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Police Officer Helps Encourage Woman Who Lost 200 Pounds Finish Her First 10K

March 22, 2015

Photos of a Louisville police officer encouraging a woman across the finish line of her first 10K are going viral.

Credit: Jonathan Roberts

Asia Ford lost 200 pounds and signed up for her first 10k in an effort to change her lifestyle. Asia explained what had happened with a post on Facebook:

"I messed up and forgot to eat this morning, Lungs still under construction from the pneumonia and on top of all this at mile 4 my son TJ took my hand and ems stopped because I almost had a slip up with my breathing but a police officer by the name of Mr Gregory got out and took my hand to finish the race with my baby and I and WE MADE IT!!! This 6.2 miles meant more to me than any race ever so my message today is, You don't have to be 1st, AS LONG AS U DON'T GIVE UP AND U FINISH…YOU ARE A WINNER!"

Credit: Jonathan Roberts

When the mayor of Louisville shared the photos on Facebook, positive messages from strangers poured into her inbox. She shared another post to express her gratitude:

"I have no words about the pouring prayers and support that has poured in my inbox, On my page, text, calls etc. I want you all to know that if I don't respond to your message please don't think I'm ignoring it, it's so many I can't get to them all. I thank God for you all and the officer who is my Angel."

Faith in humanity restored.