A 51-year-old mother of two was diagnosed with oral cancer, and doctors deemed her voice box irreparably damaged. But she refused to be silenced. Sonya Sotinsky, an architect from Arizona, had one last chance to bank her voice before the surgery that would remove her tongue and vocal cords.
The day after receiving her diagnosis, Sotinsky sat down with a microphone and recorded herself saying simple phrases like "Happy birthday" and "I'm proud of you." She also recorded over a dozen children's books to play for her future grandchildren. However, she wasn't just focused on preserving her legacy - she was determined to hold onto her personality. In fact, the one thing that kept her going during this dark time was her signature sarcasm.
"I couldn't believe it when I found out I had cancer," Sotinsky said in a video recording of herself discussing her experience. "I thought I was dying from embarrassment."
It wasn't until she discovered an AI technology company capable of replicating the human voice that she began to feel like herself again. With the help of Whisper, a text-to-speech app, she can now type what she wants to say and have it broadcast through portable speakers.
Sotinsky's experience highlights the importance of having a voice in maintaining one's identity, as well as the emotional impact of losing it. "When you lose your voice, it's like losing yourself," Dr. Sue Yom said.
While Sotinsky was fortunate enough to find an AI solution that works for her, she wasn't alone in her struggle. Many patients who undergo a laryngectomy, or surgery to remove the vocal cords, are forced to learn new ways of communicating using electrolarynxes. But these devices often produce monotone voices and can be difficult to understand.
Sotinsky's story also highlights the barriers that insurance companies pose to patients seeking advanced technologies like AI voice cloning. Her experience with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona was particularly frustrating, as they refused to cover her initial assistive speaking technology and now charge her a $99 monthly fee for her AI clone.
However, it seems Sotinsky's advocacy efforts are starting to bear fruit. Researchers are now working on clinical trials that could prove the actuarial value of AI voice cloning - potentially leading to wider insurance coverage for these life-changing technologies.
And while cancer has taken its toll on Sotinsky, she remains a strong and sassy woman who refuses to be silenced.
The day after receiving her diagnosis, Sotinsky sat down with a microphone and recorded herself saying simple phrases like "Happy birthday" and "I'm proud of you." She also recorded over a dozen children's books to play for her future grandchildren. However, she wasn't just focused on preserving her legacy - she was determined to hold onto her personality. In fact, the one thing that kept her going during this dark time was her signature sarcasm.
"I couldn't believe it when I found out I had cancer," Sotinsky said in a video recording of herself discussing her experience. "I thought I was dying from embarrassment."
It wasn't until she discovered an AI technology company capable of replicating the human voice that she began to feel like herself again. With the help of Whisper, a text-to-speech app, she can now type what she wants to say and have it broadcast through portable speakers.
Sotinsky's experience highlights the importance of having a voice in maintaining one's identity, as well as the emotional impact of losing it. "When you lose your voice, it's like losing yourself," Dr. Sue Yom said.
While Sotinsky was fortunate enough to find an AI solution that works for her, she wasn't alone in her struggle. Many patients who undergo a laryngectomy, or surgery to remove the vocal cords, are forced to learn new ways of communicating using electrolarynxes. But these devices often produce monotone voices and can be difficult to understand.
Sotinsky's story also highlights the barriers that insurance companies pose to patients seeking advanced technologies like AI voice cloning. Her experience with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona was particularly frustrating, as they refused to cover her initial assistive speaking technology and now charge her a $99 monthly fee for her AI clone.
However, it seems Sotinsky's advocacy efforts are starting to bear fruit. Researchers are now working on clinical trials that could prove the actuarial value of AI voice cloning - potentially leading to wider insurance coverage for these life-changing technologies.
And while cancer has taken its toll on Sotinsky, she remains a strong and sassy woman who refuses to be silenced.
. I mean, losing your voice box like that? That's some harsh stuff 
. But what really gets me is how she found a way to fight back, even if it was just with AI tech 
. I'm all for innovation and pushin' boundaries, but at the same time, I think it's crazy that insurance companies are so slow to catch up 
. Like, $99 a month for an AI clone? That's just straight-up steep 
. But hey, if it means she can keep her sassy self, then I'm all for it 
. And props to the researchers who are workin' on makin' this tech more accessible 
. Maybe one day we'll see a world where people like Sotinsky don't have to break the bank just to stay vocal 
.
I mean, isn't it great that we live in an age where technology can replicate our voices? Like, what's next, AI-powered wheelchairs? 
But seriously, Sonya Sotinsky's story is actually kind of inspiring. I guess you could say she's proof that with enough determination and the right tools, even a cancer diagnosis (and subsequent vocal cord removal) can't shut you down completely 
. And hey, at least now she gets to hear her own voice coming out of a computer – no more awkward small talk with friends and family 
. But seriously though, it's wild that insurance companies are still holding back on this technology... like, what's the worst that could happen if they cover it? 
i mean can u imagine having ur voice taken away from u but still having the sass & wit to boot? 
and its so inspiring 2 see someone fightin 4 change & refusing 2 be silenced 
even tho she had 2 deal with some crazy insurance drama, shes still got that fire in her belly 
can't wait 2 c what the future holds 4 ppl like sonya who r makin a diff! 
. But she finds this AI tech and suddenly she's back in control 
. I love how she's using these tools to express herself, it's not just about surviving the surgery, but living life on her own terms 
.
. Like, who does that? Refusing to cover something that can literally change someone's quality of life? It's just... ugh 
. Maybe one day we'll have more options like AI voice cloning and it won't be so hard for people who need them 
.
Did she find any other ways to stay connected with her loved ones or herself? I'm sure there are a lot more stories like hers out there that we just don't hear about enough 
. Let's keep spreading awareness and support for people who need it most 
I'm literally getting goosebumps reading about Sonya's story 
She's proof that with the right mindset and tech, you can stay true to yourself even when your voice is taken away 
I'm sending all my positive vibes to Sonya and hoping this story inspires even more breakthroughs in assistive tech 
i mean, a $99 monthly fee for an AI clone that could literally change someone's quality of life? that's just ridiculous 
what's next, they're gonna start charging for oxygen? 
, talk about being determined!!! it's sad that insurance companies r so clueless & don't wanna cover these life-changin techs 
! She's literally fighting back against her diagnosis with the most amazing attitude 
. We gotta keep pushing for better insurance coverage for these life-changing technologies 
But what's amazing is that she found a way to hold onto her personality with the help of AI tech 
? It's crazy! But what really gets me is how she used her sarcasm as a way to hold onto herself during such a dark time 
.
. Who knew that something as simple as being able to speak in your own voice could be so powerful? 
.
But, honestly, $99 monthly fee from insurance company is kinda steep 
We need to push for better coverage and accessibility for people with disabilities.