For Ezra Williams, a freshman at The Masters University and former Coal Ridge High soccer player, life took an unexpected turn on June 27.

Williams, diagnosed with an extreme case of vasovagal syncope, a condition that causes drastic drops in heart rate and blood pressure in stressful situations, underwent a procedure to implant a pacemaker after his condition caused his heart to stop for nearly 30 seconds.

Williams’ passion for soccer began in Uganda and continued when his family moved to Silt at age 10. Coached by his father Ken and supported by his mother Kristi, Williams harbored dreams of playing college soccer. However, a broken nose during a game in June 2023 led to a startling discovery about his health.

During surgery prep for his injury, Williams fainted, and his heart ceased beating while in the hospital.

“Ezra had one of the most extreme versions of vasovagal syncope that I’ve seen,” said Dustin Nash, a pediatric cardiologist at Children’s Hospital Colorado. The incident revealed that William’s fainting spells, previously considered benign, were a grave concern.

Nash, alongside fellow cardiologist Johannes Von Alvensleben, diagnosed Williams with an extreme form of vasovagal syncope. 

“It’s almost like his brain was mashing on the brake pedal to the point where his heart would stop,” Nash explained.

The solution proposed was a pacemaker, but not just any. Rather than a pacemaker that is typically used, Williams became one of the first to receive a leadless pacemaker. 

“Within the last five years, they’ve started developing new model pacemakers that are actually placed entirely within the heart,” Nash said. This minimally invasive approach was deemed perfect for Williams, avoiding significant scars and reducing the risk of complications.

The procedure, performed through a large IV in the leg, placed a capsule-like pacemaker directly into one of the heart’s ventricles. 

“The pacemaker is estimated to last 19 years,” Nash said. “The battery on these things are remarkable and it is going to give us time to figure out if this is something that he will need for the long term, or if it is something that he will only need for the short term.” 

For Williams, the uncertainty surrounding his condition and the pacemaker installation was daunting.

“I was really unsure about what would happen after I got the pacemaker,” Williams said. His primary concern was whether the device would hinder his athletic performance. Fortunately, his fears were unfounded.

“I know that it is there to help me and will kick in if I need it to.,” he said.

Williams’ condition had been a shadow in his life for over a year, with episodes of fainting, seizures or heart stoppage triggered by medical settings or the sight of blood. Despite these challenges, Williams was determined to continue his soccer journey, delaying surgery until after his senior season at Coal Ridge.

The successful installation of the pacemaker marked a turning point for Williams. No longer hampered by the fear of fainting or heart stoppages, he could pursue his passion for soccer with renewed vigor. The pioneering technology used in his case not only assured his health but also allowed him to play to his full potential.

“I’m extremely thankful,” Williams said. “I didn’t know what this was going to do to my soccer career. To be able to still play the sport that I love, it’s awesome.”