SANDY — Meet Fallon Williams, a dedicated mother of two who also manages a heart condition.

“I often feel extremely fatigued throughout the day,” Fallon shared. “I make a conscious effort to listen to my body and avoid overexertion.”

Born with an atrioventricular canal defect, a type of congenital heart defect characterized by a hole between the heart chambers, Williams experienced numerous surgeries and faced restrictions during her childhood.

“I had a passion for soccer but couldn’t participate,” she reflected. “It felt like my condition was dictating my life.”

Heart disease is the leading cause of mortality in the U.S., impacting millions of adults and children who live with heart defects.

While Williams initially thought her condition wasn’t hereditary, her daughter was later diagnosed with a similar heart defect and underwent open-heart surgery at just 3 years old.

“It was incredibly challenging to watch her go through an experience that I know can significantly impact one’s life,” she admitted. “I wished for her to have the freedom to play soccer or engage in dodgeball with friends without the limitations I faced.”

Congenital heart defects represent the most prevalent kind of birth defect, affecting approximately 40,000 infants in the U.S. annually.

While Fallon’s path has been filled with obstacles, she and her family continue to overcome their challenges.

Through proper medication and fitness, Fallon has been able to enhance her heart health — she even instructs indoor cycling classes now.

“I believe that anything is achievable, even with heart conditions,” she expressed.

She encourages other women to prioritize their heart health.

“Cardiac conditions are the leading cause of death among women. Juggling various roles, we often neglect our own needs, especially as mothers,” she cautioned. “It’s essential to be aware of your health metrics, such as blood pressure, resting heart rate, and workout heart rate. If anything seems off, consult your doctor. You never know when you could be part of those alarming statistics.”

Williams has been recognized as a Woman of Impact by the American Heart Association, where she is actively raising funds for heart health research. Discover more about her campaign here.