CARMEL — More than 3,000 runners were racing to raise money to ensure every sheriff department in Indiana is equipped and able to save lives when needed.
Bolt For the Heart is an organization working to equip police with an AED. This year, they want to make sure every sheriff's office is equipped with an AED.
In a matter of moments, the lives of Kristin Toussing and Jeanne Johnson changed forever.
Both of them, in different age brackets, went into cardiac arrest unexpectedly. They had to rely on CPR to get their hearts beating again.
"That's the thing with cardiac arrest, there typically aren't any symptoms," Toussing said.
All of the runners joined together on Thanksgiving morning with the goal of helping to save lives.
"Every step I take today I'm thinking about (((How???) I get to spend the holidays with the people I love most," Toussing said.
For years, Johnson and her family participated in the race and says after her recent close call, there was no way she would miss the race.
"My family and I have done this run for the last three or four years," Johnson said. "For us, this takes on a special meaning this year."
In 2018, Bolt for Heart was able to place an AED every Indiana State Police patrol car.
