Volunteer Spotlight: Haley Childs
Tell us about your professional/educational background.
I received my Bachelor of Science in Health Science with a minor in Management from Saginaw Valley State
University in 2017. I am currently working towards completion of my Master of Business in Administration at
Central Michigan University with hopes of graduation is June 2024. I work as a Physician Practice Specialist
for a local healthcare organization, Covenant HealthCare in Saginaw, MI. I like to say that in my role, I care for
the people that care for people.
What makes the National CMV Foundation's mission powerful for you?
The National CMV Foundation’s Mission to prevent pregnancy loss, childhood death, and disability due to
congenital CMV is powerful for me because of the lack of emphasis on the topic and availability of
education/resources. I think that the National CMV Foundation does an immense job of being that resource
and emphasis on such sensitive preventions that are not talked about when and where they should be.
What made you decide to get more involved with the National CMV Foundation, as a Community Alliance
Chair?
I decided to get more involved with the National CMV Foundation, as a Community Alliance Chair, to share my
story and help advocate for others that do not have the opportunity to do so.
In your role as CMV Community Alliance Chair*, what goals have you set for 2024?
For 2024, I would like to increase education and education opportunities in my region and state. I am so
incredibly thankful, to this day, that the OBGYN and Maternal Fetal Medicine care providers were educated
about CMV, but I also recognize that I would not have otherwise been tested for CMV should my pregnancy
have been uncomplicated. I want to make sure all care providers and parents of young children are aware of
how easy it is for prevention as well as share my story and the impact that cCMV has had on me and my
family.
What does success look like to you?
Success to me is any kind of identifiable impact or change – I find immense gratification in being a part of
change in any way and helping others to be impacted in a positive way.
What motivates you?
I am most motivated by my children. They continue to thrive and grow so strong, despite the complexities that
we must overcome, they never give up.
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?
The first step is doing it, then there are resources and kind people who understand that are available to help
you get going. When I decided to apply for CCA, I did not have a specific intention or complete understanding
of the role. Acceptance into the advocacy program has provided an entirely new community of people
with the same goal(s) and different ideas to get there.
Favorite quote?
“Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is you-er than you.” – Dr. Suess
What do you like most about living in Michigan?
Michigan has the most perfect spring and most beautiful fall. I enjoy making time to be outside with my family,
so it’s important for me to live in tolerable weather.
You're happiest when?
I am happiest when I am learning. I love learning new things and trying new things. I learn something new from
my children every day and I continue to challenge myself academically. I would be a professional student if it
paid well… haha.
Posted: 4/29/2024
Category: Advocacy, "Parent Perspective"