Cancer Steals Voices. ElevenLabs Gives Them Back.

The Impact Program has demonstrated the life-changing power of personalized voice technology, helping thousands of people affected by neurodegenerative conditions like ALS and MSA maintain their vocal identity as their conditions progress. Now, we're extending this support to address a different kind of voice loss — one that can happen overnight.

When Voice Loss Happens Overnight

A laryngectomy, often performed as treatment for head and neck cancer, involves the complete surgical removal of the larynx, also known as the “voice box". While this life-saving procedure offers hope for recovery, it results in the immediate and permanent loss of natural voice. In a single moment, the voice that carried someone's laughter, stories, and essence is gone.

Patients must relearn communication using alternative methods. Historically, this has primarily included electrolarynx devices or esophageal speech — but these options often feel impersonal and limiting. Beyond the technical challenge lies a deeper loss: the disappearance of the familiar voice that once expressed personality, emotions, and identity. For many of these patients, this can lead to severe depression and complete withdrawal from participation in the life they once knew.

The World's Largest Online Laryngectomy Support Network

Our partnership with Lary's Speakeasy represents a breakthrough for exactly this reason. What began as a small Facebook group in 2011 has become the world's largest online support network for the laryngectomy community. This 501(c)(3) nonprofit provides free supplies, peer-led education, virtual support groups, and essential guidance for patients and caregivers navigating recovery.

Through this collaboration, Lary's Speakeasy members now have access to ElevenLabs' innovative voice technology at no cost. This gives them the ability to create a voice that reflects who they are, or even reclaim aspects of their voice from before surgery through professional voice cloning. For many, this offers something previously unimaginable: the chance to sound like themselves again.

Esta parceria marca outro marco significativo para o Programa de Impacto à medida que expandimos para a área de câncer de cabeça e pescoço, baseando-nos no nosso foco estabelecido em condições neurodegenerativas. Juntos, estamos restaurando vozes e ajudando as pessoas a recuperarem suas identidades.

Se você ou alguém que você conhece está enfrentando a vida após a laringectomia, o Lary's Speakeasy construiu uma comunidade incrível de apoio.

Inscreva-se para uma voz ElevenLabs gratuita através do Lary's Speakeasy

If you're part of a hospital, clinic, or nonprofit supporting head and neck cancer patients and want to bring voice technology to your community, we'd love to hear from you. Reach out to the Impact team here to explore a partnership: https://elevenlabs.seobdtools.com/impact-partners