Volunteering with ANA

Support Group Program

ANA Support Groups are led by people just like you - acoustic neuroma patients or family members/caregivers that volunteer their time to help others on their AN journey.

Support Group volunteers schedule and coordinate in-person meetings in local communities and/or facilitate virtual meetings. Support Group 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.

We have resources that make it easy and we are here to help you every step of the way. Apply to be a support group leader today! Complete our Volunteer Interest Form or contact us at volunteers@ANAUSA.org. 

Peer Mentor Program

Peer mentors are located across the U.S. and represent a wide range of treatment types, tumor sizes, and talking points on many acoustic neuroma-related issues.

Peer mentors are acoustic neuroma patients and family members/caregivers who volunteer their time to share their own personal AN experience in an effort to increase awareness, provide information, and educate patients about AN diagnosis and treatment, as well as provide encouragement and support via phone or email. One-on-one support with peers helps reduce the isolation and loneliness that many acoustic neuroma patients feel.

Enrollment for this program is currently closed. If you have any questions, please email volunteers@ANAUSA.org.

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.

For more information about this volunteer opportunity, complete our Volunteer Interest Form or email volunteers@anausa.org

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

*The ANA retains the right to use your story and/or photograph(s) and video(s) and any other submissions at our discretion across the ANA’s digital and print platforms for communications and/or promotional purposes. Your story may be edited for length, grammar or style. Your photographs may be cropped for size and/or edited for clarity or style.

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. Contact us for more information.

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

*The ANA will review all submissions and retains the right to use patient stories and/or photograph(s) and video(s) and any other submissions at our discretion across the ANA’s digital and print platforms for communications and/or promotional purposes. Your story may be edited for length, grammar or style. Your photographs may be cropped for size and/or edited for clarity or style. Submitting a story does not guarantee publication. Read our full Editorial Policy.

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 matthewbalte@anausa.org.