Team BAKER - cCMV

Hi, My name is Tina Bird and my grandson, Baker was born in November 2022 with congenital Cytomegalovirus (cCMV). I had never heard of this very common virus known as CMV and had NO idea what that virus could do to an unborn baby. Little Baker has already had more doctor appointments in his short life than most will have in their whole childhood. He is on antiviral medication and we are hopeful that the vaccine will be developed to prevent future children from having to suffer from the long-term effects of cCMV.

Sweet Baker is so loved and we remain hopeful, but the virus did severe damage to his brain and he was born with microcephaly as a result of the CMV. The road ahead of him is long and bumpy and this young family is going to need a lot of support to get them all through.

I created this account for people who want to help his wonderful family with Baker's future needs (medications, wheelchairs, transportation, therapies, daycare, etc.) Money will be put into an ABLE account that the family can use to support Baker.

We are just getting started in our experience with cCMV and will be learning more in the future and are dedicated to helping to spread awareness.

Some facts about CMV (found on the National CMV Foundation website nationalcmv.org):

Congenital CMV affects one in every 200 babies born each year (approximately 30,000 children annually), making it the most common congenital viral infection in the United States. Furthermore, one in every five children born with congenital CMV will develop permanent health problems (roughly 6,000 children) with as many as 400 infant deaths annually.

Congenital CMV infection is arguably the most common preventable cause of neonatal disability in the United States. More children will have disabilities due to congenital CMV than other well-known infections and syndromes, including Down Syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Spina Bifida, and Pediatric HIV/AIDS.

Nearly 90% of infants born with congenital CMV appear healthy at birth, and the vast majority will not have any visible symptoms or long-term issues. Health problems or disabilities caused by congenital CMV infection can sometimes appear roughly two or more years after birth.

Thank you for reading our story and for donating, learning more about CMV or getting involved.