Cancer stole her voice. She used AI, curse words and kids books to get it back

Published: Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 3:10 pm

Cancer Survivor Regains Voice Through AI

Sonya Sotinsky, a 51-year-old facing invasive oral cancer, was faced with the prospect of losing her voice due to necessary surgery. Recognizing the importance of her voice as a key part of her identity, she took proactive steps to preserve it. Before undergoing a total glossectomy and laryngectomy, she recorded herself saying various phrases, including birthday wishes, professional greetings, and even children's books, to ensure she could communicate with loved ones and clients.

Following her surgery in January 2022, Sotinsky explored AI technology to recreate her voice. While initial options were limited and produced robotic sounds, she eventually found a solution. By using the recordings she had made, an AI company was able to create an exact replica of her voice, accessible through an app on her phone. This technology allowed her to type and speak with a full range of emotions, including sarcasm.

Despite the life-changing impact of this technology, Sotinsky faced challenges in obtaining insurance coverage for the $3,000 initial cost. Her insurance provider, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, initially denied reimbursement, citing that having a voice was not considered a medical necessity. Sotinsky now pays a monthly fee for the AI voice clone out-of-pocket.

Sotinsky has since become an advocate for others facing similar challenges. She created a website detailing her experience and shares her story at conferences. Her efforts have inspired research into the impact of AI voice technology on patients' communication and quality of life, which could lead to insurance coverage in the future.

BNN's Perspective: This story highlights the transformative potential of AI in healthcare, particularly for those facing significant physical challenges. While the current lack of insurance coverage for such technologies is concerning, the ongoing research and patient advocacy offer hope for improved access and quality of life for individuals affected by cancer and other conditions.

Keywords: AI voice, cancer, laryngectomy, glossectomy, voice banking, insurance coverage, medical technology, communication, health, advocacy, speech, technology, healthcare, cancer survivor, oral cancer, voice clone, assistive technology, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Sonya Sotinsky.

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