Natick first responders honored for saving runner’s life during Boston Marathon

NATICK, Mass. — First responders in Natick received honorary medals for saving a runner’s life during this year’s Boston Marathon.

On Monday, October 11, runner Meghan Roth suffered a cardiac event near mile eight. First responders jumped into action and provided her life-saving care.

Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) President & CEO Tom Grilk, along with Daniel Dow, Deputy Chief of Operations for the Natick Fire Department, and Dr. David Morris, Medical Control Doctor for Natick Fire, awarded nine first responders honorary medals in recognition of their efforts.

Among those receiving honorary medals were:

Captain/Paramedic: Eric Williamson
Lieutenant/Paramedic: Matt Mullen
Firefighter/Paramedic: Kyle Sammon
Firefighter: Jeff Libby
Firefighter: Dan Gould
Officer: Scott Wade
Paramedic: Scott Marcosa, Brewster Ambulance
Paramedic: Mark Jacobs, Brewster Ambulance
Field Supervisor/Paramedic: Ken Reynolds, Brewster Ambulance

Roth was unable to attend the event honoring those who saved her life but she and the first responders spoke during a video call afterward.

She also wrote a letter, thanking them:

“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 9:44 a.m. 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”

Boston Marathon: Natick first responders honored (Boston Athletic Association)

Also unable to attend were Dr. Jochen D. Muehlschlegel, Cameron Howe, and Marie Rodgers.

Dr. Jochen D. Muehlschlegel was participating in the 125th Boston Marathon when he stopped to administer CPR on Meghan. Dr. Muehlschlegel is the attending cardiovascular anesthesiologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital where he is also the Vice Chair of Research, the Director of Cardiac Anesthesia Research, and an Associate Professor of Anesthesia at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Muehlschlegel is currently away on a medical mission trip to Rwanda.

Cameron Howe and Marie Rogers were spectating the 125th Boston Marathon when they jumped into action to administer aid to Meghan as well. Cameron is a nursing student at Boston College, and Marie is a retired nurse. The B.A.A. will recognize Dr. Jochen D. Muehlschlegel, Cameron Howe, and Marie Rodgers at a future time.