Summary
Sonya Sotinsky, diagnosed with advanced tongue cancer, had to have her tongue and voice box removed. Using past recordings of her speech, she collaborated with researchers to create an AI-generated voice, allowing her to communicate again with her original tone and personality.
Key Facts
- Sonya Sotinsky had to undergo surgery for stage 4 tongue cancer, which involved removing her tongue and voice box.
- Before her surgery, she recorded various phrases and children's books to preserve her voice.
- Sotinsky included a mix of personal expressions, including curse words, to maintain her unique personality.
- She partnered with an artificial intelligence company to create a digital replica of her original voice.
- This AI-generated voice is stored in a mobile app, enabling her to type and speak in her own voice again.
- The process of diagnosing her cancer took nearly a year after initial complaints about painful symptoms.
- Dr. Sue Yom, a radiation oncologist, highlighted the vital role of voice in expressing identity and understanding the world.
