Rachel Apa was just miles from finishing her first New York City Marathon when she collapsed. A woman who held her hand during the rescue later revealed a heartbreaking detail.

As bystanders fought to save the 24-year-old near Mile 24, a hospital social worker noticed something on her wrist that moved her to pray.

Rachel Apa was nearing the end of her first New York City Marathon when the race took a devastating turn. What happened near Mile 24 brought several strangers together in a desperate effort to save her. | Source: Getty Images

Apa was approaching the finish of her first New York City Marathon when she collapsed near Mile 24 of the 26.2-mile course. Several bystanders rushed to help before the marathon’s medical team arrived.

Among them was Michaela Nicholas, a hospital social worker who stayed beside Apa as others tried to revive her. She later revealed a deeply personal moment from the rescue that stayed with her.

Strangers Rushed to Help Rachel Apa as She Lay Unresponsive

Nicholas checked Apa but could not find a pulse. Her fiancée called for a doctor as people nearby gathered around the fallen runner.

Three bystanders, including two who identified themselves as physicians, took turns performing CPR, according to The New York Times (NYT). Nicholas remained at Apa’s side, holding her hand and reassuring her that she was not alone.