Joining Hands to Stop CMV

The Stop CMV network is an amazing organization. When you have a baby, or a grandbaby with CMV, this network of amazing mothers and grandmothers joins together to be there for you. I found stopcmv.org after my daughter Lauren was born. In the medical community I found few doctors who were willing or able to take the time to discuss CMV, and I have come to believe that it is in part due to a lack of general knowledge about the virus. I was so relieved to find a network of supportive, caring, and smart people who not only could answer any question I had, but could anticipate the next question that was coming. On mornings when I judged myself, Janelle Sargent Greenlee the founder of stopcmv.org was there to remind me that I was currently at war. At war with a virus that was stealing from me, a war I was not prepared to fight. Stopcmv.org continues to work hard with various campaigns to bring public attention to this disease that hurts so many families. June is National Congenital CMV Awareness Month. 1 in every 150 children is born with congenital CMV, causing deafness, blindness, cerebral palsy, mental and physical disabilities, seizures, and death. The statistics are staggering and it is time to bring the message of CMV prevention to women...

Stop CMV is asking people like you and me to take a picture with the words "Stop CMV" written on your hand. Take a simple picture, a picture that depicts you, a picture that rings true to you. Take a picture of a friend, a child, your spouse, or yourself...just simply include your hand with those words. Upload your picture here.

"Join Stop CMV as we work to increase the public profile of CMV to save thousands of children from disabilities and death. Join your hand with ours and help become part of a global community dedicated to raising awareness of congenital CMV and impacting millions of lives worldwide! Ask a friend, coworker, family member, or photographer to take your hand picture. Submit your photo online before June 30th by uploading your photo to our Hands to Stop CMV Awareness Wall! Then vote for your favorite image to become the new face (and hand) of Stop CMV! This image will be featured in web, print, and broadcast awareness campaigns for Stop CMV! "

In addition, if you email me your picture (eor1415@mchsi.com) or at my blog, I will post it as well. Stop CMV needs about 50 more pictures to reach their goal, and I would be so proud if some of my friends and family members would take the time to submit pictures.

Included in the pictures above is a picture of me taken in our empty baby room by my husband, as well as another taken by my friend Jessica of her own hand and her own healthy baby daughter's hand. Like many of you she was saddened so deeply by our story, she held my hand along the way and she continues to hold her hand out now. Please hold yours out as well for all the children living with, and dying of CMV.