Emergency Medical Team Honoured with Special ‘Life Saver’ Medals
02 Oct 2025
For more than 20 years, Gold Coast Health’s partnership with the marathon has seen medical professionals provide crucial support to thousands of participants across the race weekend. This year, 50 doctors and nurses staffed the medical tent, caring for runners in need of treatment or recovery assistance.
Among the participants was Juliette McAleer, a tube-fed runner who has completed multiple marathon events despite living with complex medical needs. She said the medical team’s expertise and compassion gave her the confidence to compete safely.
“Having them there gave me peace of mind,” Juliette said. “After the race, they ran tests on-site to make sure I was okay. I thought, ‘I have my medal — but they deserve one too.’”
To show her gratitude, Juliette worked with Epic Medals Gold Coast to design custom medals and personally delivered them to the emergency team — a four-hour round trip to thank them in person.
“I wanted them to know they’re heroes in my eyes,” she said. “They work so hard, and this was my small way of showing appreciation.”
Dr Hayley Frieslich, Acting Clinical Director of the Emergency Department at Gold Coast Health, said the gesture deeply moved the team.
“I’ll treasure this medal,” Dr Frieslich said. “Some days are harder than others, but moments like this remind us why we do what we do. Knowing we can make a difference — and seeing people come back to thank us — makes it all worthwhile.”
Source: Gold Coast Health – goldcoast.health.qld.gov.au
