Any donation made in support to the Woman of Impact Campaign will go 100% to the American Heart Association for life saving funds and research used to combat Heart Disease.
My name is Fallon Williams, and I am truly honored to be a part of the Woman of Impact Campaign Initiative, and to have ARUP behind me in support.
I was born with a congenital heart defect named a complete AV Canal Defect, which led to numerous corrective heart surgeries throughout my childhood. Growing up, I faced many limitations, including an inability to participate in sports, and I was told that my heart might never be strong enough to carry children in my adult life. Despite these challenges, I found myself wondering—what if I could somehow strengthen my heart? Could I one day engage in physical activities that once seemed beyond my reach? Could I have the family I dreamed of?
With my doctor's encouragement, I began weightlifting, and began falling in love with movement and fitness. A few years later, I found indoor cycling, which further strengthened my heart and allowed me to strengthen my cardiac health for years, leading up to the healthy births of my 2 babies.
This journey has been one of perseverance, hope, and self-discovery. Being part of the Woman of Impact Campaign Initiative is not only a reflection of my growth but also a chance to share my story with others who may face similar obstacles. If my experience can inspire even one person to push beyond their limits and embrace their own potential, it will have been more than worth it.
When my daughter was about six months old, her pediatrician detected a murmur and immediately referred us to a cardiologist. This eventually led us to the diagnosis of a partial AV Canal Defect. I was shocked! This condition wasn’t supposed to be hereditary, yet here we were, facing the journey of open-heart surgery to repair a congenital defect in my baby girl.
As we navigated this difficult journey, I was astounded by the advancements in cardiac care. The surgical procedure and complexity I faced as a child were worlds apart from what my daughter was now experiencing. This realization only deepened my passion for the American Heart Association and reinforced the importance of continued research and funding for congenital heart conditions.
I am honored to be a part of this campaign, where I can share both my story and my daughter’s, and contribute to a cause that is so deeply personal to me. I am excited to channel my passions into the community, raise awareness, and support an organization that is paving the way for groundbreaking research, ensuring that cardiac healthcare becomes accessible to all communities.