Traditions as we knew them came to an abrupt halt before last year’s St. Patrick's Day weekend. Streets that are usually filled with parades, people, and pipers instead became hauntingly empty.

This was the last time we as New Yorkers knew “normal.” The last time before the virus changed our world.

“You’re always within 6 feet of a person, so we really need to take some aggressive actions,” said Governor Andrew Cuomo during an interview at the NY Capitol building back in March of 2020.

Amidst mandates and shut downs, hospitals began filling up. Those on the front lines of our health system stretch to their limit and were fighting for every life they could.

“This is why people go into medicine. People go into medicine because they want to take care of anyone, with anything at any time,” Albany Medical Center, President, Dr. David McKenna said during a press conference outside of the hospital in March of 2020.

McKenna said the hospital was equipped for the worst. Meanwhile, thousands of doctors, nurses, specialists, EMTs, and other first responders in our state worked day and night to respond to the growing number of people flooding into hospitals. Early on, with each passing day, it became clear, critical items such as personal protective equipment and ventilators were running thin. Soon thereafter, nurses at Albany Medical Center began voicing their concerns.

“You don’t send a soldier into battle without a weapon, and that’s what we feel like is happening to us,” Albany Medical Center Nurse Hannah Mumford said.

New York would peak 30,000 deaths in a single month and maintain those on-going surges throughout year and into the holidays. The hospitals, like St. Joseph’s were coping the best it could through the holiday season.

“I can’t be dishonest about it, it is stressful. We are facing a time where all of us have been through a lot. We are trying to do our best, and it is tough,” said Philip Falcone, chief medical officer, St. Joseph’s Hospital.

The virus was taking a hold of our neighbors, friends and families, and claiming the lives of those young and old. Angela Padula is a COVID-19 survivor in the Capital Region. She lost her fiancé to the virus. A young couple that went from planning a wedding, to now, a widow planning a funeral.

“People want to go back to normal? If you get it, you’re never going to have a normal,” said Padula. “I’m never going to have a normal; my fiancé’s family is never going to have a normal.”

All while our state’s healthcare heroes putting themselves in harm’s way to save others. Lizzie Buchanan is a nurse originally from Troy, caught COVID while working on the front lines. She’s still battling the effects from the virus, long after her recovery.

“We did everything we were supposed to do, and the virus still almost got me- it’s just a reminder that sometimes things happen,” said Buchanan.

Meanwhile, at New York’s grocery stores, the workers who allowed us to keep fridges full found themselves on the front lines. The definition of an ‘essential worker’ changed virtually overnight.

"We're in front of hundreds, if not thousands, of people a week. There is a risk inherently involved with every single interaction that we have," said Foster Cooper a cashier at Green Star Food Co-Op.

As schools shut down, and classrooms became zoom calls, school staffers worked to feed New York’s kids who relied on school meals. Volunteers began delivering hundreds of thousands of meals every day to students in need all across the state.

"I love seeing their smiles when they come and say thank you and how much it means to them," said Yvette Boniello a volunteer with Middletown’s Middies Meals on the Move.

With the closures and restrictions in place, small businesses and restaurants struggled to keep their doors open. Servers and other restaurant staff struggling to stay employed themselves. Even through the hardships, small business owners were still trying to while still taking care of their own.

"A lot of the restaurant community staff usually eat one or two meals a day at work. We wanted to make sure they are able to feed themselves and their families,” said Dominick Purnomo, local restaurant owner and founder of the non-profit, ‘Feed Albany’.

Businesses of all kinds were doing their best to serve up a slice of normalcy throughout 2020.

“People really appreciate that we were able to stay open, follow the guidelines to keep everyone safe for our employees and the customers. But, also it’s a part of their life that’s still normal,” said Tom Santurri, a Dunkin' franchisee owner in Central New York.

While dining in was restricted, people were still doing their best to support local business through take-out and delivery. Some families were even stepping up to the plate to run the business while others were sick.

“It’s just so touching to see how a community can come together and they can help out,” said Adel Cekic, who is running his family’s restaurant as his dad battles COVID-19.

This year, holiday shopping looked different- as delivery and postal workers tackled an overwhelming influx of packages, while working overtime to get it to door steps on time.

“People order dreams and opportunities and that’s what we’re providing,” said Seth Siemucha the Postmaster of the Niagara Falls Post Office.

And those charged to serve and protect, were also protecting us and our communities from the virus as best they could.

“They are [the] first line of defense. They are our most important. Most important key right now is to keep them healthy and safe,” said Albany County Sheriff, Craig Apple.

The state’s bravest and finest found themselves on the defense. As more positive cases found within in the ranks, meant longer hours and more shifts for the rest.

“That’s the risk of this job. It’s no different than going into a burning building, right? You’re exposed to things,” said Eric Wisher, Troy Uniform Firefighters Association President.

But during this time, first responders were also spreading cheer throughout the community, helping bring out the best in perfect strangers. Car parades for birthdays, loved ones, or just to say help helped unite socially distant neighbors. Many, helped out by just putting a smile on someone’s face or lifting the spirits of some who are lonely.

“How can you get so many so many people to come out to wish someone a happy birthday?,” asked 95-year-old WII Veteran, Fred Muscanell, who was surprised by a parade for his birthday.

Other neighbors used their talents to touch the lives of complete strangers. Steve Derrick got to painting to honor those who gave their all to help others who are sick.

“Being able to touch someone and make them feel good, that’s the whole reason you do it,” said Derrick.

Heroes are taking on many forms throughout this pandemic. It’s been an unprecedented year and the road to recovery has not been easy. But, each person has been doing their own part, big or small, showing the strength of New Yorkers.