Volunteer Spotlight: Ashley Maes

Volunteer Spotlight: Ashley Maes

Tell us about your professional/educational background.
I am a Marketing Associate for Advanced Medical Imaging/California Imaging Institute/Advanced Medical Imaging Northpointe-Locally owned radiology centers in Central California.

What makes the National CMV Foundation's mission powerful for you?
Educating the public about this virus is extremely important and is very powerful to me. I wasn’t aware that CMV existed until I was made aware that my daughter had it at birth. She was asymptomatic till we found out that she was profoundly deaf bilaterally at 10 months.

What made you decide to get more involved with the National CMV Foundation, as a Community Alliance Chair?
I am passionate about being an advocate for my daughter, and I want to help other families that need support.

In your role as CMV Community Alliance Chair, what goals have you set for 2020?
Getting information out to the public-especially in medical offices that interact with women who are pregnant, to get legislature passed to promote screening at birth, and to support families though advocacy.

What does success look like to you?
If I can help to prevent this virus from affecting other families, I would consider that a huge success.

What motivates you?
My daughter Ila. She is an inspiration to me and has brought out a resilience in me that I didn’t know existed.

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?
Take that first step and reach out to the National CMV Foundation. They will guide you, and put you in contact with someone who is also passionate about the cause.

Favorite quote?
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” -Maya Angelou

What do you like most about living in Clovis/Fresno?
We are fortunate to live in an area that is so supportive of our family. We have many resources and support for our daughter. We can’t thank them enough.

You're happiest when?
I am happiest when I am with my family!