Strides 4 CMV Worldwide Virtual 5k

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At the National CMV Foundation, we work to inform and educate others on specific prevention measures to protect against the risk of CMV infection. Congenital CMV is the most common viral infection that infants are born with in the United States, occurring in about 1 in 200 births. Because CMV is a silent disease – meaning most people who are infected have no signs of symptoms (asymptomatic) – the mother is likely unaware she has CMV during her pregnancy. Find out more about the National CMV Foundation below.

Through 18 months Evie’s main characteristic is that she has defied all expectations. First, by being born with cCMV and bilateral profound hearing loss, which we definitely did not expect. Second, although her 5-pound stature at birth would suggest otherwise, she has developed into a pugnacious little force of nature who bides her time honing her skills at stealing food from her sister and launching her initial foray into bipedal mischief. Though we were told she would be quiet as a mouse she has never shied away from being vocal and, as a matter of fact, screams when she is displeased and has recently been singing “E-I-E-I-O.”  Evie is resilient and a true joy to be around, despite having gone through multiple surgeries, a plethora of medical testing and evaluations, and going to multiple therapies every week.  

Evie came to win.

Our sweet, beautiful Abby was born on June 12, 2020 and was immediately a bright light in this world! After multiple failed hearing tests and a referral to Children's Hospital, we found out that Abby has bilateral moderate hearing loss (hearing loss in both ears) that was caused from Congenital CMV. Our first call with Infectious Diseases was on July 10th, where we learned the severity of this virus and that hearing loss is only one of the health problems associated with cCMV. Anxiety and fear of the unknown seemed to take over our lives. For months, Abby took medicine twice a day, had regular blood draws, scans, phone calls, appointments, physical therapy, and occupational therapy, but she never let that get her down! Through all of the testing, we found out that along with Abby's hearing loss, she also has brain abnormalities that can possibly affect her development over time. When we got Abby's diagnosis, I remember thinking to myself, "how have I not heard of this virus before?" Our family had never heard of congenital CMV. Our friends had never heard of Congenital CMV. A virus that has changed our lives forever, and we had never heard of it. Our family will continue to share our sweet Abby's story to raise awareness and help educate families about the severity of this virus. Abby is the most joyful, beautiful, adventurous, resilient, goofiest little girl with the biggest heart and smile and we could not be more proud of her! 

Ellie was diagnosed with CMV at three days old after baffling doctors - she was a healthy, although petite baby, who had low platelets and failed her newborn hearing screen. While everyone assured us her hearing would be normal, she did suffer hearing loss eventually leading to a cochlear implant in her left ear. Today, Ellie is a feisty, loving 20-month old who keeps her family on their toes. We’re so grateful for her cochlear implant on one side and her normal hearing on her right side. Thanks to the doctors, therapists, and teachers along the way, Ellie is thriving. CMV won’t stop Ellie!