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9/27/2014  |   10:00 AM - 10:30 AM   |  Idaho

Turning anger and sadness into energy

February 2012 I got sick. I saw 6 doctors, $3000.00 worth of blood work had tens of thousands worth of medical bills and nothing could tell me what was wrong. In the process of diagnosis I was taken off my birth control pills because doctors thought they were causing my symptoms. Six weeks later I was shocked to find out I was pregnant. At my 8 week prenatal visit I was asked to give a vile of blood for a research study for CMV. 3 days later I was told that I had tested positive with a primary infection. I was the first patient in the nation to join the CMV research study and receive infusions. My pregnancy was closely watched and "normal" until 20 weeks. At my 20 week ultrasound I was told that I had a very sick baby and was told to terminate my pregnancy. Termination never crossed my mind. At my 24/25 week ultrasound there was no heartbeat. Since my battle with CMV my goal has been to share my story in hopes of educating and spreading awareness. I spoke to Doctors and nurses at an IMC Research Health Summit. I spoke to the Utah State legislatures to help pass the nation's first CMV law. I have appeared in online videos for Stopcmv.com and for the Utah health department. I am involved in outreach programs online and in my community to spread awareness and education. My story is different and if I speak at the conference it will be beneficial to those attending. I will speak about how I turned my sadness into energy by supporting research via the study, supporting advocacy via the bill/law passing and supporting outreach/support/awareness via online efforts.

Annie Culley (Primary Presenter), annie_culley@yahoo.com;
I am from Tooele Utah. I was raised in Parowan Utah. I have a degree in Non destructive testing . I worked for an aerospace company for 5 years and I was once a professional rodeo bullfighter. Nothing I have done in my life has been as rewarding as being a mom. I am a mother of 6 year old twins and my cCMV angel who would have turned 2 on September 26. 2014. I now work with my husband to manage our successful lawn care maintenance company. My favorite things to do are hangout with my children, go camping, play softball and basketball and do anything that involves spreading awareness of CMV.

ASHA DISCLOSURE:

Financial - No relevant financial relationship exist.

Nonfinancial - No relevant nonfinancial relationship exist.

Presentation:
178AnnieCulley.pdf

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