day made thanks to his favorite baseball team.
Joe Maneen is an Ilion High School graduate, class of 1996, and New York Yankees fan. He served in the United States Air Force for over 20 years and is a proud veteran. More importantly, Joe is a proud father of two beautiful girls and happily married to his wife, Nicole Maneen.
Unfortunately, Joe has been diagnosed with a very aggressive form of Stage 4 cancer. It has made doing many things hard on him and his family, but Joe always finds a way to be positive and put a smile on everyone's face.
Nicole and Joe went down to Tampa, Florida on Monday for an oncology appointment and it wasn't the easiest on him. Though the day was difficult, the couple planned a stop for a Yankees spring training game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Nicole's favorite team.
Little did Joe know, he was in for a big surprise...
Joe was invited onto the field during the 7th inning to be recognized for his years of service with the USAF. As if his day couldn't get any better, Joe got to meet none other than Joe Girardi, former Yankee and current manager for the Phillies.
Joe continues to be a major inspiration to many people. His energy not only brightens his family, but everyone else around him as well.
Courage is Stronger than Cancer
Here's a full look at Joe's amazing day with the New York Yankees. Thank you Joe for inspiring us all!
CNY Veteran Battling Stage Four Cancer Gets Recognized During Yankees Spring Training
Community Comes Together To Make One Boy's Cool Wish Come True
Community Holds Candlelight Vigil For Boy Killed in Crash
More From 96.9 WOUR
![New York Yankees Icon Confesses To The Legend Of ‘Golden Thong’](http://townsquare.media/site/78/files/2023/02/attachment-jeter-thong1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![New York, Not Just The Yankees, Needed Judge To Stay](http://townsquare.media/site/78/files/2022/12/attachment-gettyimages-1425736501-594x594.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Studs and Duds: These Awards Go to the Best, and Worst, of the ’22 NY Yankees](http://townsquare.media/site/78/files/2022/10/attachment-Yankees-Awards.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![All Rise! Offer For New York Yankees’ Historic Ball Hits $2M](http://townsquare.media/site/78/files/2022/10/attachment-1111judgeball1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Blue Jays Fan Dropped Record Setting Ball In Toronto](http://townsquare.media/site/10/files/2022/09/attachment-Untitled-design-9.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Kidney Cancer Journey ‘Mental Rollercoaster’ for CNY Personality Joe Load](http://townsquare.media/site/41/files/2022/09/attachment-Leonard1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Calling Hours & Funeral Set for Beautiful Ilion Girl Who Touched So Many](http://townsquare.media/site/39/files/2022/08/attachment-295798054_366537915646685_3369993131316147356_n.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Anna’s Last Ride: Hundreds Line Streets For Beautiful Outpouring of Love as Ilion Girl Passes Away](http://townsquare.media/site/39/files/2022/08/attachment-Now-playing.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Join ‘Anna’s Last Ride’ as Ilion Teen Comes Home From Hospital](http://townsquare.media/site/39/files/2022/03/attachment-270804320_4667833030003963_4501580373161424540_n.jpg?w=980&q=75)