Producers from the "Today Show" film the crowd as Cindy Neff of Middlesex Township, accompanied by her daughter, Erin Neff (right), thanks the people who came to surprise her after her interview about her struggles and perseverance. Neff is scheduled to appear on the show around 9 a.m. on Thursday.

Nearly 50 people gathered Monday afternoon outside the garage of Cindy Neff of Middlesex Township.

As she exited the home to cheers of love and friendship, 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 the "Today Show" to a woman whose story they considered worthy of sharing with their viewers spanning across the country.

“I was very surprised,” Neff said. “I was expecting an interview and got way much more.”

Amanda Starns, an associate producer at the "Today Show," said Neff's story should appear at 9 a.m. Thursday. It's a story about 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.

To read more on this story, pick up Wednesday's edition of the Butler Eagle or subscribe to ButlerEagle.com.