Heroism.

Many of us learned the true meaning of that word this year as a virus turned our world upside down.

Suddenly, we set aside our differences and came together to help our neighbors in a time of great need.

Sewing circles fired up their machines to make masks. Local manufacturers innovated to create items health care systems needed – sanitizer, face shields and more. People dug deep to donate what they could to help the cause.

Health care teams rallied to the call, holding people’s hands as they battled COVID-19, collecting and testing specimens, trying new treatments, and spreading the word about how to stay healthy and well.

Through it all, an outpouring of community support spurred these health care heroes, giving them energy when their reserves dwindled.

Then came hope as scientists made discoveries and the federal government authorized new treatments and vaccines.

It is little surprise many of the year’s top stories, chosen by our readers, are those that illustrate the best of humanity and medical innovation.

Your top 10 stories of 2020:

1. ‘Best gift ever’

Santa visits the tiniest patients at the children’s hospital to spread holiday cheer.

2. As cute as can be

Two women crafted 130 costumes so any parent who wanted to celebrate Halloween could choose an outfit for their little one.

3. ‘A hometown hero’

Amway creates hand sanitizer for Spectrum Health—and donates it to help patients and health care workers.

4. ‘This is what I am called to do’

Emergency department workers draw strength from teamwork, training and community support in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.

5. Holding her heart in her hands

After transplant surgery, a woman plans to have her diseased organ plastinated so it can serve as a teaching specimen to help others.

6. ‘It is so good to have victories’

After 10 days in the ICU fighting COVID-19, Don Force grew strong enough to leave—and that called for a special celebration.

7. Life with Luke

Doctors said baby Luke Worley was 12 hours from death. Today, he’s a thriving, striving 6-year-old enjoying life.

8. ‘It is absolutely an honor’

In a unit dedicated to caring for COVID-19 patients, health care workers speak with compassion and pride about their roles.

9. Health care heroes: ‘We are all in this together’

Life on the front lines of the pandemic: altruism, dedication and expertise shine.

10. ‘This extra burden’

Racism takes a toll, physical and emotional, on Black health care professionals. Addressing it could have far-reaching benefits, improving the overall health of the community.

Wondering which stories rounded out the top 50? Here you go:

11. A stroke at 14—and a remarkable recovery

Zosia Wasylewski was “as healthy as they get” until a blood clot suddenly blocked an artery in her brain.

12. COVID-19: Triage space open for screening

A tent extension of the emergency department is helping to screen those who have symptoms so medical workers are able to best serve the medical needs of the overall community.

13. ‘We’re still in this’

Almost six months into the COVID-19 battle, Blodgett ICU team members continue the fight. Together.

14. ‘We are honored and inspired’

Communities light up the night and warm hearts of health care workers.

15. ‘The perfect match’

Facing end-stage heart failure at age 19, Nick Jaenicke held on long enough to receive a donor heart—just like his brother and grandfather before him.

16. Glowing with gratitude

Cascade Township neighbors create a luminary walk to honor health care providers.

17. ‘It’s extraordinary’

West Michigan companies work together to innovate and create protective gear for health care heroes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

18. First baby of 2020: ‘She’s perfect’

Dad hopes little Kendra Rose reaches for the stars.

19. ‘We are here to fight’

Meet the dream team that works at a drive-up specimen-collection site, helping patients learn if they have COVID-19.

20. NICU newborns take center stage

New video technology lets families stay connected with their babies—anytime, anywhere.

21. COVID-19 donations: ‘It gives me goosebumps’

Donations of masks, gowns, food and flowers pour in to help the health care workers on the front line.

22. ‘You put your heart and soul into it’

The ICU team draws on support from each other and the community as they care for patients with COVID-19.

23. Nursing classrooms transform into an annex hospital

A long-standing preparedness plan allows Spectrum Health to use a Grand Valley State University building as an off-site medical space, should the need arise.

24. Crushing cancer

A teenager celebrates remission by smashing a replica of his tumor into a thousand tiny pieces.

25. ‘Look at us now’

To see Christopher Yates walk, run and jump, you’d never know he went through years of treatment for clubfoot.

26. A ‘simply jaw-dropping’ injury

Extensive surgery following a terrible crash has given nursing student Ryan Brown a unique perspective on the patient experience.

27. ‘We’re going to be OK’

Nurses give and receive support in providing frontline care while sharing messages of hope and gratitude.

28. ‘We are making history right now’

Five health care team members become the first to receive the COVID-19 vaccination at Spectrum Health.

29. ‘You are loved’

Neighbors rally outside the hospital with signs to show gratitude for health care workers serving the community during the pandemic.

30. ‘It’s not fear mongering, it’s the truth’

Navy reservist recounts his six-week medical support deployment in New York City during the toughest fight of his nursing career.

31. Brave like a bear

Bryar, a 2-year-old from northern Michigan, fights back after a bone marrow transplant to treat acute myeloid leukemia.

32. Through the looking glass

The Vanden Berg family found a way around COVID-19 restrictions to share their newborn son with his siblings—holding him up to a hospital window while his sisters waved and blew kisses from the lawn below.

33. Lessons from ‘the bubble’

The parents of a little girl born without an immune system have tips for families trying to stay safe and happy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

34. ‘Huge progress’

For their first three years, twins Ian and Isaac got all their nutrition from feeding tubes. Then they learned to eat.

35. ‘The most terrifying thing we have ever done’

After an extremely complicated pregnancy, Mallory Hoeve delivered a healthy baby girl.  “We know how blessed we are,” she says.

36. Pomp, despite the circumstance

Lexanne Sherrell lost her twin sister in utero. Soon thereafter, the 1-pound-5-ounce preemie forged her own path to graduate from the NICU.

37. ‘My brain still thinks it’s on a cruise ship’

Lonnie Martin, 48, loves cruises. But then a cruise left her feeling like she’s forever on the high seas.

38. Antibody tests: ‘Another piece in our toolbox’

Those seeking to learn whether they have already suffered through a COVID-19 infection are now able to find out.

39. ‘First line of protection’

A new portable intubation chamber may protect frontline health care workers during the pandemic.

40. ‘The greatest feeling ever’

Little Tinley never stops smiling—from adoption as a baby through months of leukemia treatments and, now, a happily ever after.

41. ‘We are so thankful’

June and Glenn Troyer, a couple in their 80s, both fell ill with COVID-19. After spending 10 days apart, they reunited in physical therapy.

42. COVID-19 window messages: ‘I miss you’

Through a window and whiteboard, patients share their love and insights with community and family members.

43. Heroes at the door

To put patients at ease, hospital team members have honed the perfect blend of helpful and friendly.

44. ‘Running full-tilt’

Getting tested for COVID-19? Thank the dedicated laboratory services team for getting the results for you.

45. ‘I’m telling everyone who will listen’

After a 99% blockage and double bypass, James Cook turns his health around by cutting dairy, oil and meat from his diet.

46. ‘We are supposed to grow old together’

With great determination—and with the gift of new lungs—John McKay begins a new life with his wife and family.

47. ‘Thankful to be alive’

She thought she might have COVID-19. She soon learned she’d suffered a severe heart attack.

48. ‘Where have you been?’

After childhood heart surgery, Brent Morton didn’t realize he needed follow-up treatment as an adult.

49. COVID-19: ‘It takes all of us’

Work-at-home insurance coders join Spectrum Health’s fight against the virus, deploying to the front line to sanitize hospital touch points.

50. ‘She’s tenacious’

Kaitlyn Seykora baffled medical professionals all her life. Just last month, a geneticist provided a diagnosis—one so rare, not much is known about it.