Doctor runs Monterey Bay Half Marathon with two runners whose lives he saved during last year's event
One year after Montage Medical Group cardiologist Dr. Steven Lome saved the lives of runners Greg Gonzales and Michael Heilemann during the 2022 Monterey Bay Half Marathon, the trio returned to the course to run together this year.
When Gonzales suffered a cardiac arrest and collapsed on mile three of the 2022 Monterey Bay Half Marathon, Lome, who was also running the race, immediately began CPR until Gonzales received a lifesaving shock from an automated external defibrillator (AED). Lome continued running once the patient was safe, and as he crossed the finish line, he witnessed Heilemann collapse from cardiac arrest. Lome again administered CPR until Heilemann received a lifesaving shock from an AED provided by Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula’s nearby medical tent.
From left to right: Sarah Smith, RN, David Slater, Erin Sullivan, MD, Steven Lome, MD, John Ellison, MD
Both runners received thorough treatment at Community Hospital including
stents for blocked arteries. They made full recoveries with modifications to their lifestyle, then ran again this year, this time alongside Lome and several family members as a special tribute to his
incredible actions one year ago.
“Time is the most precious and valuable thing we have, and that’s exactly what Dr. Lome was able to give to both Greg and I,” Heilemann says. “You are my hero,” Gonzales echoed to Lome.
Lome, Gonzales, and Heilemann crossed the finish line together on Sunday, and as they embraced one another, they celebrated more than just completing the race. Their hugs and high fives served as a toast to life, second chances, good fortune, and support from their community, families, friends, and each other.
It was an equal display of gratitude for Gonzales and Heilemann as it was a celebration. Fewer than 10 percent of people who have a cardiac arrest outside a hospital survive, and the emotion in their eyes signaled eternal thanks to Lome and other medical personnel for helping them beat the odds.
On Friday, the American Red Cross presented Lome with an award at a special event that honored all the heroes involved in saving Gonzales’ and Heilemann’s lives including the on-course medical volunteers, first responders, and doctors and nurses at Community Hospital. Gonzales and Heilemann donated an AED to Montage Health in Lome’s name to be used at events where Montage Health provides medical volunteers.
“I’m so happy that Greg and Mike are doing so great and made such a wonderful recovery,” Lome says. “It takes a huge team to have such a positive outcome in such a difficult situation, from the nurses, paramedics, race directors, and doctors who took care of Greg and Mike.”
Lome highlights three key takeaways from last year’s events and the patients’ incredible recovery:
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Get your heart checked by your doctor every year, especially if you have a family history of heart disease or if you engage in strenuous exercise. The first symptom of heart disease in about 25 percent of people is cardiac arrest, highlighting the importance of regular check-ups to keep track of health metrics like cholesterol, blood pressure, and coronary calcium score.
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Eat a healthy diet. Lome recommends eating less meat and more unprocessed plants like fruits, vegetables, beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, and whole grains, in addition to regular exercise.
