‘You are my heroes’: First responders who saved Minneapolis runner at Boston Marathon recognized

The first responders who helped save a Minneapolis runner after she collapsed during the Boston Marathon were recognized this week.

The Boston Athletic Association awarded nine first responders honorary medals in recognition of their efforts to save Meghan Roth’s life.

Roth collapsed at the eight-mile mark of the Boston Marathon on Oct. 11. Thanks to first responders, she was able to survive and return home to reunite with her 9-month-old son, Jaxon.

"The B.A.A. extends our sincere thanks and appreciation to each and every first responder who came to the aid of Meghan Roth on race day," BAA President and CEO Tom Grilk said in a statement. "Few other places will you see the community and public safety support as displayed by these first responders during the Boston Marathon. While the world was watching, these first responders rose to the occasion. The Boston Marathon brings people together in numerous ways, and that was true on October 11."

The first responders also wrote messages and well-wishes to Roth, which will then be sent to her.

While Roth wasn’t able to attend the ceremony, she thanked them through a video call and also wrote them a letter, saying, "You were there for me when I needed you the most. You revived me, you comforted me & with your heroic actions you brought me back to life."

A GoFundMe page has been started to help Roth cover medical expenses not covered by insurance.

You can read her full letter below.

Hi, my name is Meghan Roth. I am a runner, a coach, a mother, a daughter, a sister, a friend, a lover, a fighter & a survivor.

On October 11th at 9:44am my life came crashing down… but you were there to save me. From the lifeless moments of despair to the miracle of life, I am so blessed to be here today.

You were there for me when I needed you the most. You revived me, you comforted me & with your heroic actions you brought me back to life.

You brought me back home to my biggest joy & love, my son Jaxon. To my family, my friends & back to doing the things I love the most.

Thank you a million times again and again because I don’t think I can ever truly thank you enough. I want you to know you mean the world to me.

I want you to know I will never stop living my life to the fullest. I’ll never stop dreaming big & pursuing everything I want in life. I want you to know that if it wasn’t for you, I just wouldn’t be here to write this message. I wouldn’t have the chance at the life I’ve always dreamed. Thank you for giving me my life back.

For you I am so truly blessed. I hope I can only continue to share the love & give back to the greater good. I will continue sharing my story & hopefully make a positive impact for a greater cause bigger than me to help give back & save the lives of others.

Thank you for everything you do & the lives you have saved & will continue to save. You are heroes. You are my heroes, guardian angels & I’ll never forget you.

From all the love in my heart. Sending happy tears, many more healthy happy years, so much love, huge warm hugs & my endless gratitude as I always remember the day that you all saved my life.

With so much love,

Meghan