Survivor Rescuer Reunion honors responders from Zanesville Half Marathon
Runners take off from the starting point of the Zanesville City Half Marathon at Zane’s Landing on Sept. 15, 2018.
October 9, 2018
It’s no secret that a runner suffered a major heart attack during the first Zanesville City Half Marathon. Three weeks later that runner, Jim Crowley, had a reunion with the people that first responded to him.
Crowley, the President of Advanced Heating and Cooling, made it to mile 13 in the Zanesville City Half Marathon before collapsing due to a massive heart attack.
Tuesday afternoon, he was reunited with the people who first came to his rescue.
“I’m just thankful we have good people that are involved in the emergency sector of our community like Doug (Hobson) and Value Care, great responders,” Crowley, who has run about 15 marathons, said.
Ten people were recognized during the Survivor Rescuer Reunion Tuesday afternoon, six Value Care EMTs and paramedics, runner Danette Warner – who first alerted responders to Crowley – and Zanesville Fire Department employees.
“We’re celebrating two things, one, the skills and dedication of rescuers, EMTs, paramedics and actually another runner who was one of the first responders at the half marathon,” Jamey Baker, the founder and CEO of ValueCare said. “And the second thing that we are celebrating is Jim Crowley.”
Lifesaver Challenge Coins were given to each of the people recognized by Value Care and Zanesville Mayor Jeff Tilton issued certificates of recognition and acknowledgement to all those involved.
Crowley was also given a token of remembrance in the form of a survivor pillow signed by all of the people that were recognized and responded to his medical needs during the half marathon.
“From my perspective, of course, this is at the heart of what EMS is about,” Baker said. “We get up everyday and we go do this job, sometimes it feels like it can be thankless, so we want to make sure we celebrate, and these are stories you want to share and tell.”
Just over three weeks after suffering his heart attack, Crowley has made a remarkable, full recovery, although he said he isn’t quite back to running marathons yet.
“I’m not back running yet but hopefully in a couple of weeks,” Crowley said. “Hopefully next year we’ll do the same marathon, we’re going to do it as a family.”
