Most of us don't know what it's like to save a life. But a La Crosse doctor now has a greater appreciation for three strangers who gave her a second chance.

It was a day like any other for Michelle Williamson. In November, she went for her daily run, when she collapsed in Kim Wichelt's drive way.

"I don't really remember any of it at all. Even after that, being in the hospital and being on all the medicine and everything that happened, I have amnesia," says Williamson.

Williamson was in cardiac arrest and three women, Kim Wichelt, Shannon Ask and the mayor's wife, Tracey Johnsrud, saw what happened and jumped in to help.

"I stopped and noticed the lady lying on the ground,” says Johnsrud. “I actually just jumped out of my car left the car running, doors open at the same time. Mrs. Wichelt came out of the house and we both got to Michelle at the same time. She started chest compressions and I started breathing."

Kim Wichelt says at first she wasn't sure what to do and adrenaline and instinct just took over.

"I had, at one point, actually wanted to run the other direction when I saw her and a lot of people I've talked to say that they have that fight or flight and it was very fight or flight."

On Wednesday night, the three women were awarded the city's Community Lifesavers award. Wichelt and Johnsrud both say it's an honor, but that's not why they did it.

"It feels very awkward to get an award because this is what I do. This is what nurses do and we don't get recognized," Wichelt says.

"It's hard for me to understand why you have to reward somebody because they did something right," commented Johnsrud.

Williamson was happy to be reunited with her heroes one more time and thankful for their actions.

"They're my heroes, my guardian angels. They're wonderful. I'm so grateful to them. They've done so much to help me."

Tracey Johnsrud says since the incident, she's convinced everyone in her office to become C.P.R. certified.