Gambill, of Fort Dodge, will hold the third annual Fort Dodge Walk for Williams Syndrome on Sunday at John F. Kennedy Memorial Park. Registration is set for 12:30 p.m. with the walk to begin at 1 p.m.

The driving force behind Gambill’s passion is her son, Brecken, who was first diagnosed at just 6 months old.

“This year, the walk has a little different meaning to me,” Gambill said. “It’s always been about spreading awareness, but Brecken has had a considerable amount of health issues that included a two-week hospital stay at Blank Children’s (in Des Moines). The staff was amazing, but I can’t count the number of times that I had to explain to people — be it a doctor, nurse or therapist — what Williams Syndrome was and the specifics about it.”

Williams Syndrome, or WS, is a genetic condition that is present at birth and can affect anyone. It is characterized by medical problems including cardiovascular disease, developmental delays and learning challenges. Brecken, who was nonverbal until turning 5 years old, has been working with therapists in Ames twice a week.

-Submitted photo
Amber Gambill has been the driving force behind raising awareness for Williams Syndrome. Gambill will hold the third annual Fort Dodge Walk for Williams Syndrome this Sunday inside John F. Kennedy Memorial Park in Fort Dodge.

“The therapy sessions are really paying off,” Gambill said. “He is starting to overcome the challenges presented by Williams Syndrome through so much hard work and determination.”

Along with her work as a teacher at First Presbyterian Church in Fort Dodge, Gambill was recently named the co-chair of the Heartland Region of Williams Syndrome, an area that includes Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri and southern Illinois. Her role puts her front and center with newly-diagnosed families, families that need support, hosting events and spreading awareness.

“At our last meeting in New Orleans, we had a lot of discussion about the importance of raising awareness to raise money for research,” she said. “It’s scary to have your child go into the hospital for anyone, but especially when they have a disorder that is rare and not well-known.”

Gambill and her husband, Bryan, also have sons Caden and Cole. She shares the same dreams for Brecken as she does the other children.

“I hope he can live his best life doing whatever it is that makes him happy,” she said. “That’s all anyone wishes for their children.”

Gambill said around 10 individuals with Williams Syndrome have attended the walk each year and the “support from our community in Fort Dodge has been incredible.”

“My favorite thing from last year was listening to each individual with Williams Syndrome introduce themselves,” Gambill said. “Each one had something different to say, but they are all so inspiring.

“One of my favorite quotes from a Williams Syndrome individual last year was, ‘I’m so glad to see you! This is the best day ever!'”

Some of the events planned for this year include Life Flight being on hand, a fire truck for the kids to explore, face painting, life-sized games, a silent auction and lunch provided by the Iowa Pork Producers for a cost.

Attendees can register the day of the walk or by going to walk4williams.org. Cost is $20 per individual or $50 for a family.