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Strides 4 CMV Worldwide Virtual 5k

Sat June 24, 2023
Inform. Engage. Advocate.

Events

Strides 4 CMV Worldwide Virtual 5k

8:00AM EDT - 11:59PM EDT

Presenting Sponsor

Description

The National CMV Foundation in raising awareness for congenital cytomegalovirus this June during CMV Awareness Month!

You may participate in this event virtually, or feel free to gather friends and family and organize an in-person walk in your community! Please take health and safety measures into account (including local Covid 19 protocols, rates, etc.) when deciding to participate virtually or in-person.

HOW DOES THIS EVENT WORK?

If you want to participate virtually, simply choose your own starting line, starting time, and route. Your challenge is to walk, run, or roll for 5k (3.1 miles) on June 24th, and if you feel up for it, post your accomplishment on social media with the hashtags #Strides4CMV, #StopCMV, #Screen4CMV, and #CMVAwareness so we can see how well you did!

What is CMV?

Congenital Cytomegalovirus (sy·toe·MEG·a·low·vy·rus), or CMV, is the most common infection that infants are born with. It is a leading cause of disabilities in children and is the most common, non-genetic, cause of childhood hearing loss. 1 in 200 infants are born with CMV and 1 in 5 of these infants will have a permanent health condition due to the virus. Health conditions caused by congenital CMV can include: hearing loss, vision loss, developmental delay, cerebral palsy, and more. CMV is common, serious, and preventable.

If you want to host an in-person event, make it simple by choosing a route and inviting your friends and family to walk, run, or roll with you on June 24th!

We are also looking for regional "Race Captains" who are interested in hosting an in-person event in your area! Contact us for more information.

Where can I find out more?

Visit the National CMV Foundation's website for more information about all things CMV including signs & symptoms, prevention tips, screening, outcomes, and much more. https://www.nationalcmv.org

Please let us know if you have any questions at any time by reaching out via email, or messaging us directly, and thank you for your interest in the Strides 4 CMV virtual event! ❤️

At the National CMV Foundation, we work to inform and educate others on specific prevention measures to protect against the risk of CMV infection. Congenital CMV is the most common viral infection that infants are born with in the United States, occurring in about 1 in 200 births. Because CMV is a silent disease – meaning most people who are infected have no signs of symptoms (asymptomatic) – the mother is likely unaware she has CMV during her pregnancy. Find out more about the National CMV Foundation below.

 

Race Contact Info

If you have any questions about this race, please contact the race director at

Strides 4 CMV Training Plan

Need help with training for the event? Feel free to check out our customized training plan for your use! 

Click the icon below to download the attached PDF.

PDF

CMV Resources

At the National CMV Foundation, we work to inform and educate others on specific prevention measures to protect against the risk of CMV infection. Congenital CMV is the most common viral infection that infants are born with in the United States, occurring in about 1 in 200 births. Because CMV is a silent disease – meaning most people who are infected have no signs of symptoms (asymptomatic) – the mother is likely unaware she has CMV during her pregnancy. Find out more about the National CMV Foundation below.

Evie

Through 18 months Evie’s main characteristic is that she has defied all expectations. First, by being born with cCMV and bilateral profound hearing loss, which we definitely did not expect. Second, although her 5-pound stature at birth would suggest otherwise, she has developed into a pugnacious little force of nature who bides her time honing her skills at stealing food from her sister and launching her initial foray into bipedal mischief. Though we were told she would be quiet as a mouse she has never shied away from being vocal and, as a matter of fact, screams when she is displeased and has recently been singing “E-I-E-I-O.”  Evie is resilient and a true joy to be around, despite having gone through multiple surgeries, a plethora of medical testing and evaluations, and going to multiple therapies every week.  

Evie came to win.

Abby

Our sweet, beautiful Abby was born on June 12, 2020 and was immediately a bright light in this world! After multiple failed hearing tests and a referral to Children's Hospital, we found out that Abby has bilateral moderate hearing loss (hearing loss in both ears) that was caused from Congenital CMV. Our first call with Infectious Diseases was on July 10th, where we learned the severity of this virus and that hearing loss is only one of the health problems associated with cCMV. Anxiety and fear of the unknown seemed to take over our lives. For months, Abby took medicine twice a day, had regular blood draws, scans, phone calls, appointments, physical therapy, and occupational therapy, but she never let that get her down! Through all of the testing, we found out that along with Abby's hearing loss, she also has brain abnormalities that can possibly affect her development over time. When we got Abby's diagnosis, I remember thinking to myself, "how have I not heard of this virus before?" Our family had never heard of congenital CMV. Our friends had never heard of Congenital CMV. A virus that has changed our lives forever, and we had never heard of it. Our family will continue to share our sweet Abby's story to raise awareness and help educate families about the severity of this virus. Abby is the most joyful, beautiful, adventurous, resilient, goofiest little girl with the biggest heart and smile and we could not be more proud of her! 

Ellie

Ellie was diagnosed with CMV at three days old after baffling doctors - she was a healthy, although petite baby, who had low platelets and failed her newborn hearing screen. While everyone assured us her hearing would be normal, she did suffer hearing loss eventually leading to a cochlear implant in her left ear. Today, Ellie is a feisty, loving 20-month old who keeps her family on their toes. We’re so grateful for her cochlear implant on one side and her normal hearing on her right side. Thanks to the doctors, therapists, and teachers along the way, Ellie is thriving. CMV won’t stop Ellie!

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