Williams Syndrome, Rare Disease Advocacy, and the Power of Love with Camille Fortunato

In this moving episode of Purposeful, Ashley Bernardi sits down with Camille Fortunato, mother, advocate, and founder of The Anthony Filippazzo Grant for Williams Syndrome Research, to share her family’s journey with Williams syndrome and the mission that grew from it.When Camille’s son, Anthony, was born, doctors immediately knew something was wrong. After years of medical complications, uncertainty, and searching for answers, Anthony was diagnosed with Williams syndrome, a rare genetic condition that can affect development, learning, cardiovascular health, and multiple organ systems.Camille shares what those early years were like, how her family found community after diagnosis, and why she turned pain into purpose through advocacy, awareness, and medical research. In this conversation, Ashley and Camille discuss:• Anthony’s diagnosis journey• What Williams syndrome is and why awareness matters• The emotional reality of navigating a rare disease as a family• The importance of community and connection• The need for more research into Williams syndrome and cardiac complications• How The Anthony Filippazzo Grant for Williams Syndrome Research is helping fund meaningful progress• The joy, empathy, love, and humanity often found within the Williams syndrome communityThis episode is a powerful reminder that awareness is more than information. It is connection, advocacy, and hope.Learn more about The Anthony Filippazzo Grant for Williams Syndrome Research at wsresearch.org.Subscribe to Purposeful for more conversations with mission-driven leaders using their voices, platforms, and stories to create meaningful change.