Volunteering with ANA

Support Group Program

ANA Support Groups are led by volunteers and are people just like you. 

ANA Support Group volunteers serve as Leaders or Co-Leaders, scheduling and coordinating Support Group meetings in their local communities. The meetings provide opportunities to learn about acoustic neuroma topics of interest through educational presentations and guest speakers as well as offering supportive time for caring, sharing and networking with attendees.

Volunteer with one of our many existing Support Groups today! Click on our locator map to find a Support Group in your area. If there is not a Support Group in your area, please consider starting one now.

To volunteer, complete our Volunteer Interest Form or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

ANetwork, Peer Support Program

ANetwork volunteers are valuable resources that provide a one-on-one personal connection for support and encouragement via phone and email contact. 

The ANetwork Program provides access to a variety of acoustic neuroma patients from across the U.S. and covers all treatment types, various tumor sizes as well as caregivers/family members of acoustic neuroma patients.

The participants in the ANetwork Program volunteer their time to share their own personal AN experience in an effort to increase awareness and educate patients about AN diagnosis and treatment, as well as provide encouragement and support. This helps in reducing the isolation and loneliness that many acoustic neuroma patients feel.

Community Connections Program

Community Connections provides informal meeting opportunities with local acoustic neuroma patients in a variety of areas across the U.S. Enjoy casual networking time with other acoustic neuroma patients and find encouragement and support through shared experiences.

To volunteer, complete our Volunteer Interest Form or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Milestones

There are milestones or anniversaries that people remember as a significant event noting a special achievement during the AN journey from a very personal, individual perspective.  For some, a milestone can be making a tough treatment decision after months of information gathering.  For others, it may be a treatment anniversary, or perhaps reaching a specific goal after treatment.  Whether large or small, milestones and anniversaries are meaningful markers and are as unique as the individual.

We hope that seeing these realistic and personal events, submitted by patients, caregivers or family members, will provide a sense that you are not along and you will find comfort from others that have faced similar circumstances.  Together we can make a difference by encouraging others on their AN journey.

Sample milestone:
At age 33 and mom to two small children, I learned I had a 2.5cm AN.  I had successful Translab surgery in May 2017. Unfortunately, I awoke from surgery with facial paralysis and struggled to get back on my feet without help.  I wanted to be strong and healthy and get back to what I loved - running.  I kept a positive attitude (even though there were plenty of bad days), had an amazing support system and set a goal to run my first race six months post-surgery. I completed a 10K and raised $3,000.00 for ANA!

Share Your Story

Storytelling volunteers provide a unique type of support. Finding common personal experiences is so important to others that may be searching for a story that resembles their own.  Anyone affected by acoustic neuroma has a story to tell.  It’s essential to speak up – your story could be invaluable to someone. It’s also an important way you can make a difference, raise awareness and help ANA share the many voices that represent the AN community.

If you need help getting started, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and request our Storytelling Toolkit with ideas, tips and suggestions to help you communicate your story and experiences.  Personal stories may be used in our newsletter, on our website or on our social media platforms.

Team ANA, Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Program

TEAM ANA members are acoustic neuroma fundraising volunteers raising funds and increasing awareness and education of acoustic neuroma while challenging themselves and encouraging others to set and reach meaningful personal goals.

Do you like to run? Maybe walking is your thing. Do you like to entertain? Consider hosting a house party? The possibilities are limitless. Be a part of TEAM ANA and give your passion a purpose!

Fundraising feels good and it is a great way to give back to those who have helped you. ANA depends on supporters such as you to raise awareness and funds to enhance current educational and support services and to establish future programming for those not yet diagnosed.

To volunteer, complete our Volunteer Interest Form or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..