April 2023 diagnosed. May 2023 shunt surgery. December 2023 translabyrinthine surgery. July 2024 plate removed and infection debrided.

4.0 cm AN Translabrynthine craniotomies ‘24 and ‘25 Gamma Knife ‘26

A friendship forever We met last Saturday for lunch In the Outerbanks NC Found out through someone that we had a crazy connection Both had surgery 8/4/2025 Same time Duke Hospital Raleigh NC Dr Zomorodi Dr Cunningham Same Day Same floor While one surgeon worked on her tumor The other worked on mine. We both are recovering at the same pace.

I had experienced undiagnosed vertigo, imbalance and hearing loss for 20 years.   In  January 2026, an acoustic neuroma was discovered, because my symptoms had become much worse since TNBC.  The doctors went back and checked  years of prior brain imaging.    I learned the acoustic neuroma was visible, but had went undetected.   I celebrated finally knowing the cause!!

Had my tumor removed on 4/14 and am grateful for the skill of Drs Friedman and Schwartz!

Translab 11/2021 Cochlear Implant 6/2022 CI explant with reimplant 3/2026

Surgery in 2019. Right ear hearing loss.  Terrible headaches post surgery for 5 years.  Now mostly headache free and very few other post surgery effects. 

I was diagnosed in 2011 at the age of 39 with an acoustic neuroma on my left side. Two years later I lost my hearing. I continue to get MRI’s yearly to monitor and visit with my Neurologist. I’m still in a wait and see pattern. I do a lot of self healing work to keep it from growing. I’d like to believe it’s working. 🙏

A picture of me, last year, completing the Philly 5k at exactly 2 months post-op/retrosigmoid resection! 

Tumor removal in 2012 resulting in some facial paralysis . I’m 55 and thriving despite it all. 

I am 50 years old and from Pensacola, FL. I was diagnosed in 2020 at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida after a long road of many er and doctor visits regarding headaches and tinnitus followed by extreme dizzy spells. I never thought it would have been a brain tumor. I had craniotomy in July of 2020. It was the height of covid and I faced brain surgery alone. My tumor turned out to be inoperable. I had gamma knife in 2021. Its been pretty much stable since then. Unfortunately due to its location, it has caused many permanent symptoms that make daily life climbing a mountain. I continue to climb those mountains with a smile on my face! !

My primary doctor sent me for an MRI in December for persistent headaches where they found that I had a 1.8 cm vestibular schwannoma. My vestibular schwannoma has a very atypical appearance and it was recommended that I get it removed while I am still young and healthy. They plan to send the tissue for a biopsy after surgery. I am a woman of faith and I am hoping for a complete recovery thank you to the ANA website for the resources and support groups that have helped me through this journey. I’m not sure what I would’ve done without all of the wonderful information that your organization shares.

My AN was discovered in April of 2023. I had been experiencing increased tinnitus and thought it was due to noise exposure. I had my hearing tested and was also referred to a neurologist. Eventually an MRI was ordered and they found a 3mm AN on my right side. I was in shock when I saw the report, and called the doctor immediately. He told me that I would probably lose my hearing, and that it was in a tricky spot. He said I was young and should just leave it be for now and then maybe try radiation in 5-10 years. I was devastated by his dismissive comments and opted to do more research. After joining multiple support groups on Facebook and Reddit, I noticed a recurring theme, which was that UCSD saves hearing. I scheduled a consultation with Dr. Rick Friedman. He was so calming and kind on the phone. He told me to stay calm and that he believed he could save my hearing. I scheduled surgery immediately. Living in NY, my wife and I left our two small children with her parents and flew to California. The entire staff at UCSD was amazing. The patient coordinators, the doctors, nurses, everyone. Dr. Friedman and Dr. Schwartz were excellent and lived up to the reputation. They removed my AN, which ended up being 8mm, and saved my hearing. I’m 3 years out and have had completely clear MRI’s. I owe them everything and will never stop singing their praises.

I had translabyrinthine on September 22, 2023 (age 44) and a washout/redo fat graft, with a hospital stay and a week's worth of IV antibiotics in early November, due to a CSF leak and major infection. I struggle with SSD and permanent double vision. I am getting a second opinion this coming week for my double vision at the hospital where I had my surgeries. Being from a smaller town, I didn't feel comfortable with what the neuro-opthamologist suggested, so I had to advocate for myself and my vision. It's hard to believe my diagnosis was almost three years ago and it is still an uphill battle. But I am fighting!! (Photo with prism lens)

Today is my 6 month ANniversary of my surgery at UCSD to remove Vera Schwama, my tumor. I am grateful each day for exceptional medical care and people who loved me through recovery. The first was a week after surgery. The formal gown photo was from last week when I got to attend a gala, something I was not sure I would do six months ago. I am forever grateful for ANA and am eager to do my part so others know they can thrive after a scary diagnosis.

Retrosigmoid October 2017, Gamma Knife December 2018

In February 2026, I got diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma. April 27th, I went through a 22-hour surgery to have it removed. Other than an occasional headache and getting tired easy i am 100%! Maybe one day i will be able to tell the whole story (it was overwhelming) but today I will continue to heal and advocate to listen to your body! I lost hearing in my left ear a few years ago (which was because of the tumor) had i went and checked it out it woukd have been found sooner and maybe wouldnt have been so big.

2021 tried to slow me down, but I had other plans. Between working 3rd shift and keeping up with my kids, the gym is where I reclaim my strength. Dealing with deafness in my right ear and constant balance checks is just part of the routine now. Showing my kids that no matter what life throws at you—even a brain tumor—you never stop punching back. 🥊💥 

Seven months post op

I’m now 8 years after my surgery and still have small symptoms including nystagmus, some facial awkwardness, poor coordination & balance, constant vertigo (kind of used to it now), no feeling & dryness in my left eye and mental health struggles. I had and still have a lot of people in my corner and hope that everyone is able to find that kind of support in their journey.

1.5 yrs post surgery With my warrior walking companion.

I was 8 years old when I was diagnosed with a 5cm acoustic neuroma. It may have taken my hearing, and damaged my facial nerve on the way out, but it didn't get to take lil ole' ME! 25 year later warrior! 😊

Had surgery 11/21/25. Retrosig, Mayo Rochester, Van Gompel and neff, kept hearing, doing great!

November will be 5 years since my retrosigmoid surgery. I've had obstacles but I have overcome most of them and I am living a full life. 

June 2023 Warrior! MF at UCSD

3 years ago AN removed. Life is different with balance & hearing loss. Thankfully I’m still travelling, bushwalking & enjoying looking after grandchildren.

3 years since ANA removal, Middle Fossa

A little AN humor here.  I am almost 8 years post op and all is well.  Balance issues still remain with me but I don’t let them intimidate me too much.  

36 year survivor! I had surgery in 1990 at just 12 years old!

I’ve recently been diagnosed with acoustic neuroma and a meningioma along the inferior aspect of the right medial temporal lobe. I don’t know what lies ahead of me but I do know that with God all things are possible!

It has been just over a week since surgery and though I know I have a long road ahead of me, I know I will come through on the other side of this stronger than before. The most important thing you can do is advocate for yourself when you know something is not right. You alone have the power to change your path! #ANWarriors

National group “Fit4Mom (Longmeadow MA)” Going Gray for Brain Tumor Awareness!

My surgery was over 20 years ago, so it’s been a while, but nonetheless it has truly shaped my life to what it is now! I was 16 when I was diagnosed. It’s hard to be thankful for trauma or bad situations, but it gave me the strength and power I feel today, even on the hardest days, and I hope for others to feel the same!

At Baltimore harbor enjoying the Old Time Music Festival, April 2026.

AN surgery at House Clinic. Dr Brackmann and Dr Hitselberger. I was 46 yrs old when I had my surgery. This July 26, 2026 I will celebrate 21 years post middle fossa surgery! The ANA was fundamental in my search to find others like myself and share our experiences together. With this knowledge I was able to make informed decisions about my health, find the right doctors and have a support group to help me get through all of this! I feel truly blessed and grateful! Life is good!

After a very long journey I now have a diagnosis!! I’m so happy to see the stories, the resilience, the human kindness here!

I had my surgery on 5th Feb 2026 and I’m just back from my first holiday post op, feeling great!

Hi from the UK - I had translab surgery on 24th March. This is me 6 weeks post surgery taking part in a fundraising 25km walk in London for the Marsden cancer charity. Completed in 4hrs 20 - a bit wobbly, SSD etc but thankful to be on the road to recovery.

With grandson Walker.  He is my warrior!!!!

21.5 Years since AN eviction!

Annual picture with my grandson!

I was able to go back to work as a flight attendant after AN surgery.

2.5 months post-op, breaking out for an adventure to Italy

4 weeks post surgical resection of 1.5 inch tumor. 

AnWarrior 2025. One year after surgery. One day at a time . Not easy but with time all will settle in place .

Going deaf in your right ear makes you appreciate the hearing you have left. After surgery to remove a 23mm AN in 2019, I was determined to fill my 1 working ear with as much live music as possible. I’m grateful for all the concerts I’ve added to my #BrainSurgeryBucketList as I celebrate #ANAwarenessWeek and my 7-year AN-niversary.

I was diagnosed with an Acoustic Neuroma in 2019 at the age of 23. They successfully removed it at the cost of my hearing. Thankful to be here for my daughters and husband!

April 2023 diagnosed. May 2023 shunt surgery. December 2023 translabyrinthine surgery. July 2024 plate removed and infection debrided.

4.0 cm AN Translabrynthine craniotomies ‘24 and ‘25 Gamma Knife ‘26

A friendship forever We met last Saturday for lunch In the Outerbanks NC Found out through someone that we had a crazy connection Both had surgery 8/4/2025 Same time Duke Hospital Raleigh NC Dr Zomorodi Dr Cunningham Same Day Same floor While one surgeon worked on her tumor The other worked on mine. We both are recovering at the same pace.

I had experienced undiagnosed vertigo, imbalance and hearing loss for 20 years.   In  January 2026, an acoustic neuroma was discovered, because my symptoms had become much worse since TNBC.  The doctors went back and checked  years of prior brain imaging.    I learned the acoustic neuroma was visible, but had went undetected.   I celebrated finally knowing the cause!!

Had my tumor removed on 4/14 and am grateful for the skill of Drs Friedman and Schwartz!

Translab 11/2021 Cochlear Implant 6/2022 CI explant with reimplant 3/2026

Surgery in 2019. Right ear hearing loss.  Terrible headaches post surgery for 5 years.  Now mostly headache free and very few other post surgery effects. 

I was diagnosed in 2011 at the age of 39 with an acoustic neuroma on my left side. Two years later I lost my hearing. I continue to get MRI’s yearly to monitor and visit with my Neurologist. I’m still in a wait and see pattern. I do a lot of self healing work to keep it from growing. I’d like to believe it’s working. 🙏

A picture of me, last year, completing the Philly 5k at exactly 2 months post-op/retrosigmoid resection! 

Tumor removal in 2012 resulting in some facial paralysis . I’m 55 and thriving despite it all. 

I am 50 years old and from Pensacola, FL. I was diagnosed in 2020 at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida after a long road of many er and doctor visits regarding headaches and tinnitus followed by extreme dizzy spells. I never thought it would have been a brain tumor. I had craniotomy in July of 2020. It was the height of covid and I faced brain surgery alone. My tumor turned out to be inoperable. I had gamma knife in 2021. Its been pretty much stable since then. Unfortunately due to its location, it has caused many permanent symptoms that make daily life climbing a mountain. I continue to climb those mountains with a smile on my face! !

My primary doctor sent me for an MRI in December for persistent headaches where they found that I had a 1.8 cm vestibular schwannoma. My vestibular schwannoma has a very atypical appearance and it was recommended that I get it removed while I am still young and healthy. They plan to send the tissue for a biopsy after surgery. I am a woman of faith and I am hoping for a complete recovery thank you to the ANA website for the resources and support groups that have helped me through this journey. I’m not sure what I would’ve done without all of the wonderful information that your organization shares.

My AN was discovered in April of 2023. I had been experiencing increased tinnitus and thought it was due to noise exposure. I had my hearing tested and was also referred to a neurologist. Eventually an MRI was ordered and they found a 3mm AN on my right side. I was in shock when I saw the report, and called the doctor immediately. He told me that I would probably lose my hearing, and that it was in a tricky spot. He said I was young and should just leave it be for now and then maybe try radiation in 5-10 years. I was devastated by his dismissive comments and opted to do more research. After joining multiple support groups on Facebook and Reddit, I noticed a recurring theme, which was that UCSD saves hearing. I scheduled a consultation with Dr. Rick Friedman. He was so calming and kind on the phone. He told me to stay calm and that he believed he could save my hearing. I scheduled surgery immediately. Living in NY, my wife and I left our two small children with her parents and flew to California. The entire staff at UCSD was amazing. The patient coordinators, the doctors, nurses, everyone. Dr. Friedman and Dr. Schwartz were excellent and lived up to the reputation. They removed my AN, which ended up being 8mm, and saved my hearing. I’m 3 years out and have had completely clear MRI’s. I owe them everything and will never stop singing their praises.

I had translabyrinthine on September 22, 2023 (age 44) and a washout/redo fat graft, with a hospital stay and a week's worth of IV antibiotics in early November, due to a CSF leak and major infection. I struggle with SSD and permanent double vision. I am getting a second opinion this coming week for my double vision at the hospital where I had my surgeries. Being from a smaller town, I didn't feel comfortable with what the neuro-opthamologist suggested, so I had to advocate for myself and my vision. It's hard to believe my diagnosis was almost three years ago and it is still an uphill battle. But I am fighting!! (Photo with prism lens)

Today is my 6 month ANniversary of my surgery at UCSD to remove Vera Schwama, my tumor. I am grateful each day for exceptional medical care and people who loved me through recovery. The first was a week after surgery. The formal gown photo was from last week when I got to attend a gala, something I was not sure I would do six months ago. I am forever grateful for ANA and am eager to do my part so others know they can thrive after a scary diagnosis.

Retrosigmoid October 2017, Gamma Knife December 2018

In February 2026, I got diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma. April 27th, I went through a 22-hour surgery to have it removed. Other than an occasional headache and getting tired easy i am 100%! Maybe one day i will be able to tell the whole story (it was overwhelming) but today I will continue to heal and advocate to listen to your body! I lost hearing in my left ear a few years ago (which was because of the tumor) had i went and checked it out it woukd have been found sooner and maybe wouldnt have been so big.

2021 tried to slow me down, but I had other plans. Between working 3rd shift and keeping up with my kids, the gym is where I reclaim my strength. Dealing with deafness in my right ear and constant balance checks is just part of the routine now. Showing my kids that no matter what life throws at you—even a brain tumor—you never stop punching back. 🥊💥 

Seven months post op

I’m now 8 years after my surgery and still have small symptoms including nystagmus, some facial awkwardness, poor coordination & balance, constant vertigo (kind of used to it now), no feeling & dryness in my left eye and mental health struggles. I had and still have a lot of people in my corner and hope that everyone is able to find that kind of support in their journey.

1.5 yrs post surgery With my warrior walking companion.

I was 8 years old when I was diagnosed with a 5cm acoustic neuroma. It may have taken my hearing, and damaged my facial nerve on the way out, but it didn't get to take lil ole' ME! 25 year later warrior! 😊

Had surgery 11/21/25. Retrosig, Mayo Rochester, Van Gompel and neff, kept hearing, doing great!

November will be 5 years since my retrosigmoid surgery. I've had obstacles but I have overcome most of them and I am living a full life. 

June 2023 Warrior! MF at UCSD

3 years ago AN removed. Life is different with balance & hearing loss. Thankfully I’m still travelling, bushwalking & enjoying looking after grandchildren.

3 years since ANA removal, Middle Fossa

A little AN humor here.  I am almost 8 years post op and all is well.  Balance issues still remain with me but I don’t let them intimidate me too much.  

36 year survivor! I had surgery in 1990 at just 12 years old!

I’ve recently been diagnosed with acoustic neuroma and a meningioma along the inferior aspect of the right medial temporal lobe. I don’t know what lies ahead of me but I do know that with God all things are possible!

It has been just over a week since surgery and though I know I have a long road ahead of me, I know I will come through on the other side of this stronger than before. The most important thing you can do is advocate for yourself when you know something is not right. You alone have the power to change your path! #ANWarriors

National group “Fit4Mom (Longmeadow MA)” Going Gray for Brain Tumor Awareness!

My surgery was over 20 years ago, so it’s been a while, but nonetheless it has truly shaped my life to what it is now! I was 16 when I was diagnosed. It’s hard to be thankful for trauma or bad situations, but it gave me the strength and power I feel today, even on the hardest days, and I hope for others to feel the same!

At Baltimore harbor enjoying the Old Time Music Festival, April 2026.

AN surgery at House Clinic. Dr Brackmann and Dr Hitselberger. I was 46 yrs old when I had my surgery. This July 26, 2026 I will celebrate 21 years post middle fossa surgery! The ANA was fundamental in my search to find others like myself and share our experiences together. With this knowledge I was able to make informed decisions about my health, find the right doctors and have a support group to help me get through all of this! I feel truly blessed and grateful! Life is good!

After a very long journey I now have a diagnosis!! I’m so happy to see the stories, the resilience, the human kindness here!

I had my surgery on 5th Feb 2026 and I’m just back from my first holiday post op, feeling great!

Hi from the UK - I had translab surgery on 24th March. This is me 6 weeks post surgery taking part in a fundraising 25km walk in London for the Marsden cancer charity. Completed in 4hrs 20 - a bit wobbly, SSD etc but thankful to be on the road to recovery.

With grandson Walker.  He is my warrior!!!!

21.5 Years since AN eviction!

Annual picture with my grandson!

I was able to go back to work as a flight attendant after AN surgery.

2.5 months post-op, breaking out for an adventure to Italy

4 weeks post surgical resection of 1.5 inch tumor. 

AnWarrior 2025. One year after surgery. One day at a time . Not easy but with time all will settle in place .

Going deaf in your right ear makes you appreciate the hearing you have left. After surgery to remove a 23mm AN in 2019, I was determined to fill my 1 working ear with as much live music as possible. I’m grateful for all the concerts I’ve added to my #BrainSurgeryBucketList as I celebrate #ANAwarenessWeek and my 7-year AN-niversary.

I was diagnosed with an Acoustic Neuroma in 2019 at the age of 23. They successfully removed it at the cost of my hearing. Thankful to be here for my daughters and husband!