It was a beautiful Saturday morning in August. Marci Adams and her husband Byron were approaching mile 15 in the Park City Marathon when they were startled to see a fellow runner laying on the race course ahead. This man had no pulse and was not breathing. He was dead. Some people say that he chose this race and this location to have a heart attack because Marci was there to save him.

It just so happens that Las Vegas attorney Ted Kurtz was running his second marathon on his 57th birthday and was feeling great--until he reached the 15 mile mark when he felt a pain in his chest; he stopped and sat down briefly, then walked a little, then sat on the grass, and finally fell flat on his face unconscious.

Other runners continued their race, running right past him. Marci and husband approached and Byron said, "OK Marci, you know what to do, go for it." (Marci is a trained first responder and assistant fire chief of the Woodland Hills Volunteer Fire Department.) She along with a fellow runner immediately began administering CPR. Fortunately Kurtz began breathing again, but only for a short time.

Just then the Park City paramedics arrived and defibrillated him as they loaded him into an ambulance and rushed him to the University of Utah Hospital. Marci and Byron got up, brushed themselves off, and finished the race.

At the hospital, Kurtz was rushed into surgery where a stint was strategically placed. They were told that only about one person in a hundred ever survives such an incident. His very life was brought back because of the quick thinking and action of Marci and fellow emergency personnel.

Kurtz, a man of quick humor, awoke after surgery with his wife leaning over him, and said, "I didn't see any bright light, and there were no people there to greet me."

Obviously, he had survived and retained his sense of humor. He was released the following Tuesday from the hospital.

Fast forward to last Thursday night at the Woodland Hills (WH) City Center with a gathering of 50 plus people assembled to give heartfelt thanks to Marci Adams for saving this man's life.

The gathering included Ted Kurtz, his wife, and adult children who were there to pay respect to Marci and all people who devote their time to preparing themselves to assist others as well as saving the lives of complete strangers.

In addition, members of the Spanish Fork Fire and Police Departments were there in force to honor "one of their own," Marci Adams.

The event began with WH Fire Chief Dorel Kynaston making a few remarks, stating "We are gathered together to celebrate the outcome of an event," and to express how proud he is of the emergency staff in WH and surrounding communities who spend countless hours in preparing themselves for incidents such as this.

He specifically thanked Spanish Fork Fire Chief Brent Jarvis for the assistance his department has provided to the fledgling WH firefighters. He thanked Devonne Allred for working hard to get the WH first responders program started in 1999. She persevered through challenging obstacles to get the program going.

Kynaston also acknowledged the tireless hours spent by Val and Beth Wilding who work tirelessly in keeping it going through difficult financial times. Beth is now Captain of the WH first responders.

Chief Kynaston then asked members of the Kurtz family to share some of their thoughts about the events surrounding their dad's heart attack. The thoughts were most touching and in some cases shared through very teary hearts.

It was quite clear that the both wife and children were ever grateful that their loved one was saved and is still with them.

Marci's mother and father, Pam and Rod Shaver, came from California as a surprise to this "Honor Marci" event. Marci's mother Pam told of Marci as a child always helping others, and especially animals, and never looking for recognition or credit for herself.

Byron Adams said that Marci was running this marathon because he taunted her by saying playfully, "I don't think you can do it." That was all it took; just a challenge to Marci is a way to be sure she will accomplish whatever is challenged.

Ted Kurtz then spoke, fervently expressing thanks to Marci for saving his life. His "heartfelt" emotions were felt by all. He also acknowledged his admiration for all people who get involved in emergency training to help others.

Kurtz said that he is currently enrolled in a life saving class where he is learning how to administer CPR. He then presented Chief Kynaston with a humorous card and a check to further express his thanks. Marci presented Kurtz with a framed picture of all the WH fire fighters/first responders.

Cake and drinks were provided by the Kurtz family for all in attendance. WH resident Carole Cottam said that she could feel the strong emotions being expressed, and could barely keep a dry eye herself.