David’s story: 

In 1997, my younger brother, David, was born with congenital CMV, a condition he contracted from my mom during her pregnancy. Unfortunately, at that time, CMV testing during pregnancy was not common, and there was limited awareness about the virus. If there had been more education about its prevention, my mom would have been better informed about the risks and transmission methods before her second pregnancy.

Prior to her pregnancy and even during it, my mom had never heard of CMV. It wasn't until 7 days after David was born, that he was diagnosed with CMV. Throughout her pregnancy, my mom wasn't informed of any issues, only that he was smaller in size, born at 4 lbs 9 oz and 17 inches. She mainly experienced severe earaches as a symptom during her pregnancy.

Given the rarity of the condition, doctors at that time were unable to accurately predict its impact on him during childhood. This left my parents blindsided by the situation.

Due to CMV, David faces cerebral palsy and is both spastic and quadriplegic. He has never been able to walk or talk on his own, lift himself up, etc. The things we take for granted every second of the day. As limited as he is, he CAN move his head as well as his animated facial expression, especially when his big smile and laugh lights up his whole face and fills any room. He also moves his arms when showing excitement like when watching his favorite shows or sports. His fav songs are I Gotta Feeling by Black Eyed Peas, Do Re Mi from The Sound of Music, and the Pledge of Allegiance. I can’t wait to play them for him at my wedding. 

CMV prevention tips include reducing contact with body fluids from children and having good hand hygiene after being around kids. CMV spreads through direct exposure to body fluids from an infected person, which is more likely when interacting with young children—my mom worked in an infant/toddler nursery during that period.

Over half of adults are infected with CMV by the age of 40, often without displaying any symptoms or being aware of the infection.

Here we are in 2023 and there is definitely more awareness and testing done, but not at the level of vaccination or wide-spread prevention education. 

I am so so happy to work with the National CMV Foundation to raise funds to help support this cause for future treatments, prevention programs, and awareness. I’m happy to be doing this for something that hits so close to home.

Please learn more about CMV at www.nationalcmv.org. Their website is super informative!

~As far as the running goes~: This race this November would be my FIRST marathon and I am thrilled to do it at the NYC marathon as I’ve been watching it for many years cheering my uncle on! It will be a great experience and I can’t wait to run for David, for CMV awareness, with my fiancé Jayson (also running for CMV), and for my first 26.2! 

All the proceeds go directly to the National CMV Foundation. Thank you for reading and helping. Anything counts!