I had acoustic neuroma surgery on 11/30/17 to remove a 4cm tumor. Five months later, I achieved a personal record on my time for a 1,000 meter sprint on the rowing machine - an assessment we have to do every spring. I beat my time from last year by over two seconds! This is a significant milestone for me because I feel like I have my spunk back, and have fully resumed work and competitive rowing. While I continue to adjust to one-sided hearing and experience occasional dizziness and fatigue, I feel great! I'm very grateful for Dr. Manuel Ferreira and the ANA!

They thought I would never be able to walk independently again. Just finished my first 5k in less than 60 minutes!

Celebrating one week ANniversary for removal of 2cm AN at Cleveland Clinic using Translab microsurgery approach. Experienced AN warrior since Jan 2012 to include Gamma Knife surgery at Cleveland Clinic in August 2013.

After being diagnosed in April 2017 and having surgery June 19, 2017, I have embraced my new normal. Being a single parent to a 5-year-old has taught me that having compromised hearing and compromised balance does not equate to a compromised life. Almost a year after surgery and I sincerely say life is good. I have learned lessons I didn't even know I needed to learn, and forged ahead with a renewed zest for life.

It has been almost three years after my Translabyrinthine Craniotomy to remove a nearly 3cm AN tumor and I couldn't have hoped for a better outcome. My surgery was a success with 100% removal and no facial nerve damage ―and a mighty good looking scar! Although my vestibular and single-sided deafness issues will always pose a day-by-day challenge, with the help of my dog, I push myself to embrace it and live life to the fullest. As an Acoustic Neuroma survivor, every day is a milestone in this journey.

I had surgery December of 2017 and CyberKnife in April 2018.

Four years after my retrosigmoid craniotomy to remove a 2.7cm AN, I celebrated by going snowshoeing for the very first time. Up until then, my balance and endurance would not have allowed me to keep up with those more experienced (but tame) friends. Being in that environment with the cold and the beautiful trees and the snow is something to experience in person. I learned it's ok to use walking sticks, it's ok to be the slowest one, and it's ok to ask for help. I remain grateful for all of life's opportunities, thanks to my AN experience.

I had my surgery on February 8th. I have worked hard recovering and going to rehab. Although I still have right sided paralysis, I am returning to work on April 30th. The support I have gotten from friends and co-workers has been amazing! This picture was taken the day of my surgery at Yale New Haven Hospital.

I was diagnosed with a 3cm AN in March of 2015. At the time I had one 2 year-old daughter. I had translabyrinthine surgery in May of 2015. They successfully removed the entire tumor. After giving my body time to heal and recover, I felt truly healthy and in my new normal when I was able to have a healthy pregnancy and a beautiful new baby girl. Ivy joined the family in fall of 2017, and she is a very joyful milestone.

I was sitting in my classroom and it seemed like the world stopped moving for a moment when I learned of my diagnosis. I couldn't believe that at the age of 23 I had a 4.9 cm tumor in my brain. I had to put on a brave face and tell my students that I would be back after winter break. I had my surgery on December 5, 2014. After a 16 hour-long surgery, my amazing doctor successfully removed most of the tumor. Since then, I have dealt with partial facial paralysis, relearning to walk, and even speak. I've learned your diagnosis does not define you, you define your diagnosis.

March 3rd, 2018 was my 3 year surgery ANniversary. I struggled greatly in my recovery, having to stay off work for three months and severely limit my physical activity due to an internal CSF leak. Since that time, I have treated each ANniversary as an opportunity to push myself physically, to celebrate the day by remembering that I have the ability to do whatever I set my mind to now. This year that means training for my first Strongman competition. In the weeks leading up to this 3rd ANniversary, I carried 505 lbs on my back, and I celebrated the ANniversary by squatting 355 lbs, a new PR!

I am a mother of two and retired from the navy. I had a 3.2 cm a.n. partially removed in July of 16 and 6 weeks of radiation a year ago. I still struggle with a lot of things and have had a really hard time dealing with my tumor, but it has pushed me harder to become a better version of me. So my milestone is strange but means a lot to me. I have finally gotten to the point where I have accepted that I have a tumor and I love the person it has made me become. I know it sounds different, but I am different and I am me and I am a survivor like you!