Parent Stories

Jake - Missouri

I would be lying if I said I was OK, even though so far, we have been getting good news and results. It’s been hard and very confusing. I am still trying to learn and understand more about CMV and be an advocate to help stop it.  As someone who was affected by this virus, I want to put it out there and if this knowledge helps anyone or saves a baby, it will be SO worth it to me! 

Zachary - South Carolina

It has been almost 12 years since his death, I still think about him, talk about him, and share his story. I have had two more healthy children since then. All of my children know about their brother and we continue to celebrate his life.

DJ - Pennsylvania

DJ was born 4 weeks early on December 7th, 2019. He was 4lbs 2 ounces and automatically went to the NICU because of his size. I knew something wasn’t right as soon as I laid eyes on him.

Caleb - Connecticut

He is a miracle. A literal miracle. I can’t even begin to put into words how overwhelmingly blessed I am. Being a special needs mom is something I am proud to be because it means I can connect with other moms who have been through something traumatic and I can try to help them find the silver lining.

Wynne - Pennsylvania

Although she was only here a short time, she was here for a reason. My family and I will continue to advocate on behalf of our sweet baby warrior. 

Paul - Tennessee

I am hopeful that somehow our story can help other families learn more about CMV and hopefully bring awareness to the importance of CMV awareness even before conception. 

Portia - Michigan

​Portia is stubborn, strong-willed and fiercely determined. It’s what gives her an edge in life.

Indya - Georgia

Our daughter, Indya, was born in 1988. Except for the cold I had towards the end of my first trimester, my pregnancy was normal, and we had no reason for concern beyond the typical worries of first-time parents. 

Leo - New York

This was our second pregnancy. It was a BOY! All was going according to plan. The 21-week ultrasound was scheduled and Karen went in very confident all was going to be okay. Turns out, it wasn't. 

Dorothea - New Jersey

This is Dorothea! We live in New Jersey. I was diagnosed with CMV within the first trimester of my pregnancy (8 weeks). Dorothea did contract the virus, but was born asymptomatic.