Fallon: Woman of Impact. A phrase that made no sense to me when I was nominated to be one. I immediately accepted this huge role, and began planning a 9 week campaign with the American Heart Association. Through many planning meetings with my AHA partner, I learned what this title means, and I formed my own vision of what this meant to me. I’ve always wanted to do more, make an impact and change lives. I’ve always felt in my soul that my cardiac defect diagnosis as a baby would lead me to greater things, and would lead me to people who wanted to change the world in one way or another and it felt like this was finally my chance. A chance to tell my story, my daughter’s story, and in hopes resonate with someone else and make them feel seen, heard and cared about. This campaign was just that for me. I was able to plan and execute events based around heart health, share a story that makes me who I am, and offer resilience and love to someone who may not feel so resilient in the moment.
A big part of this campaign was the challenge we did here at CHVRCH. Through the challenge, I saw each rider offering me resilience and love in times I didn’t feel it myself. I gained strength through each of you, pedaling one step closer to further cardiac research and cardiac health. I was able to share what makes me, me. And also have you all share with me the different trials you have all faced, and yet have come out of those things with a smile, ready to grow and help those around you grow as well.
The CHVRCH community has continuously lifted me when I’ve fallen and given me many moments of laughter, joy, confidence, acceptance and love. When I was planning this campaign and reflecting on the impact I wanted to make, CHVRCH was the top on my list of communities I want to grow with and hopefully make a lasting impact.
Throughout the 9 weeks, my team and I completed a 4 week CHVRCH challenge, countless baking, Eko did her share by coloring photos for donations, and we even held a private 5 course fine dining dinner experience. In total, we raised a total of 10k. 10k in 9 weeks. Wow! I have been feeling so many feelings of gratitude and being beyond thankful for my community. We did this! YOU did this. Every single person reading this did their part in this incredible impact. Every dollar raised goes towards cardiac research, health care accessibility in underserved communities, and awareness of heart disease and heart health.
My heart is so full. I started this campaign scared and feeling like I was inadequate and ended this 9 weeks feeling empowered, seen, loved and so proud. We did this.