Volunteer Spotlight: Taylor Gerding

Volunteer Spotlight: Taylor Gerding

Tell us about your professional/educational background.
I am a pediatric speech-language pathologist trained in feeding and swallowing.

What makes the National CMV Foundation's mission powerful for you?
The National CMV Foundation’s mission is powerful to me because I believe prevention is key and in order to prevent CMV, we must start with education and awareness. 

What made you decide to get more involved with the National CMV Foundation, as a Community Alliance Chair?
I wanted to get more involved to help raise awareness and to make sure no one else felt how I did after my daughter, Ava, received the cCMV diagnosis.

In your role as CMV Community Alliance Chair, what goals have you set for 2023?
The goals that I have set for 2023 are to improve education for pregnant women and to continue to raise awareness. I want to make more of an impact locally through our local hospitals.

What does success look like to you?
Success to me is being listened to when educating on CMV. I think success will be achieved when we no longer hear the common phrases: “I wish I would have known about CMV” or “why did no one tell me?”.

What motivates you?
My daughter, Ava, motivates me to be a better mom, person, and advocate. She is my hero.

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?
Ask all the questions! Please do not be afraid to reach out and do not stop when you feel defeated. Let that defeat add fuel to your fire and remember why you are doing what you are doing. Every child needs a champion!

Favorite quote?
She believed she could, so she did.

What do you like most about living in Indiana?
I love the village that we have for Ava. So many people love her and look out for her best interest. We have amazing family, friends, and a group of therapists.

You're happiest when?
Ava giggles :)