(WKTV) - It was a warm summer day in July that the life of Conner McGough, a senior at Rochester Institute of Technology and Boonville native, changed forever. McGough dove into Fourth Lake in Old Forge and hit a rock, severing his spinal cord.

Months of rehab followed. Today, with the exception of some shoulder movement, McGough is paralyzed from the chest, down. His family and friends wanted to do something to lift his spirits, and show their support during his long, difficult recovery.

"I don't think as a 21-year-old senior at RIT I don't think he quite knew what was going to happen, how innovative his family could be but when he saw the calendars he was really touched by them," says McGough's stepfather, Pete Lee.

"Something" turned out to be "North Country Men at their Finest"....a calendar featuring local men in various settings and poses.

"It was beyond our expectations let me tell you. We're a close family and we always think of a lot of fun things to do so this ended up being a lot better than making food for a benefit," says Amy Griffin, who helped organize and plan the calendar.

"I had received a call from Pete to come up to the house one evening because there was a special get together...and whenever Pete says things like that from knowing him for 10-15 years I know something's up," says "Mr. January," Paul Fortin.

Fortin says he's thankfully still able to walk the streets of Boonville without being mobbed by overzealous female fans.

As for Connor McGough, he comes home next month and plans to pursue his career as a graphic artist. He has a pool of willing-and now, experienced- models in Boonville. His stepfather says even before the calendar got him smiling, Connor was nothing but positive about his challenging situation.

"He's had nothing but a tremendous attitude through this whole thing and he's been very uplifting to all his friends and family around him."

The "North Country Men at Their Finest" calendar is being offered for a $20 donation. Proceeds will help pay medical bills that insurance didn't cover. Those interested in obtaining a copy can call 942 4233, or mail the donation to "Connor McGough Family Trust" 721 Hennessey Rd., Boonville, NY 13309.