It was the big night for the Akers family of West Chester.
Their story aired on ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, and hundreds watched the show with them at the family's church.
The viewing party was held at Princeton Pike Church of God on Milliken Road in Liberty Township.
While watching the broadcast, Ginger Akers felt waves of emotion -- sometimes laughing; sometimes crying.
"It was very emotional at times and it was exciting and I'm so glad people came out to watch it with us, family friends, and volunteers that were there."
Greg Akers says it was important for the family to thank everyone involved in making this dream come true.
"For them to give of themselves, time, materials and energy and labor and money it's just very special and we're very grateful for that," said Akers.
The Akers' new home is a sprawling ranch that now fits their family.
There is room now for the girls, 8-year-old Brooke and 4-year-old Faith, to go wherever they want.
The old house, a bi-level, was like a prison to the girls.
Because of the steps, they couldn't get around at all by themselves, relying on their mom or dad to carry them everywhere.
Ginger Akers says their new house gives the girls some independence.
"They can go and brush their own teeth, get a brush for their hair, get a drink from the fridge, just little things people wouldn't think of that I was constantly going and getting for them," said Akers.
Brooke says the angels in her new room are what she likes best.
"There's a little headboard above my bed with angels and I like that because when I go to bed I know I'm safe because I can see angels," she said.
Christian's baseball-themed bedroom was painted to look like Great American Ballpark. Reds player Bronson Arroyo surprised Christian during the big reveal.
"He was one of my favorites and you could see on the show, I wasn't breathing, I was like ahhh," said Christian, describing how breathless he was after meeting one of his sports heroes.
Greg Akers says the new home, and the donations that paid their mortgage, medical bills and the kids' college tuition, have taken a load off their backs.
"There's so much mental stress lifted as well as physical stress," said Akers, "and I think that combination is just helping our health and helping us enjoy life better."
