Volunteer Spotlight:
Megan Nix

Volunteer Spotlight: Megan Nix

Tell us about your professional/educational background.
I’m a nonfiction writer and I’ve been working on a medically researched book about CMV for the last five years.

What makes the National CMV Foundation's mission powerful for you?
I think the greatest need in prenatal care is a conversation about CMV, since it’s more common, dangerous, and preventable than everything else we know to avoid during pregnancy. The National CMV Foundation’s mission is to solve a pervasive and disabling public health crisis that 91% of women don’t know about. That statistic is just crazy to me, and I’m honored to be part of a smart, charged up team that’s helping to change it.

What made you decide to get more involved with the National CMV Foundation, as a Community Alliance Chair?
I have loved and depended on NCMVF since Anna was born, but now I get to be involved in a more concrete way—helping to financially support the organization while working alongside some of the fiercest advocates I know.

In your role as CMV Community Alliance Chair, what goals have you set for 2020?
We plan to host a Strides for CMV 5k in Colorado next spring for people of all abilities. I’m also working on a newborn screening program in a network of hospitals here to diagnose more newborns, get them critical and timely treatment, and educate more health professionals and parents about the glaring but silent problem of CMV.

What does success look like to you?
Success looks like a world where—just like smallpox and other diseases we have practically eradicated—CMV doesn’t exist.

What motivates you?
My daughters, my husband, and all the other CMV families who continue to fight for CMV change despite the resistance and skepticism we encounter almost every day.

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?
Start by simply talking about CMV, especially to friends who are pregnant or hoping to conceive. If it’s too awkward of a conversation, try: “You should Google this disease called congenital CMV. It’s pretty shocking how few people know about it.” Reach out to NCMVF to put you in contact with the Community Alliance Chair in your region (advocacy@nationalcmv.org) so you can help with events and advocacy efforts in your area. And, donate money to the organization—many damaging infectious diseases, including congenital CMV, are losing funding for studies and operations in the wake of COVID-19.

Favorite quote?
“The truth doesn’t change according to our ability to stomach it.” –Flannery O’Connor

What do you like most about living in Colorado?
I love how much time we spend outside, no matter what season it is. We fish and hunt a lot in our family, and our girls love to do both.

You're happiest when?
I’m with my family. Or all alone and reading.