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..

Peer Mentor Program

Peer Mentor Program volunteers are valuable resources that provide a one-on-one personal connection for support and encouragement via phone, email and videochat. 

The Peer Mentor 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 Peer Mentor 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.

Due to the volume of applications for this program, you may only apply during our open enrollment period, which is currently closed.

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

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!

SUBMIT MILESTONE
VIEW MILESTONE GALLERY

Share Your Story

By sharing your story, you bring people together through shared experiences. Since the AN journey is so unique, this is an incredibly important kind of support. Family or close friends may not fully understand the emotional complexities related to your diagnosis. But, when you tell your story to others in the AN community, they understand. They can relate. They can empathize. They can say, “I’ve been there”.

Even patients with a strong support system sometimes feel alone. A story that resembles theirs provides comfort and community. That’s why it’s essential to speak up. Every AN story is important and your story could be invaluable to someone. Your story has power - it helps raise awareness and encourages others. 

Are you ready to make a difference and share your story? Start with our Storytelling Toolkit. This resource makes it easy to compose your thoughts and get ideas with practical tips and suggestions so you can communicate your unique story and experience. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.

We look forward to reading and sharing your story in our newsletter and on our website and 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..