Congenital CMV is a common viral infection that can pass from mother to baby during pregnancy. It can cause health problems in some babies, which is why awareness, prevention, and early detection are so important.
The Canadian CMV Foundation is a national charity committed to preventing congenital CMV infections and improving the quality of life for those affected in Canada. Our work focuses on raising awareness, supporting families, championing innovative research, and advocating for meaningful change.
CTV News Winnipeg
July 14, 2026
Running to raise awareness for congenital CMVRob Tétrault talks about the Run With Rob project, congenital CMV and why he’s trying to raise awareness and change policies.
Global News Morning Halifax
July 14, 2026
Run With Rob Returns with His Biggest Challenge YetRob Tétrault is taking on his biggest Run With Rob challenge yet—running across Nova Scotia to raise awareness and funds for congenital CMV (cCMV), the leading infectious cause of birth defects in Canada. We caught up with Rob to talk about the inspiration behind the journey, the road ahead, and how Nova Scotians can get […]
Canadian Hockey League
May 27, 2026
Rockets’ Smith bringing heart and heroics to final WHL seasonA personal connection to congenital CMV inspired Smith to use his platform in support of awareness, earning him recognition as a finalist for the WHL’s Humanitarian of the Year award.
Kelowna Now
April 23, 2026
Rockets forward Shane Smith named WHL Humanitarian of the YearA per-point donation initiative resulted in $1,800 raised for the Canadian CMV Foundation and helped highlight the impact of congenital CMV.
Congenital CMV was a completely unknown risk to us until the devastating diagnosis of severe fetal infection struck us at 23 weeks into our second pregnancy. The news shattered our world, leaving us grappling with fear and uncertainty. But thanks to early detection and access to exceptional care and treatment, our daughter Georgia defied expectations and emerged into the world stronger than anyone predicted.
Georgia’s journey has been filled with multiple disabilities and challenges, all stemming from the brain differences caused by congenital CMV. Yet, she continues to amaze us by surpassing every hurdle and bringing immense joy to those fortunate enough to know her.
Experiencing the impact of congenital CMV firsthand has ignited an unyielding determination within us. We have become fervent advocates, committed to raising awareness, promoting prevention, and ensuring early detection and management of this all-too-common condition. We firmly believe that every family deserves the knowledge and care required to improve outcomes for their precious children.
Discovering that my son’s hearing loss was caused by CMV was an overwhelming moment, one that I was entirely unprepared for, seven years ago. The world of CMV and cCMV was a mystery to me, and I received no information or guidance at that critical time. The weight of the diagnosis left me feeling isolated, particularly as we resided in a remote region of Northern Ontario where CMV-related support was virtually nonexistent. The challenges compounded when we had to travel over a thousand kilometers away from home for CMV-related healthcare. However, everything changed when I became a part of the CMV Canada community. The community provided me with vital information, unwavering support, and a lifeline to connect with other parents who had experienced similar circumstances. It was a profound relief to know that we were not alone and that there were others who understood the challenges we faced.
Discovering the cause of their child’s differences via Google is something no parent should ever have to go through.
Our daughter was born perfectly healthy with a unilateral hearing loss. While we worked to grasp the implications of this permanent condition and its various aspects – audiograms, speech bananas, communication methods, and more, finding out what caused her hearing loss was a key piece of information we felt was missing.
A Google search yielded that congenital CMV was the most likely culprit, and it was a virus we had never heard of before. Reaching out to the CMV community gave us more information about what our daughter was at risk for, what resources we needed to advocate for, and how to get her tested for this virus.
While the unknown can be a difficult partner to walk with, we are grateful to be able to say our daughter and family are doing well. We hope we can make this path easier for the next family and hope our experience helps shape a better survival guide for others.
Before our son Alexandre was born, we had never heard of congenital Cytomegalovirus (cCMV). It was a term unfamiliar to us, and we had no idea about the potential impact it could have on our child’s life. However, fate had different plans for us, and a late ultrasound revealed Alexandre’s CMV infection. It was a blessing in disguise because, without that timely discovery, his condition might have gone unnoticed. The early identification of cCMV infection gave us a valuable opportunity to take immediate action. We were able to start treatment and implement various therapies that were crucial in improving his outcomes. It was a whirlwind of emotions, but we knew we had to be strong for Alexandre.
Today, we are incredibly grateful to see how well Alexandre is doing. Despite the challenges he faced early on, his resilience and the support of an amazing medical team have helped him thrive. His progress has been remarkable, and he continues to amaze us every day with his strength and determination.
While Alexandre’s journey is unique to him, we know that there are many other families out there facing similar challenges. We want them to know that they are not alone and that there is hope. With the right support, resources, and a strong network, it is possible to overcome the obstacles presented by CMV.
Your contribution fuels progress in congenital CMV research, support, and advocacy. Join hands with us to amplify the impact of our initiatives and create a stronger, healthier future for every family affected by congenital CMV.
Run With Rob is an annual event inspired by Terry Fox’s legacy. Rob Tétrault, our president and co-founder, runs across provinces to raise awareness and funds for CMV Canada. This initiative emphasizes the need for universal screening for congenital CMV and calls for action across Canada. In 2023, the event was held in Manitoba, followed […]
