Diane Caruso

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Aug 3, 2026, 5:01 PM

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Updated

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Nearly five years after a car crash left her severely injured and in a coma, Mount Vernon resident Nya Henderson is being honored for her determination and progress in recovery.

Henderson returned to Helen Hayes Hospital in West Haverstraw on Monday - three years after leaving the facility following months of rehabilitation - to celebrate how far she has come.

During the event, Henderson and her mother, Nicole, reflected on the recovery journey.

"You're resilient. You're wonderful. You're loved," said Nicole.

"I love that! I love that!" said Henderson.

Nicole said the family's experience has not been easy.

"It's been a struggle, but it's as I say, 'on the road to recovery with a couple of bumps," she said.

Henderson was severely injured and remained in a coma for several months after a crash on the Cross County Parkway in Mount Vernon in December 2021. Two other passengers died in the crash.

The driver, Anthony Rose, was sentenced in August 2024 to a prison term of 2 1/2 to 7 1/2 years.

During Monday's visit, Henderson reunited with members of the Helen Hayes Hospital team who helped care for her during rehabilitation.

"She was strong. She fought really hard and she persevered through a lot of her ups and downs. And now I'm happy to see how well she's doing," said Kelly Meara, of Helen Hayes Hospital.

Henderson was selected as the Hudson Valley honoree by the Brain Injury Association of New York State ahead of its fundraising walk.

Eileen Reardon is with the Brain Injury Association of New York State.

"To support people like Nya, to show through celebration of our walk that together, working together, we can make a difference in people's lives," said Reardon about what the walk means.

The Henderson family is also selling "Nya Attire" merchandise to help raise money for the cause.

The 13th annual "March On for Brain Injury Walk" is scheduled to begin around noon on Sept. 26 on the Highland side of the Walkway Over the Hudson.