A Bronx doctor used to treating children had only days to prepare for something he had never seen before. 

Dr. Ray Lorenzoni, Pediatric Cardiologist at the Children's Hospital at Montefiore, had to step in to help adults at the peak of the COVID-19 crisis.

"I'm used to taking care of kids -- I am used to kids getting better...and so treating these adults and not being able to really help, and seeing them pass away, it was tough,” said Dr. Lorenzoni. 

GET INFORMATION: Coronavirus details from the CDC
Coronavirus Prevention: What you can do to protect yourself

In March, as Montefiore dealt with growing infection, it’s children’s hospital started accepting adult COVID-19 patients -- many critical. 

 "When we don't know what to expect, it makes it that much harder to reassure patients that things will be ok,” said Dr. Lorenzoni. 

 At the request of National Public Radio, Dr. Lorenzoni started journaling his experiences. He says it became a form of therapy. 

"There is, or there was, a patient I was caring for who was the same age that I am,” said Dr. Lorenzoni, "There were a number of times where a patient would break down and I would break down in tears."

However, he says he chose to be there knowing the risks. 

 

"I want to give people hope that things can return to normal but it's super important to do those things that protect yourself and your family,” said Dr. Lorenzoni. 

News 12’s Anthony Carlo sits with Dr. Lorenzoni in an extended digital exclusive as he relives his experience during the peak of the pandemic.