Karla Jacobus, president of the Acoustic Neuroma Association (ANA) Board passed away suddenly on Friday, January 5, at her home in Cary, NC. Karla was more than just a sister, daughter, friend, nurse, researcher and AN survivor and champion. Karla was a bright light, an individual with a positive outlook on life who cared deeply about her family, her friends, her church, her work and the AN community.

Karla always talked about the importance of family. She loved to travel, especially with family, and relished in her visits to Michigan. An avid cyclist, she loved the outdoors. Karla was one of those people who wanted to make the world better. In her role in medical research, she understood what it took to expand the knowledge of treating various conditions. She was relentless in her belief that there are ways for people to be better.

As a support group leader, board member, officer and current president of the Acoustic Neuroma Association of the United States, Karla led with heart and vision. She had a clear understanding of the purpose of ANA and worked to make the organization the leader in assisting AN diagnosed patients and their families during a most difficult time. She was a champion of work with the medical community, as well as expanding the network of information to patients. She was committed to building resources to expand services of the association. She was strategic in thinking and goal oriented. Most importantly, Karla cared. She wanted the world to be a better place and each person that she touched a better person. She was the type of person you were always happy to see, to talk with, to laugh with, to break bread.

Karla will be missed. Her accomplishments and warmth are her legacy.

Alan Goldberg
Immediate Past President
Acoustic Neuroma Association