KC Fallon

Navajo Nation
Colfax, California
30 years old
Patient Services Representative, Chapa-De Indian Health

I am KC Fallon from Colfax, CA. I was born on the Navajo reservation, but I grew up in rural Northern California in the small town of Hayfork, CA. From a very young age, I helped my family with community events such as fundraising, public service, and helping to educate non Native Americans about Navajo culture.

For me, it is a once in a life time opportunity to be a part of the PATHSTAR family. I would like to be a part of the of the Alcatraz swim week with my two teammates Veteran PATHSTAR swimmer, Shawna Jackson, and my good friend, Tahvooche Saulque- Chavez. I want to be a part of something that is going to challenge me physically, mentally, and spiritually. I’ve heard about the program from several participants that I work with. After I heard the stories from Donna Nunn, Kristen Bradley, and Shawna, I have felt an ever growing need to try the program and make the swim to a new life style.

During the week, I’d like to learn more about a plant based diet and how to cook foods that are higher in nutrients that will help my family but also my community. Over the years, I have really struggled to eat healthy. I want to change, but I have such a hard time deciding on what to cook. I currently don’t have children but I want them to grow up with more vegetables in their diet. As a child, my family had a garden, but we didn’t cook in a healthy way. I wish I had been exposed to more diverse foods as a child. I believe that through the week long program that I will learn more to help me and my future family. What I would like to bring back to my community is that you can change your eating habits, you can educate yourself, and be someone that can promote change and provide encouragement for all those people who felt hopeless with their food choices.

The commitment by our team of three is uncharted. Like most Native American women, we work hard and we are going to make it fun. With our group, you could give us the worst job and not only will we it get the job done, but we will be having great time. For me, these two team mates are my soul sisters. I cant imagine my life without the two of them. To not take this challenge with them would be a regretful decision on my part. I love my teammates like family. We all tease and encourage each other but, it’s always with love. Having each other as a support system is paramount to our education in healthy changes. This allows everyone to be empowered. When one individual may struggle, another can provide support. As for the swim, knowing that each team member is right there can help us mentally finish the swim.

Coming up with some goals for my PATHSTAR program is something I have contemplated for a while. I have goals that I want to accomplish before I arrive at PATHSTAR, goals I want to complete while at PATHSTAR, and goals that I want fulfill after PATHSTAR.

My before goal is to be more comfortable swimming in open bodies of water. I’m not by any means an avid swimmer and to train for the swim I’m going to have to challenge my body to get up and do the work. I would like to be able to swim for two hours or more before arriving. While attending the week long program I would like to learn more about plant based foods, how to choose a balanced plate, and how to prepare different food that I might never have tried before. As for my goals after PATHSTAR, I would like to host a speaking event with my team at my church to help people combat their fears and struggles. Additionally, I want to enlighten the audience about my own struggles.

I just want to do something to better myself, my family, and my community. I believe in your program and if given the chance, I would love to be apart of it.