#TheANAis40!!
We are excited to celebrate this milestone in different ways throughout the year.
We hope you will join us as we look back with appreciation and forward with determination.
Calling all artists!
We want to highlight artwork from the AN community to commemorate this momentous occasion. If you are an artist - painter, graphic designer, photographer, sketch artist, whatever! - we would love it if you sent us something to be displayed in our Showcase. Our hope is that by creating a collection of these wonderful pieces, we might tell a great, patient-focused, artistic story for our 40th anniversary. More Information.
Sample: The sunset bicycle photo symbolizes my joy in recovering bike riding for work commuting as well as for enjoyment. I also really love this quote for the AN journey, "Life is like riding a bicyle: to keep your balance you have to keep moving."
Impact Stories
As the ANA turns 40, we want to hear from patients, family members and caregivers. Tell us how the ANA has impacted your AN journey - just a quick snippet about some unique part of your experience or something that made a significant difference for you. Include a photo if you'd like!
Sample: These days, I live a busy, active life chasing my two daughters and owning and operating campgrounds. When I was diagnosed six years ago, finding others my age who were also dealing with acoustic neuroma was not easy. The ANA connected me with other young patients who could relate to my situation and then helped me form a support group and a Facebook group for young adults. These groups have allowed me to share my unique experiences and learn from others as they have shared theirs - it's been truly amazing and I am so grateful to the ANA for the help and support I received on my journey. - Emily
Get Your Gear
Get your special edition anniversary t-shirt and water bottle commemorating 40 years of the ANA. Shop now.
The ANA was founded in Carlisle, PA in 1981 by Virginia Fickel Ehr. After having surgery for the removal of an acoustic neuroma in 1977, she resolved that future acoustic neuroma patients should have easy-to-read medical materials about their condition, as well as support and comfort from other patients.
With the help of her physician, she contacted eight other patients and formed the Acoustic Neuroma Association to provide the information and support to newly diagnosed patients that she was unable to find when she was looking.
We are incredibly grateful to Ginny and the other founding staff, members, and board of directors - we wouldn't be here today without them.
