Event Description
Calling all superheroes! Join us this October in your favorite superhero costume as we raise funds to advance CMV Legislation in MA through research, advocacy, education, and lobbying. This event will be completely virtual.
Costumes are optional, but being super is not!
HOW DOES THIS WORK?
Since this event is virtual, you choose your own starting line, starting time, and route. Your challenge is to walk, run, or roll for 5k (3.1 miles) on October 24th, and if you feel up for it, post your squad pics over social media with the hashtag #superheroesforcmv🦸♀️🦸♂️
IS THERE A FUNDRAISING REQUIREMENT?
No, there is not, but it is appreciated. All funds raised (including registration fees) will go to Northeast CMV, Inc. to help support them in their mission ensuring access to education for women of childbearing age, accelerating research funding, advocating for a vaccine, and advancing legislation for congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) screening in the Northeastern United States and beyond. Please note, your registration and contributions are not tax-deductible.
WHAT IS CMV?
Congenital Cytomegalovirus (sy·toe·MEG·a·low·vy·rus), or CMV, is the most common viral infection, and the leading non-genetic cause of hearing loss, that infants are born with in the United States. Every pregnant woman is at risk of acquiring CMV. And only 9% of women know about it.
CMV is common, serious, and preventable.
CMV is a member of the herpes virus family. Coming into contact with the CMV virus is a common occurrence, typically harmless to the general population. A CMV infection causes cold-like symptoms, such as a sore throat, fever, fatigue, and swollen glands. These mild cytomegalovirus symptoms last for only a few short weeks and are rarely a cause for concern for healthy kids or adults.
The CMV virus can also cause severe disease in babies who were infected with CMV before birth (referred to as congenital CMV infection).
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), between 50 and 80 percent of people in the United States have had a CMV infection by the time they are 40 years old.
WHERE CAN I FIND OUT MORE ABOUT CMV?
We suggest visiting the Massachusetts cCMV Coalition's website - https://cmvmass.org/ - or, the National CMV Foundation's website - https://www.nationalcmv.org - for more information about all things CMV including signs & symptoms, prevention tips, screening, outcomes, and much more.
