Raiders' GM John Spytek Shares Tragic News

Spytek and his wife Kristen turn personal tragedy into national effort to raise awareness and fund research for congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV).

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Las Vegas Raiders' General Manager John Spytek and his wife Kristen have faced unimaginable tragedy with the loss of their daughter Evelyn Grace, who was born with congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV). The Spyteks have since founded the National CMV Foundation to inform, engage, and advocate for families affected by the condition, which affects 1 in 200 babies and 1 in 5 children by age five.

Why it matters

Congenital CMV is a little-known but devastating condition that can cause lifelong disabilities in children, yet many pregnant women are unaware they have contracted the virus. The Spyteks' personal tragedy has motivated them to raise awareness and funding for critical research to advance treatments and prevention.

The details

Evelyn Grace Spytek was born with congenital CMV, a condition where the virus crosses the placenta during pregnancy and infects the growing fetus. While most healthy adults experience only mild, flu-like symptoms from CMV, babies born with the condition can suffer hearing loss, organ damage, and cognitive impairments. After Evelyn's passing at 21 months old, the Spyteks founded the National CMV Foundation to educate families, medical professionals, and policymakers about this little-known but impactful disease.

  • Evelyn Grace Spytek was born in 2024.
  • Evelyn passed away at 21 months old in 2025.
  • The National CMV Foundation was founded by the Spyteks after Evelyn's passing.

The players

John Spytek

The General Manager of the Las Vegas Raiders, who has faced personal tragedy with the loss of his daughter Evelyn to congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV).

Kristen Hutchinson Spytek

The wife of John Spytek, who now serves as the President of the National CMV Foundation, an organization they founded to raise awareness and fund research for congenital CMV.

Evelyn Grace Spytek

The Spyteks' daughter, who tragically passed away at 21 months old after being born with congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV).

National CMV Foundation

An organization founded by the Spyteks to inform, engage, and advocate for families affected by congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV).

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What they’re saying

“Congenital CMV is a little-known but devastating condition that can cause lifelong disabilities in children, yet many pregnant women are unaware they have contracted the virus.”

— Kristen Hutchinson Spytek, President, National CMV Foundation (Heavy.com)

What’s next

The National CMV Foundation continues to work to raise awareness, educate medical professionals, and fund critical research to advance treatments and prevention of congenital cytomegalovirus.

The takeaway

The Spyteks' personal tragedy has motivated them to turn their pain into purpose, using their platform to shine a light on congenital CMV and drive progress in addressing this little-known but devastating condition that impacts thousands of families each year.