Hope.

This word, more than any other, dominated 2021.

The hope of vaccines started the year off, and the hope of better tomorrows ended the year.

While the pandemic brought with it continued challenges, our health care and everyday heroes rose to the call, helping neighbors and our community.

Behind the scenes, people faced down the odds and battled their way back to health and life.

This was a time of medicine and miracles. A time of hope and resilience.

Your top 10 stories of 2021:

1. ‘Every day is a gift’

Cheeseburger and fries. A sweet strawberry. Mermaids, superheroes and butterflies. Our littlest NICU patients donned adorable costumes that made our hearts melt.

2. Cody’s comeback

After a devastating car crash, a Michigan man set new milestones in his recovery with the help of skilled therapists and a loving family.

3. Pure joy and celebration

To celebrate his achievements and impending graduation from the NICU, 8-month-old Axle enjoyed a special luau, complete with Beach Boys music and Hawaiian flowers.

4. ‘More courage than anybody’

After an innovative surgery to expand his jaw, Nate Briskey says he wouldn’t change a thing.

5. ‘The best opportunity’

An array of pediatric specialists assembled to help a toddler reach his greatest potential amid the challenges of cerebral palsy.

6. One tough Gus

With a long journey through the NICU behind him, a Michigan toddler has become an inspiration.

7. ‘It has changed my life completely’

A custom jaw implant makes a drastic difference in appearance and function for 18-year-old Erin Foster.

8. In the balance

Blindsided by a life-threatening diagnosis, a Central Michigan University student beats the odds and lives to receive a heart transplant.

9. ‘A glimmer of hope’

Community COVID-19 vaccine clinics brought peace, joy and excitement to those 65 and older who rolled up their sleeves for the first round of vaccinations.

10. ‘As good as you hoped for’

Halfway through her pregnancy, Alexa Kleinjans developed a sudden, intense pain. A team of doctors soon uncovered the cause—and a delicate solution.

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

11. ‘My little birthday gift’

The West Michigan Vaccine Clinic opens at DeVos Place in downtown Grand Rapids.

12. ‘It didn’t sound right’

A young mother’s chance encounter with a physician assistant leads to the unexpected discovery of a dangerous heart condition.

13. ‘So much more energy’

After battling obesity for years, a Michigan woman opts for weight-loss surgery.

14. Into the wild blue yonder

Aero Med team members draw on their military experience to offer safe and speedy lifesaving care.

15. The ‘Golden Girl’ of nursing

Lana Lucas, 78, is on the front lines, working 13-hour shifts administering COVID-19 vaccines.

16. ‘I can do this’

After a fight with rectal cancer, Mary Hannon is stronger than ever.

17. Standing strong

After childhood burn injuries led to leg amputations, Miranda Wise learned to move around on her knees. Now she’s walking.

18. ‘You’d never know’

After little Evelyn Brummel underwent coronary bypass surgery, “It’s amazing how fast she has bounced back.”

19. ‘Love thy neighbor’

Religious leaders join forces to encourage COVID-19 vaccinations within their communities.

20. ‘Couldn’t have been placed in better hands’

When a cardiac arrest knocked Mark Erickson off his bike, the perfect passerby saved his life.

21. ‘Such a fire inside him’

When life as Lucas Smith knew it ground to a halt due to an aortic dissection, it took a steady effort to start it up again.

22. ‘Doggy, doggy, doggy! Here, doggy!’

K-9 officers brighten the day of a girl as she received treatment for cancer at the children’s hospital.

23. ‘I have most definitely won’

Major Miller turned 40 in June. A few months earlier, he received a new heart and renewed life.

24. ‘In the arms of angels’

When a gas explosion at her island cabin left Lisa Sears with severe burns and broken bones, a team of specialists and her faith guided her recovery.

25. ‘An amazing gift’

A Michigan dad of six becomes the first Spectrum Health patient to receive a lung transplant following a lung cancer diagnosis.

26. A lifesaving transition

Adrien Gleason embraces his identity as a transgender man, with support from family and help from his medical care team.

27. Zelda saves the day

In a classic Lassie-style move, Neil Tetzlaff’s Brittany spaniel sought help when her owner collapsed from cardiac arrest.

28. ‘I’m not going to die today’

A rapid response from multiple health teams helped a Michigan bow hunter survive a heart attack.

29. ‘Restored hope’

Grace deBest, 16, celebrates the completion of a two-year battle with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

30. A ‘fresh start’

A baby girl arrives a few days early to claim the title of first baby of the new year at Spectrum Health.

31. ‘God spared my life’

After her car got hit broadside at nearly 100 mph, Diane Carter endured four surgeries and excruciating pain on her remarkable road to recovery.

32. ‘She’s just a little sunshine’

Adopted from China, LiLi Santee, 8, is fighting a rare blood disorder one transfusion and one smile at a time.

33. The real Spider-Man

The superhero rappelled down the side of the 11-story Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital as children watched in awe.

34. The amazing brothers Blain

Daxton, 2, and Sawyer, 4, battle a rare genetic disease with a team of specialists and the calming power of music.

35. ‘We celebrate every milestone’

For a Michigan couple eager to help their son, genetics research is lighting the path ahead.

36. The miraculous Marley

An energetic 6-year-old is leading the way in treatment for a rare genetic mutation.

37. ‘I feel good about my decision’

To dodge genetic risks, a Michigan teen opts for thyroid surgery. Her family is glad she did.

38. ‘A super happy little kid’

When 3-year-old Grayson had cataracts removed from both eyes, his parents wondered: Would he be able to see?

39. ‘An amazing kid’

When a brain shunt failed, Austin embarked on a 20-month medical journey.

40. ‘I look at life with new perspective’

When a high school basketball player collapsed during practice, a coach’s quick action saved his life.

41. ‘Thrilled this day is finally here’

Teachers share their hopes and excitement as they line up to be among the first to obtain the COVID-19 vaccine.

42. ‘I was very fortunate’

After suffering severe burns from a stove fire, 31-year-old Joseph Foster is on the road to recovery—and eager to get back his favorite activities.

43. ‘We can make it through this’

Two sisters, 100 and 85, recall past health crises and celebrate their second COVID-19 vaccinations.

44. ‘Call on us for help’

After three years of their son battling discomfort after mealtimes, a family found relief with plant-based nutrition.

45. Giant hope for Junior

A mother’s instinct, a top-notch medical team and music therapists guide a little boy through neurological troubles.

46. ‘You have so much to live for’

When an 80-year-old retired teacher got her COVID-19 vaccine, her granddaughter delivered the shot.

47. ‘A small price to pay’

Norris Sprague underwent a new cancer treatment that temporarily made him hyper-sensitive to sunlight—and he’s glad he did it.

48. ‘Immense gratitude’

Luminaries honor the dedication and compassion of nurses.

49. ‘Miss Personality’

As she faced leukemia, 8-year-old Queen Hardy made friends, told jokes, danced and inspired her medical team.

50. ‘A little bit of hope’

Addison Weith’s genes put her at risk for health troubles. Her family’s vigilance during the pandemic has kept her healthy for the longest stretch ever.