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9/09/2025  |   2:15 PM - 3:15 PM   |  Breakout 6   |  Ski-U-Mah

Beyond the Diagnosis: The Realities CMV Parents Face

Abstract Summary

Congenital CMV is the most common infectious cause of birth defects in North America, yet most people have never heard of it - until it affects their child. In this candid fireside chat, Rob and Michelle Tetrault, CMV parents and co-founders of CMV Canada, will share their family’s journey navigating life after a CMV diagnosis and the broader realities faced by families. This informal yet impactful session will highlight the emotional, social, and systemic challenges CMV families face, from the trauma of diagnosis and the grief that follows, to the gaps in public awareness, inconsistent access to care, and the ongoing advocacy needed to drive change. Through honest conversation and lived experience, Rob and Michelle will shed light on what it's really like to raise a child with CMV in today’s healthcare and policy landscape. Designed to create space for connection and reflection, this session invites parents, public health professionals, policymakers, and fellow advocates to listen, learn, and consider how their work intersects with the real stories of families affected by CMV. Attendees will come away with a deeper understanding of the human side of congenital CMV, and why centering the voices of parents is essential to driving meaningful progress.

Learning Objectives

• Understand the lived experience of families affected by congenital CMV, including the emotional and social impact of diagnosis and caregiving
• Identify key gaps in public awareness, healthcare, and policy that affect outcomes for CMV-impacted families
• Explore actionable ways public health professionals and policymakers can better support CMV families through awareness, education, and systems-level change

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