The Acoustic Neuroma Association is doing all sorts of great presentations and webinars this week to celebrate World Vestibular Schwannoma Day. I am going to take a moment to thank the Acoustic Neuroma Association for all its hard work creating resources and supporting people with Acoustic Neuromas. The ANA truly has done a fantastic job of providing information and opportunities to connect with others. The ANA even offers a free one year membership so that finances are not a barrier in that time period where you really need access to the information and support. A yearly membership is also extremely affordable and helps this organization continue to grow and thrive.

I found the Acoustic Neuroma Association while I was riding in the car to my first appointment to find out about my brain tumor diagnosis. I had just received the phone call that I had a brain tumor called an Acoustic Neuroma. The ANA helped me wrap my brain around what my diagnosis meant and what questions to ask. It gave me so many tools that helped me from literally day one of my diagnosis. After going through treatment, I was so grateful for what the ANA provided that I wanted to grow its reach and impact, so I became a volunteer for the organization. The ANA is a small non profit that does a lot.

I love this year’s theme: informed decisions, better outcomes. In my experience supporting others with Acoustic Neuromas, as well as my own journey, I have really seen the benefit of informed decisions. Research can help you find the right doctor and treatment for your situation. It can prepare you so you have realistic expectations and can assist you in getting your life and environment ready for changes. Because an Acoustic Neuroma isn’t super common, it is especially important to inform yourself and make sure your choices are good for the outcomes you are hoping for.

During ANA Awareness Week, we always celebrate milestones and victories. I love this tradition, as it gives me an opportunity to reflect on the last year and look at my accomplishments. While I have many things I am proud of this past year, I think what stands at to me most (in relation to my AN diagnosis) is the recognition of my body’s ability to heal and adapt. The photo below illustrates a moment of that ability. I had to relearn walking after my brain surgery 9 years ago, and on vacation this winter I did yoga on a (parked) houseboat. I am so grateful for how far I have come.

I hope this ANA Awareness week gives you an opportunity to learn something new, connect with others, and celebrate you.

Check out the awesome events the ANA is hosting this week:

https://www.anausa.org/anawareness/anawareness-week

Check out the event Mayo is hosting to discuss current and upcoming treatment information and connect practitioners and patients:

https://www.vestibularschwannoma.com/