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Blog

Advocating for Newborn CMV Screening through Hospital-Based Initiatives

Author: Maggie Kettler, AuD CMV newborn screening has increased tremendously in the past decade, with many states implementing the screening through legislative efforts. However, CMV screening legislation is not a realistic avenue in all states. In this blog post, we hear from Maggie Kettler, AuD, who has helped to lead successful efforts to increase CMV newborn screening in her home state of Ohio. In this post she discusses successes, challenges, and advice she has for advocates in other states. 

Perfect: A Journey of CMV, Love, and Resiliency

Author: Patty Cutshall

I wrote the book Perfect: A Journey of CMV, Love, and Resiliency, not only to celebrate what Brandon has done for me and others but to provide hope for those that are newly diagnosed and their caretakers and parents. I hope that this book, read aloud to your kiddo, will make you feel confident and empowered as their advocate and cheerleader. 

Parent Spotlight: Jessica Rachels

Author: Jessica Rachels My name is Jessica Rachels. I am from Idaho and I am a Christian, wife, mom, homemaker, caregiver to both my Dad and daughter who have disabilities, advocate for people with disabilities, and author of Natalie Bug: My Life With Cytomegalovirus.

Looking Back on 2020: The Year of Pirouettes and Pivots

Last year. 2020. The year that so much changed. 2020 was an unprecedented year that caused many of us to pause suddenly. We paused to think, shift, regroup, realign, and to quite frankly, survive...As 2020 showed us, we are preparing for the best and yes, we can pivot if needed. 

Volunteer Spotlight: Andy Jones

Meet Andy Jones, our Community Alliance Chair from Alabama. Andy is a lawyer by day and when he's not working, he's advocating for CMV education in memory of his son, Ross, and enjoying nature with his wife and two daughters.

Recommended Uniform (Newborn) Screening Panel (RUSP) Update

Author: Dr. Megan Pesch In the fall of 2018, the National CMV Foundation formed a sub-committee including CMV parents, researchers and public health experts, to create a nomination package. The shell of the application was submitted, however additional data was requested by the Committee. Read more to learn about our application's status.

Announcing Our 2021 President-Elect and Board of Directors

We are pleased to announce our Officers and Board of Directors for 2021. The Board members represent a wide range of backgrounds and experiences that reflect the diversity of our community. Our leadership team is well-positioned to implement our mission and vision.

Volunteer Spotlight: Shayne Gaffney

Meet Shayne Gaffney, our Community Alliance Chair from New Hampshire. Shayne runs GC Coaching and is a cycling coach, and when he's not working, he's advocating for CMV screening in New England and hosting several National CMV podcasts! Shayne is father to two young children, his daughter born with congenital CMV.

Together We Stand, United We March On

We are so proud of what we've collectively built over the years, and we want to continue to strengthen and expand this work. As the African Proverb states, "If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together."

Volunteer Spotlight: Lisa Eickel

Meet Lisa Eickel, our Community Alliance Chair from Virginia! Lisa is a busy mom to three boys and a speech language pathologist. 

Early Career Research Award Recipient: Dr. Pesch

Dr. Megan Pesch is a Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrician at the University of Michigan and one of our 2020 early career CMV research award recipients! Dr. Pesch's research will investigate social-emotional and behavioral concerns in children with congenital CMV.