Evelyn

1. What is your child’s name and age?

Evelyn - 3.5 years

2. When was the first time you heard about CMV?

The day Evelyn was born.

3. What is something you would like other parents to know about CMV?

This virus impacts individuals in a variety of ways, from still birth and microcephaly to mild hearing loss or nothing at all. The spectrum is so wide as is the unknown that comes along with it. The good news is that it's preventable as long as we educate one another and advocate for awareness together.

4. What is something you would like other parents to know about your child?

When Evelyn was in the NICU upon birth we would sing to her and gently rub her full head of hair. 3+ years later and she still lights up and loves it when we do this, especially when saying goodnight. It's the little things that make a big impact.

5. What would you like to see for the future of CMV education and advocacy in Washington State? 

I'd like to see a public health initiative. I want to hear from my pregnant friends that their doctors are asking them and talking to them about CMV and I'd love to see universal screening for CMV in place for all newborns so that we can identify this virus as soon as possible.

Submitted by Evelyn’s mother, Melissa