Married for 36 years and both children now flown the nest and married. One lovely Grandson who was born June 2012. I started work at the BANA office as Administrator in 2011.

I had a 3.5cm Acoustic Neuroma removed (translab) in 2008.  Left with facial palsy, single sided deafness, loss of vision on AN side, blurred and double vision on AN side, tinnitus, left sided weakness, loss of taste sensation and swallow mechanism on AN side, no blink mechanism or tear production on AN side, loss of smile, cognitive problems in delayed memory, auditory memory, problem solving, poor concentration, word finding (especially proper nouns), nerve damage from lower back down left leg, disequilibrium, headaches, neck pain, severe back pain from awkward gait, can only walk, sit or stand for short periods, dizziness (especially in noisy and busy environments) etc etc. One thing I didn't lose post surgery though was my sense of humour and zest for life and new experiences. This has taught me how to value the things that are most important in life even more - family, friends, helping others who are struggling with this. My long term plan is to get back into employment. Not letting this thing beat me.