Who is ANAC?
The Acoustic Neuroma Association of Canada (ANAC) is a peer-led charity organised to share information and provide support and education about this rare brain tumour which is also known as a vestibular schwannoma, promoting early diagnosis and leading to successful treatment and support of post-surgical issues for individuals. ANAC supports ongoing research, information sharing and public education of acoustic neuroma tumours.
The organisation was founded in 1983 by acoustic neuroma patients Virginia Garossino, Velma Campbell and Linda Gray. The trio encountered individual sets of difficulties and recovery courses following their own diagnoses; little information and support were available. They established ANAC, an incorporated and registered charity, to support the complex needs of acoustic neuroma patients throughout Canada.
Local Chapters
Since its inception, the association has grown to several hundred members with local chapters in:
- Courtenay/Nanaimo
- Edmonton
- Saskatchewan (province-wide)
- Winnipeg
- Kitchener/Waterloo
- London
- Ottawa
- Toronto
- Quebec (province-wide)
Some local chapters provide the option for members to join meetings by video conference.
Membership is open to current or past acoustic neuroma patients, their family and friends, healthcare practitioners and others with a vested interest in acoustic neuromas.