In Syracuse, New York, the descendants of Kathleen Byrne had spent months planning a 95th birthday bash for their beloved mother and grandmother, but NBC reports due to the COVID-19 outbreak and its particularly devastating affects on the elderly, the celebration was cancelled.
While not wanting to potentially expose Grandma “Katie” to the virus, GMA reports the family couldn’t bear staying away on Kathleen’s March 18 birthday.
So instead of a party, 18 of Kathleen’s family members showed up outside her home, kept a safe distance, and sang “Happy Birthday” to the now-95-year-old while she stood on her porch.
One of Kathleen’s grandchildren, Sara Byrne, shared a touching and now viral video of the unique birthday celebration on her Instagram.
“She has done so much for our family and we are so so thankful to still have her, especially during this crazy time our world is going through,” Sara Byrne told CNN. “We wanted to show up for her to make her feel special on her big day no matter what.”
Sarah shared an additional birthday tribute to her grandmother on Instagram, saying “If you’re lucky enough to know Grandma Byrne, you’re lucky enough!!”
Kathleen Byrne is the matriarch to seven sons, 22 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren, WSYR reports.