Clayton Man Among Medtronic's 25 'Global Heroes'

resident Ron Rubin had been preparing to run his eighth marathon when, on Sept. 7, 2009, ventricular tachycardia—a rapid heartbeat—ended his plans.

About one week later, he underwent surgery at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and received an implantable cardioverter defibrillator. The device keeps tabs on his heart rate and can shock his heart to bring it back in check.

Now, Rubin is preparing to run the Medtronic Twin Cities 10 Mile on Oct. 2. The company that sponsors the race also is recognizing Rubin and 24 other long-distance runners as Global Heroes. That means he and his wife, Pam, will receive VIP treatment, including expenses-paid travel and hotel and a luncheon with the other runners who, like Rubin, have received help from medical technology.

The Medtronic Foundation also will donate $1,000 to a nonprofit organization that helps people with Rubin's condition.

A long road

It took patience for Rubin to reach this point. On the date of the marathon he had intended to run, he felt depressed. He went online and learned about the Global Heroes program. He dreamed about being able to participate.

The next year, he applied for the Twin Cities 10 Mile race. Among the questions on the application: Have you run 10 miles since you received your implant? Rubin hadn't, and his application didn't get approved. His cardiologist and doctor didn't want him running more than four or five miles during the first year after his surgery.

But this year, things changed. In April, he ran the Go! St. Louis half-marathon. When he reapplied for the Twin Cities race this year, he could say he'd run 10 miles.

Setting the pace for a new life

Rubin heads California-based The Republic of Tea, where his official title is Minister of Tea. He splits his time between the California location and the company's manufacturing and development office about 60 miles from Clayton in Nashville, IL.

About four years ago, the company started a program that encourages employees to stay healthy. He sees his participation in the marathon as a way of setting an example for his co-workers, several of whom are runners. 

And he knows how medical technology can help people remain healthy and active.

"You can continue on," Rubin said.

A few things changed after Rubin's surgery. He started talking to his children—Todd Rubin in San Francisco, CA, and Julie Liberman in Dallas, TX—daily, and he began writing his granddaughter, Sally Liberman, once a week.