It’s hard to believe that it’s already been a month since we came together during CMV Awareness Month to launch three new educational films about congenital CMV (cCMV).
The event, held at Garden Cinema in London, brought together families, healthcare professionals, supporters and the filmmaking team to celebrate the launch of the films.
Hosted by CMV Action trustees Angela, Natalie and Leah, with support from volunteer Linda, our event welcomed families featured in the films, members of our CMV Connect community, healthcare professionals and supporters from across the CMV community.
More than a film launch
One of the most memorable parts of the afternoon was seeing so many CMV families together in the same room.
Many had spent months chatting and supporting one another online through our CMV Connect Community, before finally meeting face-to-face. There was an immediate sense of understanding, with conversations flowing between people who didn’t need to explain what life with congenital CMV can look like – they already knew.
Healthcare professionals were also part of those conversations, sharing ideas and discussing how together we can improve awareness and education so more families receive information about CMV before and during pregnancy.
Trustee Natalie summed up the atmosphere perfectly:
The whole afternoon was filled with such energy and positivity with everyone there having a shared mission to continue raising awareness and increasing education about CMV.
Looking back
Although the event wasn’t planned as a fundraiser, guests kindly donated £90, showing how even small acts of generosity can help support CMV Action’s work.
The biggest outcome of the day, however, was the feeling in the room. Families, healthcare professionals and supporters all left with the same goal – to keep raising awareness of congenital CMV so more parents and parents-to-be, receive the information they need.
One month on, and that feeling hasn’t faded. The films continue to be shared, conversations are continuing, and we’re reminded that bringing people together can be just as powerful as the resources themselves.
“It's hard to put into words how it felt being in a room with so many people who have a shared understanding of what you have been through. It was emotional but I also left feeling extremely positive and so energised to do more.”
Leah Wright, CMV Action Trustee
Looking back
Although the event wasn’t planned as a fundraiser, guests kindly donated £90, showing how even small acts of generosity can help support CMV Action’s work.
The biggest outcome of the day, however, was the feeling in the room. Families, healthcare professionals and supporters all left with the same goal – to keep raising awareness of congenital CMV so more parents and parents-to-be, receive the information they need.
One month on, and that feeling hasn’t faded. The films continue to be shared, conversations are continuing, and we’re reminded that bringing people together can be just as powerful as the resources themselves.
A huge thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the afternoon so special.
We’re especially grateful to filmmaker Peter Jones for his dedication and passion in bringing two of the three films to life and CMV Action Medical Advisor Professor Chrissie Jones for her role in producing the CMV in Pregnancy film, created as part of the RACEFIT study.
We’d also like to thank every family who generously shared their stories and the healthcare professionals who gave their time and expertise. Together, you’ve created a lasting resource that will help raise awareness of congenital CMV for years to come.
Finally, thank you to Vineyards Direct for donating the sparkling rosé, and Lola’s Cupcakes for providing delicious cupcakes through their charity support scheme.
If you haven’t watched the films yet, we’d love you to take a look and help us spread the word. Every view, every share and every conversation brings us one step closer to a future where every family has the information they need about congenital CMV.