A Mattydale family who has been hit by tragedy twice in about five years got an early Easter gift. As YNN's Erin Clarke tells us, friends and community members pitched in to finish a project a long time in the making, a home makeover for the Masterpols.

MATTYDALE, N.Y. -- The Masterpols stepped into a new home Saturday.

"It was like I was walking into somebody else's house, like a dream house," said Linda Masterpol as she walked into her newly remodeled home.

Just a week ago they packed their bags and gave the keys to a group of volunteers who have worked tirelessly to remodel their Mattydale home.

"We came in here Saturday morning, we pretty much demolished most of the bottom floor of this home," said project coordinator, Lisa Peters.

It's been made handicap accessible for 27-year-old Jeffrey who was the victim of a hit and run that killed his brother and left him paralyzed.

"Things will be a lot easier now. I'll be able to get around my house with bumping into walls," said Jeffrey Masterpol.

Retrofitting the home was a job began by Jeffrey's father, Jerry Senior. After a battle with Cancer, Jerry Senior passed away in 2011, but his friends and co-workers at Le Moyne College would not let his work go unfinished.

"Lisa said it as we walked out of the hospital that she was not going to leave Jerry's work undone...and we had no idea that that idea of hers would transcend this complete renovation," said project coordinator, John O'Brien.

They believe that Jerry Senior is smiling down on them and the job completed.

"He's thinking that his friends have done well for him and his family," said O'Brien.

And in the sprit of the Easter holiday, volunteers said this gift is truly a new beginning.

"Easter is a sign of a fresh start and we're hoping to give that to them in a very hopeful and positive way," said volunteer, Maria Miller.

Seventy-five to 100 people helped out on the project and several local companies donated materials, furnishings and electronics.