Winnipeg, Manitoba, February 27, 2024 – Local dad and philanthropist, Rob Tétrault, is once again lacing up his running shoes for a province-wide mission. This time, he’s headed to New Brunswick to shine a spotlight on congenital Cytomegalovirus (cCMV), the leading cause of infant disability. The cause has a personal connection to Rob as it affects his son, Alexandre. From May 4-16, Rob will embark on a remarkable journey, covering 527 km across New Brunswick, averaging 42 km per day.
In 2023, Rob made headlines running from the Saskatchewan-Manitoba border to the Manitoba-Ontario border, exemplifying his enduring commitment to raising awareness of cCMV and advocating for universal newborn screening. Over 160 individuals joined Rob last May, including Manitoba Premier, Wab Kinew, and Dr. Jessica Dunn, a key figure in the development of Newborn Screening Ontario’s cCMV screening program.
In a pivotal development during last year’s run, Bill 226 (The Universal Newborn Hearing Screening Amendment Act) achieved its second reading, signaling a significant stride towards universal screening in Manitoba. Tétrault envisions that the triumph of Run With Rob in Manitoba will reverberate beyond provincial borders, influencing legislative discussions and fostering support for universal screening initiatives in New Brunswick.
Congenital Cytomegalovirus remains the most common infectious cause of birth defects in Canada, emphasizing the critical need for early detection to improve outcomes for infected infants. Rob Tétrault, working in tandem with the Canadian CMV Foundation, is dedicated to championing universal newborn screening for cCMV, not only in New Brunswick, but across the broader Maritime region.
To support Run With Rob New Brunswick 2024 and the mission for universal cCMV screening, individuals and businesses can get involved in the following ways:
- Register to run alongside Rob: Participate in one or more of the 25 legs of the run.
- Sign the petition: Support the call for universal cCMV screening across Canada.
- Become an event sponsor: Contribute to the success of Run With Rob throughsponsorship opportunities.
- Donate to the Canadian CMV Foundation: Help fund critical initiatives for preventingcCMV infections and supporting affected individuals and families.
About the Canadian CMV Foundation:
The Canadian CMV Foundation is a national charity committed to preventing congenital Cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infections and enhancing the quality of life for those affected in Canada.
For more information about Run With Rob or the Canadian CMV Foundation, email info@cmvcanada.com or check out www.runwithrob.com.
