2020 Person of the Year: Shari Hymes

A common theme began to emerge across America when the coronavirus pandemic struck and reality of the devastating effects caused by COVID-19 became all too clear: “Not all heroes wear capes.”

That held true here.

We witnessed doctors and nurses rising to the challenge to confront a deadly virus. First responders risking their own safety to bring sick patients to hospitals. And the grassroots support, whether through meal trains or other initiatives from the community to support those workers on the front lines.

In early April, during the peak of the pandemic’s initial wave across Suffolk County, as thousands of people became sick and hundreds died, one “modern-day hero” went above and beyond the call of duty.

At Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital in Greenport, Shari Hymes brought more than 35 years experience to her job as a respiratory therapist, a critically vital position in dealing with a respiratory disease such as COVID that can cause pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome...