Dr. Brian Beyerl (middle), Atlantic NeuroSurgical Specialists (ANS) neurosurgeon, braces as he prepares to enter the dunk tank and be dunked by staff members Adriana Castano (left) and Elizabeth Gold at ANS’s recent Center of Hope Foundation picnic. Other ANS staff members, patients and their family members threw many shots at Beyerl. Donna Giordano hugged everyone she saw at Atlantic NeuroSurgical Specialists’ (ANS) recent Center of Hope Foundation picnic.They weren’t just average hugs.They were hugs filled with love and support for her fellow members of the ANS Center of Hope Foundation: brain tumor patients, their families,ANS doctors and staff members.Together, they enjoyed good food, good music, dunking doctors and ANS staff in the dunk tank — and most of all, each other.
“I can’t say enough about the ANS Center of Hope Foundation,” said Giordano, who was diagnosed with a brain tumor after suffering a seizure seven years ago.“This is a loving community and a place for all of us — regardless of our individual circumstances — to be encouraged.”
This was the fifth year ANS held the picnic. In addition, the ANS Center of Hope Foundation meets regularly on the third Thursday of every month.Volunteers, who provide ongoing support, plan the meetings where guest speakers talk about relevant topics and attendees, in a familylike setting, give and receive support from one another.
“I attend as many meetings as I can,” noted Giordano.“I know firsthand the important role camaraderie and support play in healing and moving forward.”
The ANS Center of Hope Foundation is open to all patients and their support teams. Patients do not need to be affiliated with ANS. For more information about the ANS Center of Hope Foundation and brain tumor treatments, contact ANS’s dedicated brain tumor support hotline at 855-267-2667, and visit www.ansdocs.com.