Springfield tornado victims finally home for Thanksgiving

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - This is a very special Thanksgiving for one Springfield family who was on the verge of losing everything following the June 1 tornado last year.

Terry Humphries and his wife MaryAnn Carroll are back in their home just in time to share the holiday.

After the tornado, their family endured one setback after another. The tornado tore through their Bradley Road neighborhood and badly damaged their home. When the tornado hit, the couple had just finished renovations so MaryAnn's terminally ill sister could move in with them.

To make matters even worse, Terry had just been diagnosed with leukemia and was undergoing chemotherapy treatment.

Things were starting to look up when the couple was able to begin repairing their tornado damaged home, but they say the original contractor ripped them off and left the job unfinished and done improperly.

That was when Springfield Community Together stepped-in to help the couple out. They hired Adrian Construction to rebuild the home.

“Just to be part of the whole team and Springfield Community Together to get these people back in their home, it's just such a warm and fuzzy feeling, especially during the holidays so the can enjoy their Thanksgiving,” said Adrian McCray of Adrian Construction.

Terry and MaryAnn couldn't be any happier.

“You want a miracle- that's what they've done in two weeks. No, we did not think we'd be able to be back in the house by Thanksgiving, they've done a miracle,” Humphries said.

“The excitement, you wouldn't believe, is a high. This is a total and wonderful high, absolutely,” Carroll said.

There is more good news: MaryAnn's sister will be moving in with the couple, and even though he's dealing with other health problems, Terry's cancer is in remission.

If you would like information on volunteering or donating to Springfield Community Together, you can visit springfieldcommunitytogether.com