Volunteer Spotlight: Karri Grecco

Volunteer Spotlight: Karri Grecco

Tell us about your professional/educational background.
My background has included over 10 years’ experience in the hospitality business. I have also had success in childcare. I previously had my own daycare business, but now spend full-time being a stay at home mother to my 3 children.
 
What makes the National CMV Foundation's mission powerful for you?
The National CMV Foundation has been a foundation very close to my family’s heart. We have an 11-year-old son, Noah who was affected by the virus at birth. I have made it a mission to spread awareness of CMV to our community, close friends and family.
 
What made you decide to get more involved with the National CMV Foundation, as a Community Alliance Chair?
I recently decided to become part of the Community Alliance because my husband and I have had success over the past year with a fundraising event for National CMV Foundation. We raised over $16,000. It was a huge hit! I also came to realize that the state we live in does not have any knowledge of the virus and I desperately want to change this. My perspective has always been that if I had only known one thing about CMV when I was pregnant with my son then maybe something could have changed for him. This is why I feel it was extremely important to join the Community Alliance as Chair of my region because if I can change that for someone else in their life then I would feel very accomplished to have helped another pregnant woman who simply never knew, just as I didn’t.
 
In your role as CMV Community Alliance Chair, what goals have you set for 2020?
My goals for 2020 are to reach out to the Governor of my state and set a month for CMV awareness. I plan to reach out to the Senate as well to make CMV part of the Newborn Screening panel for our state in Maryland. I also plan to continue our annual golf tournament and raise as much possible for the Foundation, but also be of help to other families in our area who plan to do the same with fundraising events.
 
What does success look like to you?
Success to me is keeping my family happy, healthy and one strong unit. My biggest success and best decision in my life will always be my husband and children.
 
What motivates you?
My oldest child, Noah. He made me a mother for the first time and opened my eyes to a very different world. He motivates me to get involved with the Foundation and speak for him. It’s always something hard to watch your child struggle and I’m his voice in this life. I will continue to be his voice and strive to be the best I can for him so that he has the life he deserves for a child with disabilities.
 
As a volunteer leader, what advice do you have for people who want to work on CMV advocacy, but don’t know where to start?
Don’t be afraid to just start. Even if you don’t exactly know how to or when. Always, always reach out to ask questions to those who have the experience if you are ever unsure. I’ve had times during the process of involving myself in the Community Alliance where I didn’t know exactly how to approach something. Asking questions has been a huge help for me in this.
 
What is your favorite quote?
“You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” -Mahatma Gandhi
 
What do you like most about living in Bel Air, Maryland?
We love the city we live in. Bel Air is 25 miles north of Baltimore, Maryland. Closer to the Pennsylvania line. I like how we are close to the places we enjoy, but without all of the crazy city life that we lived in before. We still have plenty to do here. It’s a beautiful area with several farms and gorgeous homes. We have an amazing home for our children and plan to be here for years to come.
 
You’re happiest when?
I’m happiest when my entire family is together. Usually that means my parents, my younger siblings, my grandfather and of course the family I’m with every day. But it’s great when all of us can have family trips and all be in the same place together. We especially love going on our annual beach trips to the Outer Banks.



*The CMV Community Alliance is a program for top CMV advocates per our strategic plan. Learn more about the CMV Community Alliance.