Abstract Details
9/09/2025 | 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM | Breakout 6 | Ski-U-Mah
Voices of Experience: Parents' Insights on Congenital CMV
Abstract Summary
Congenital Cytomegalovirus (cCMV) is the leading cause of non-genetic hearing loss in infants, yet many medical professionals lack a comprehensive understanding of its impact on families. This program aims to bridge that gap by sharing the authentic experiences of parents navigating a cCMV diagnosis. Join us as we hear from two courageous mothers who will share their journeys—from initial diagnosis to the challenges of treatment and support. The emotional, social, and educational hurdles they faced, as well as the critical information they wished they had known during their experiences, will be shared. Through these personal stories, attendees will gain invaluable insights into the patient/parent experience, enhancing a provider’s ability to provide empathetic and informed care. Strategies for improving communication with families, addressing misconceptions about cCMV, and advocating for better screening practices will be discussed. Together, we can work towards a future where all families receive the support they need when faced with a cCMV diagnosis.
Learning Objectives
- Participants will gain a deeper knowledge of congenital CMV, including its prevalence, symptoms, and long-term impacts on families
- Participants will identify current shortcomings in the healthcare system related to Congenital CMV diagnosis and treatment, motivating them to advocate for better practices
- Participants will leave with specific strategies to implement in their clinical practice, enhancing the overall care for families affected by congenital CMV
Presentation
This presentation has not yet been uploaded.
Handouts
No handouts have been uploaded.
Presenters
Lisa Eickel | POC-Point of Contact, Primary Presenter
eickel.lisa@gmail.com;
Lisa works as the DHH Project Director at The Center for Family Involvement and the Family Engagement Coordinator at the Educational Hub for Sensory Disabilities within the Partnership for People with Disabilities at Virginia Commonwealth University. She serves as Co-Chair of the Virginia EHDI Advisory Committee and Community Alliance Chair with the National CMV Foundation for Virginia.
Lisa graduated with her Undergraduate and Graduate Degrees from James Madison University. She worked as a pediatric Speech- Language Pathologist across a variety of settings, including Early Intervention, private practice, charter and public schools. Lisa became passionate about supporting parents as they navigate hearing differences in their children as well as educating others on Cytomegalovirus (CMV) when her son was born affected by the virus in 2017. Lisa and her family live in Loudoun County, Virginia.
ASHA DISCLOSURE
Financial - Receives Salary for Employment from Virginia Commonwealth University.
Nonfinancial - Has a Personal (Caregiver for child born with CMV) relationship for Volunteer employment,Volunteer teaching and speaking.
AAA DISCLOSURE
Financial - Receives support from Center for Family Involvement at Virginia Commonwealth University (L. Eickel) for Virginia EHDI Advisory Committee Co-Chair (L. Eickel).
Megan Becker | Co-Presenter
mebecker@vcu.edu;
Megan Becker, Ed.D., works as the Director of Residential Life at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and has worked in higher education for the past 18 years. She became an advocate for Cytomegalovirus (CMV) education when her son was born and affected by the virus in 2022. Megan serves as a Community Alliance Chair with the National CMV Foundation for Virginia as well as a volunteer Family Navigator with VCU’s Center for Family Involvement. The Becker family lives in the Greater Richmond area in Virginia.
ASHA DISCLOSURE
Financial -
Nonfinancial -
AAA DISCLOSURE
Financial - No relevant financial relationship exists.