Author Speaks on How to Protect Your Unborn Children from #1 Birth Defects Virus at College

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE: November 11, 2008

CONTACT: Lisa Saunders

(845) 574 - 4244

Author Speaks on How to Protect Your Unborn Children from #1 Birth Defects Virus
at SUNY Rockland Community College

Suffern, NY - The leading viral cause of birth defects is the third topic in the Science Lecture Series at SUNY Rockland Community College.

Lisa Saunders, author of "Anything But a Dog! The perfect pet for a girl with congenital CMV (cytomegalovirus)," will continue the lecture series with, "The Tragic Kiss: Stop the Spread of CMV." CMV, or cytomegalovirus (si-to-MEG-alovi-rus), is a common virus that infects people of all ages. Most infections with CMV are "silent," meaning most people who are infected with CMV have no signs or symptoms. However, CMV can cause disease in unborn babies and is the leading viral cause of mental retardation and hearing loss—more common a cause of disabilities than Down syndrome. In 1989, Saunders gave birth to Elizabeth who was severely disabled by congenital CMV. She had not been warned how to reduce her chances of getting the virus. "The moment Elizabeth was born, I felt a stab of fear—her head was so small, so deformed. I was never warned that I put my pregnancy at risk by working in daycare."

OB/GYNs still do not routinely warn women about CMV. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

• Every hour, congenital CMV causes one child to become disabled
• Approximately 8,000 children each year suffer permanent disabilities from congenital CMV

Saunders' book, "Anything But a Dog!" is the true story of a homeless dog's devotion to her daughter and includes the latest news on CMV prevention and treatment, and comments from scientists and other parents affected by congenital CMV. Saunders spoke about her mission to raise CMV awareness at the CDC in Atlanta, GA, at the international 2008 Congenital CMV Conference.

Saunders is RCC's Campus Communications writer, the Congenital CMV Foundation Parent Representative and author of "Ever True" and "Ride a Horse, Not an Elevator." She earned her bachelor's from Cornell University.

Event Facts

Date/Time: Tuesday, December 2, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.

Host: Science Department of SUNY Rockland

Type: Lecture: "The Tragic Kiss: Stop the Spread of CMV"

Location: Academic I building, Room 1106, RCC, 145 College Road, Suffern

Admission: Free

More Info: Dr. Melanie Rie, Instructor, Biology, at 845-574-4190, mrie@sunyrockland.edu, or Lisa Saunders at 845-574-4244, lsaunde2@sunyrockland.edu. For more about Rockland Community College: www.sunyrockland.edu

###

Rockland Community College, a unit of the State University of New York, is located 25 miles northwest of NYC. The majority of its students transfer to four-year colleges, and many find immediate employment upon earning their associate's degree or certificate. The College also offers others, from preschoolers to senior citizens, the opportunity to simply learn something new. Quality education...at a price you can afford.