Turning Diagnosis into Discovery: Grateful Patient Fuels Breakthroughs in Vestibular Schwannoma Research
Grateful for his care, Andrew Ansin and his family support vestibular schwannoma fund to advance research.
When Andrew “Andy” Ansin first noticed hearing loss, he attributed it to his hobby, free diving, or exposure to loud environments. But when symptoms worsened, he sought expert care from Fred Telischi, M.D., professor and James R. Chandler Chair of the Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.
An MRI revealed an unexpected diagnosis: vestibular schwannoma, a benign tumor on the vestibulocochlear nerve capable of causing hearing loss, dizziness and other neurological issues. After evaluating all treatment options, Ansin chose surveillance. Six MRIs later, his tumor remains stable.
“I’m grateful for physicians like Dr. Telischi, who are committed to advancing knowledge about VS,” said Ansin, chief executive officer of Sunbeam and a civic leader with a legacy of philanthropy.
From Gratitude to Impact
Ansin’s drive to learn more about his condition led him to create the Ansin Family Fund for Vestibular Schwannoma Research at the Miller School in 2019. Recently, the Ansin Foundation, Inc. deepened its commitment with a $1 million gift to support the fund, which will accelerate multidisciplinary research, from developing targeted drug therapies to classifying tumor subtypes and optimizing treatment strategies.
“Philanthropists like the Ansins are catalysts for innovation,” said Dr. Telischi, also a professor of neurological surgery and biomedical engineering at the Miller School. “Their support enables us to push the boundaries of what we know about vestibular schwannoma – from the mechanisms of tumor growth and treatment resistance to the pathophysiology of hearing and balance loss to improved treatment modalities.”
In gratitude for the generosity of the Ansin Foundation, Andy and his wife, Tatsiana, were invited to join a special grand rounds session on vestibular schwannoma and neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2). They met with a team of multidisciplinary physician-researchers to discuss the real-world impact of their philanthropy.
Moderated by Christine Dinh, M.D., professor of otolaryngology and neurological surgery and vice chair of academics in otolaryngology, and residents Allison Oliva, M.D., and Pavan S. Krishnan, M.D., the session included Dr. Telischi and:
• Eric Mellon, M.D., Ph.D, associate professor of radiation oncology
• Simon Angeli, M.D., professor of clinical otolaryngology and neurosurgery
• Carolina Benjamin, M.D., associate professor of neurological surgery
• Michael Ivan, M.D., professor of clinical neurological surgery
• Bradley Gampel M.D., from the Department of Pediatrics
Dr. Telischi spoke about the importance of a multidisciplinary approach that includes collaboration among experts in neurosurgery, otolaryngology, radiation oncology and audiology.
“With your support, we are bringing together the collective experience, expertise and vision of a diverse group to research a single disorder,” said Dr. Telischi.
Henri R. Ford, M.D., M.H.A., dean and chief academic officer of the Miller School, praised the Ansin Foundation’s contribution for enabling collaborative, team-driven science.
“Your generosity empowers our teams to continue pursuing novel ideas in the hope of developing more innovative drug therapies for vestibular schwannoma,” said Dean Ford.
Leading the Way: Project VS 360
Dr. Dinh launched Project VS 360 nearly a decade ago to drive translational research in vestibular schwannoma. The project is focused on understanding the causes, risk factors and potential preventive measures for vestibular schwannoma while devising new treatment options, including novel drug therapies.
With support from the Ansin Family Fund for Vestibular Schwannoma Research, she believes these goals are within reach.
“We wholeheartedly thank Andy and the entire Ansin family,” said Dr. Dinh. “Their commitment brings us closer to precision medicine for vestibular schwannoma and NF2 and to building a research program that makes a lasting difference.”
Tags: Dr. Christine Dinh, Dr. Fred Telischi, hearing loss, otolaryngology, philanthropy, vestibular schwannoma