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Congenital CMV Awareness Month 2025: Stronger Together

Author: Megan Pesch, MD, MS

Each June, we unite as families, clinicians, researchers, advocates, and community leaders to shine a light on congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV)—the most common infectious cause of birth defects and developmental disabilities in the United States. This year, our theme is "Stronger Together," a powerful reminder that collaboration and connection are essential to advancing awareness, prevention, and support for those impacted by congenital CMV.

A Step Backward: HRSA’s Elimination of the ACHDNC Threatens Progress on Newborn Screening

Author: NCMVF Board of Directors The National CMV Foundation is deeply concerned by HRSA’s recent decision to dissolve the Advisory Committee on Heritable Disorders in Newborns and Children (ACHDNC)—a cornerstone of equitable, evidence-based newborn screening for over 20 years. Without this federal oversight, there's now no national process to evaluate and recommend new conditions—including congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV), the most common infectious cause of birth defects and developmental disabilities in the U.S.

CMV Mom Hopes to Spread CMV Awareness at Mrs. America Pageant

CMV mom Kelsi Gagne is participating in the Mrs. America pageant in April. She plans to use this platform to increase awareness and health literacy of cCMV. Read more about her journey.

Volunteer Spotlight: Shania Hunt

Meet Shania Hunt, our CMV Community Alliance Chair from West Virginia and mother of three.

Volunteer Spotlight: Taylor Gerding

Meet Taylor Gerding, our CMV Community Alliance Chair from Indiana, a pediatric speech-language pathologist and mom to Ava.

Q&A with Mama Hu Hears

We had a chance to chat with Michelle Hu. Aud, Pediatric Audiologist. Michelle has turned her love for all things hearing and personal experience with hearing loss into an online presence for educating parents and professionals - Mama Hu Hears. Michelle shares her clinical perspective and experience with congenital CMV related hearing loss.

Update: cCMV Nomination for the Recommended Uniform Screening Panel (RUSP)

The most recent update about our nomination for congenital CMV (cCMV) for inclusion on the Recommended Uniform Screening Panel (RUSP) by the Advisory Committee on Heritable Disorders in Newborns and Children (ACHDNC) by Megan Pesch, MD, MS, FAAP, President-Elect National CMV Foundation. 

Volunteer Spotlight: Brandi Hurtubise

Meet Brandi Hurtubise, our Community Chair Alliance from Buffalo, NY. Brandi's daughter Samantha was born with cCMV. 

CMV Vaccine Trial Testimonial

Hear directly from Meghan, a CMV advocate participating in the Phase 3 Moderna CMVictory trial, as she discusses her why and shares basic facts about enrollment.

Volunteer Spotlight: Alicia Busso

Meet Alicia Busso, our Community Alliance Chair from Missouri. Alicia is an emergency room physician and mother to two daughters, her oldest born with congenital CMV.