( CNN ) There were 10,000 runners and walkers at the Rodes City 10K on Saturday . Asia Ford was among the last . But a photo of her finish has caused a sensation online , thanks to a police officer who kept her going when she was about to give up . The race in Louisville , Kentucky , was another milestone for Ford , who has lost 217 pounds in her quest to live a healthier life for her children . According to CNN affiliate WAVE-TV , Ford trained for months for the event . But around mile 5 , breathing became a challenge . `` I messed up and forgot to eat this morning , '' she wrote on her Facebook page , adding that she was still recovering from a bout of pneumonia . As she struggled to finish , to move forward and to catch her breath , her son Terrance stepped in to offer a supporting hand . Emergency medical service crew were n't far behind , just in case . But Ford would n't let breathing problems or an empty stomach hold her back . Louisville police Lt. Aubrey Gregory was impressed . `` The EMS guys got out to check on her , and she said I 'm not stopping , I 'm not stopping , '' Gregory told WAVE-TV . `` So I said I 'm not going to let her stop , we 're going to do this together . So I got out and I grabbed her hand . I had to meet this inspirational woman . '' Flanked by her son and the lieutenant , Ford walked the remaining 1.2 miles . Photos show her face twisted in a grimace , Lt. Gregory leaning toward her , talking about health , trying to keep her mind off the pain . `` I almost had a slip up with my breathing , '' Ford wrote on Facebook , `` 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 ! ! ! '' Ford 's story has racked up well north of 1 million likes on Facebook . In the comments , people shared notes of encouragement and congratulations for Ford . `` As someone who has also lost 200lbs ... I know how HARD you worked for this wonderful moment , '' wrote Jennifer Bruce . Many praised the officer for helping and for caring . `` Now that 's community service , '' opined one commenter . Others noted that this is a welcome good news story , especially after a spate of high profile police shootings . Ford 's son Terrance expressed a similar sentiment to WAVE-TV , saying `` with all the stuff that 's going on with police it 's nice to know there good people out there . '' Terrance also said his mother 's tenacity `` makes me push harder to do the things I want to do in life . '' As for Lt. Gregory , he and Ford will be honored by Louisville 's mayor for `` health and compassion . '' `` It was a great moment , '' the officer told WAVE-TV , `` and I 'm glad she let me be a part of it . ''
Asia Ford lost 217 pounds to be healthier for her children . She struggled in a 10k race after battling pneumonia and not eating . Louisville police Lt. Aubrey Gregory helped her across the finish line .