UC San Diego Acoustic Neuroma Program

06/16/2025

At just 13, Lexi faced hearing loss from a rare brain tumor. Discover how expert surgeons at UC San Diego Health preserved her hearing and changed her life.

06/11/2025

Our UC San Diego Health Acoustic Neuroma Program is made up of so many caring individuals across multiple specialties - all committed to best-in-class care for our patients. We were excited to design and wear our very own shirt this year to show our support and create awareness throughout our campus and community! We 💙 our patients! Acoustic Neuroma Association

06/10/2025

week is here! Informed decisions. Better Outcomes.

All week the Acoustic Neuroma Association will be sharing information and presentations on various topics. You can catch Dr Friedman and Dr Schwartz presenting "Overview of AN Surgical Options and What to Expect" tomorrow at 2pm EST. It will be released on Facebook, their website and in their video libraries.

Week 2025 - Informed decisions. Better outcomes.
Be sure to visit ANAUSA.org/awareness for a full schedule, registration, our AN Warrior Gallery, and information about World Vestibular Schwannoma Awareness Day.

05/01/2025

May is Brain Tumor Awareness Month 🩶🧠!

03/14/2025

The March issue of the ANA's Newsletter, Notes, is now available in the ANA member section at https://www.anausa.org/member-login

Our team is proud to share our research grant update!

"Genetic Analysis of VS uncovers new mutations and proteins potentially impacting symptoms and treatment"

Thank you to the Acoustic Neuroma Association for supporting this important research!

02/14/2025

Tammie Warren had hearing loss in one ear and an acoustic neuroma in the other. Surgery at UC San Diego Health prevented her from going deaf.

02/12/2025

Lexi Jo's Journey: From Uncertainty to Hope

In March, our vibrant 13-year-old daughter, Lexi, began experiencing some alarming symptoms—hearing loss, dizziness, and tingling in her face. We went to several doctors, searching for answers, and eventually discovered she had an acoustic neuroma.
The diagnosis was overwhelming, and navigating her care in our home state left us feeling lost, with no clear path forward. That’s when a friend of a friend recommended Dr. Friedman and his team in San Diego. From the very first conversation, Dr. Friedman and his team offered us a lifeline, guiding us through difficult decisions and helping us overcome every hurdle with expertise and compassion.
At the time of her diagnosis, Lexi had lost about 60% of her hearing. We prepared ourselves for the possibility of losing more. However, thanks to the incredible work of Dr. Friedman and Dr. Schwartz, Lexi’s surgery was a resounding success. Not only did they remove the tumor, but they also preserved 100% of her hearing.

Lexi is a bright light in our lives and in her community. She’s active in school, softball, volleyball, and everything she loves. Thanks to this amazing team, she’s back to doing what she does best—spreading joy and living her life to the fullest.

We can’t express our gratitude enough to Dr. Friedman, Dr. Schwartz, and their incredible team for giving Lexi her spark back. Their care and dedication made all the difference in her journey, and we are forever thankful. ❤️ - Laci (Lexi's mom)

02/11/2025

Wise and brave beyond her years, no doubt. Honored to share her incredible story (in 2 posts) this week.

My name is Lexi Jo, and I’m 14 years old. A little while ago, I had to go through something really scary—a brain tumor called an acoustic neuroma. It wasn’t easy, and there were days I felt afraid and unsure of what was ahead. But I want to share something with you that helped me through it all: hope.

I know it might feel like this is the hardest thing ever (and honestly, it’s okay to feel that way sometimes), but I want you to know there’s a light at the end of this tunnel. You are so much stronger than you realize. Even on the days when you feel like giving up, remember that every small step forward is a big victory.

I am incredibly thankful for the doctors and team at UCSD. Before my surgery, I was able to talk to someone who had been through the same thing. They understood what I was feeling and could answer my questions because they had walked this road themselves. It made such a difference for me to know I wasn’t alone. That experience inspired me to strive to be an advocate for others who might be going through something similar. If sharing my story can help even one person feel less scared or more prepared, I want to do that.

You’re not alone in this fight. There are people who love you, who are cheering for you, and who will walk this path with you every step of the way. Hold on to that hope. Take it one day at a time, and don’t be afraid to let people help you.

I want you to know that brighter days are coming. There’s a whole world waiting for you after this battle—a world filled with laughter, love, and all the things you dream of doing. You’ve got this, and I believe in you.

Stay strong, stay brave, and keep believing in the light that’s ahead.

01/16/2025

In case you missed our webinar earlier this week, you can still view it in the ANA video library!

Thank you to Dr. Marc Schwartz and Dr. Rick Friedman of UC San Diego Acoustic Neuroma Program for your time and expertise! The recording of this webinar, as well as the Q&A, are now available in our video library - anausa.org/video-library.

01/13/2025

Please join us today for our webinar with the Acoustic Neuroma Association!

Everyone is welcome to join us on Monday at 2 pm ET/11 am PT as Dr. Friedman and Dr. Schwartz review the findings of their Epidemiology Survey of Acoustic Neuroma, RNA Sequencing, and surgical outcome data from a high-volume center. Please submit questions ahead of the presentation to communications@anausa.org. More information and registration link are available at anausa.org/upcomingevents. UC San Diego Health UC San Diego Acoustic Neuroma Program

04/08/2024

Drs Schwartz and Friedman will be speaking about hearing preservation with NF2 at this national conference this week.