Monday's Making a Difference - CMV Mommies

Everyone needs to belong. There are few places I feel like I belong more than when I am on my CMV Mommies group. It's a closed group on Facebook of moms (and a few dads, grandparents, etc.) that all have a child born affected by cytomegalovirus or CMV  (the virus that affected Brielle) and some that have even lost a child because of CMV. Although I have only met three of them in person, they are all like family to me.

CMV Mommies
Closed Group on Facebook

As the description on Facebook describes:

"The purpose of this group is to give families of children affected by CMV an avenue to share good news; ask for support through hard times; to ask advice from those who have been there before us; share our experiences; make friends; to have a place to go on sleepless nights; and much, much more. We are linked in a way that bonds us. We have our CMV angels to share....but we also have our own health to talk about....and other family members. CMV affects everything in our life...this page is for all of it...the GOOD, the BAD, and the UGLY. I love you all and thanks for for being here for me and my family." 

 

Members from all over the world
and (unfortunately) growing each day

There are over 500 members from all over the world (literally), from all walks of life and have children with all sorts of challenges (some who you'd never know were affected to others who struggle to stay alive each day). But, on CMV Mommies, everyone is welcomed and members can share anything about their lives openly.

Every day, members share triumphs, challenges and questions. Sometimes, there are as many as 20 new posts a day. The members responses to the posts are amazing. Some posts get more than 20 or more members responding with suggestions, encouragement or cheers.

Part of Ashley's college paper
about the CMV Mommies group

When Ashley was working on a paper for her college course in Communication last semester, she interviewed me about my unique experiences in that group and how we communicate. I was so proud to be able to share that with her.

When I get on Facebook each morning, it's the first thing I go to read about what my friends are facing in their day. I find hope and strength through their stories.

Thank you, Ladies! (and Gentlemen!)


--> If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, please protect yourself and your unborn child from CMV:

Wash your hands often with soap and water for 15-20 seconds, especially after

• changing diapers
• feeding a young child
• wiping a young child’s nose or drool
• handling children’s toys

Do not share food, drinks, or eating utensils used by young children

Do not put a child’s pacifier in your mouth

Do not share a toothbrush with a young child

Avoid contact with saliva when kissing a child

Clean toys, countertops, and other surfaces that come into contact with children’s urine or saliva

(from http://www.cdc.gov/cmv/index.html)