For many families, the search for their missing loved one can be a long and arduous process, often with few clues as to their whereabouts. Despite the odds, many families believe one day they will be reunited with their missing loved one.

"I think what it really helps to do is to make people realize that they aren't the only ones who have an absent family member, and it helps them to bond with all the other families," said Mary Lyall, co-founder of Center for Help.

In honor of the 20th annual New York State Missing Persons Day, families, friends and community members were invited to reflect, remember and join together this weekend. The day honors the nearly 4,000 missing across the state.

"I'm always searching for my daughter,” Lyall said. “And I'm sure that like everyone, they're all searching. And we hope the media helps us get our word out there.”

According to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System database, over half a million people are declared missing every year. In addition to this figure, there are 4,400 unidentified bodies discovered every year, according to NamUS.

Helping in the fight is the St. Rose Cold Case Analysis Center. It is the only center of its kind in New York State — and one of only six nationally — that allows students majoring in criminal justice, behavior and law, forensic science and forensic psychology degree programs to work on real cold case investigations. It’s a way for others to help families in this fight.

"If you share something that upsets you, you see someone else suffering through the same thing as you,” said the center’s director, Dr. Christina Lane. “There's nothing more supportive than feeling like this is normal, this is OK, and what can I do to pull myself out of this depression? I can actually change coping into something more of an action than anything else, than just being sad and stuck and not being able.”

The event was filled with hope, sadness and pain as families shared stories and offered support to one another. Many found comfort in being in the company of those who understood their pain and suffering.

"This event serves to remind us that we're not alone and it's frightening to realize the magnitude of this silent epidemic of missing people,” said Rose Cobo, mother of Chelsea Michelle Cobo, who has been missing since May 7, 2016.

The National Incidence Studies of Missing, Abducted, Runaway, and Throwaway Children estimates that 2,300 children are missing in the United States each day. 

“Don't give up hope,” Cobo said. “It's hard, though, you have to fight depression, isolation, confusion and heartache. Every time you are reminded that your loved one lives with you, there's always an empty seat at the table.” 

If you or anyone you know is searching for a loved one or reporting a loved one missing, you can call the New York State Missing Persons Clearinghouse at 1-800-346-3543.