Fallon Rose Cortum

Fallon Rose Cortum was born October 12th, 2023 to Joel and Darcy Cortum at the University of lowa Hospitals and Clinics in lowa City, lowa. Fallon was born with a rare kidney disease known as Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease (ARPKD). At 27 days old, Fallon had her nonfunctional and enlarged kidneys removed, due to their continued growth, causing breathing and other health issues. She then continued her life on dialysis, with the plan to receive a kidney transplant later in life. Unfortunately, her little body could not tolerate the dialysis, as her parents and medical team had hoped, and the complications from ARPKD left them with no further medical options. On February 8th, 2024, Fallon left this world peacefully in the loving arms of her mom and dad, at sunrise, at the University of lowa Stead Family Children's Hospital. Fallon faced many medical challenges and obstacles that no baby should have to face, but she did so with such grace and strength. Fallon's fight may be over, but her mom and dad's fight to learn what life is like without her here is just beginning.
Fallon spent her days in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of the University of lowa Stead Family Children's Hospital, with the best nurses and her mom and dad by her side every step of the way. She barely went a day without a bow that matched her bedding. She communicated so much through her eyes and was the queen of giving you the side eye. Anyone who knew her knew that she could be easily calmed with her paci, music and mobile. Her favorite place to be was in her mom and dad's arms.
Her parents are heartbroken that they will not get to experience life with Fallon playing with her dog Onyx, attending dance competitions, hunting, fishing and committing their nights to whatever activity or sport Fallon fell in love with.
Fallon was greeted in heaven by many loved ones including her grandpa, Steven Ray Baker and her great-grandparents. Fallon will be forever loved and adored by her parents; grandparents, Becky Victor-Baker, Jodi and Randy Eubank, Kelly Cortum and Mary Kennedy; her great-grandparents, Mel and Sandy Cortum, Bev Arthur; her aunts and uncles, Dana and Max Seeman, Kate and Ethan Sparks, Mark and Meredith Eubank, Jared Cortum and Sabrina Kennedy; and her cousins, Johnny Seeman, Makenna Sparks and Lacey Eubank.
To honor Fallon's life, a memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 24th, 2024, at the First Assembly of God Church, located at 1700 W Second Ave, Indianola, IA 50125. Visitation with family will begin at 9:00 a.m., with the service to follow at 11:00 am. Darcy and Joel know that many did not get the opportunity to meet their beautiful baby girl and would love for those, who are able, to attend the service so they can share who Fallon was to them. Following the service, the family invites everyone to a luncheon at The Wright Place, 340 Wright Rd, Norwalk, IA 50211.
In lieu of flowers, Joel and Darcy ask that you please consider giving to Tori's Angels or Walk With You, two nonprofit organizations that have significantly helped their family throughout this journey.