Mom's story picked for show
Nearly 50 people gathered Monday afternoon outside the home of Cindy Neff of Middlesex Township.
As she exited the home to cheers, she met each voice with a hug. Television producers trailed her with their cameras recording her reaction to the support surrounding her.
Then the garage door rose, unveiling brand new kitchen appliances ... a stove, a refrigerator and a dishwasher. They were gifts from NBC's “Today” show to a woman whose story it considered worthy of sharing with viewers across the country.
“I was very surprised,” Neff said. “I was expecting an interview and got way much more.”
Amanda Starns, an associate producer of the “Today,” said Neff's story should appear at 9 a.m. Friday. It's one of perseverance in the face of tragedy.
“We've been working on a series about mothers whose stories deserve to be told,” Starns said. “After today and getting to be part of this, I know this was the right family to choose.”
Starns said she found the story through a call to action. The show received a message from Neff's sister, Julie Yost.
Yost along with other family members attended the unveiling. She said her sister was an inspiration, and she thought the “Today Show” would be too.
“I just wanted to cheer her up,” she said. “I had no idea they were going to come and talk to her about being a mom in a hard time.”
Neff and her two daughters, Erin and Casey, were stunned by the death of their husband and father, Kenneth Neff, who died unexpectedly in September.
According to those in attendance, selfless is the first word that comes to mind about Cindy Neff, and many believe she has continued to be a selfless person, a caring mother and a leader in the community.
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“She's a very strong woman,” Barbara Rude, a neighbor and friend, said. “It's a tragedy, but life goes on.”
While the “Today” show sat down for an interview with Neff, the attendees parked and waited in Rude's yard.
Rude said it was something good she wanted to do for her friend who she sees and talks to every day.
“She has a big heart. She would rather give than receive,” Rude said. “She does deserve it, even if she doesn't think she does.”
Erin Neff also helped to get word out about the gathering.
“I helped pull everyone together to do the big surprise.”
She said it was tough to juggle the responsibility because high school prom was also on everyone's mind, but to her, it was another challenge she could use to prove herself, a testament to the spirit her mother has instilled in her. She said seeing the people there made the work worth the reward because her mother deserved the support.“It was awesome to surprise such an amazing person,” she said. “She just does everything for everybody, and it's nice to show all the people that recognize her and for who she is.”Starns said she grew to love the Neff family over the last few weeks of meetings and interviews. She said Cindy Neff's relentless motherhood and her selfless spirit were exactly what she was looking for the story. She said Neff shows people a relatable person who rises above tragedy.“I think people go through tragedy differently, and I think so many people can relate to that,” Starns said. “I think that really just rising above, and going forward and being a mom is enough.”As people began to leave, the sun edged closer to the tree line, shifting shadows and simmering emotions. Cindy, who at first was speechless, began to reflect on the experience.She said her husband would be happy for her and their girls, grateful for the opportunity the “Today” show had given them and thankful for the community that continues to support them moving forward.“It's overwhelming,” Cindy Neff said. “I just feel blessed with all the people that are in my life.”
