News
December 03, 2025
Cancer stole her voice. She used AI, curse words and kids’ books to get it back
When doctors told her they had to remove her tongue and voice box to save her life from the cancer that had invaded her mouth, Sonya Sotinsky sat down with a microphone to record herself saying the things she would...
**Cancer stole her voice. She used AI, curse words and kids’ books to get it back**
Sonya Sotinsky faced a devastating choice: lose her voice and tongue to cancer, or lose her life. Opting for life, she knew the surgery to remove her tongue and voice box was necessary. But the thought of a silent future was unbearable. In a determined act of defiance and foresight, Sonya embarked on a unique project – preserving her voice through artificial intelligence.
Before her surgery, Sonya spent countless hours meticulously recording herself. She didn't just recite neutral phrases; she wanted to capture the essence of her personality. To that end, she read children's books, infusing them with her characteristic warmth and inflection. She also, surprisingly, recorded herself saying curse words. This wasn't a matter of vulgarity, but a conscious effort to ensure her AI-generated voice would be authentic and reflect her full range of expression, including the occasional colorful exclamation.
The process was emotionally taxing. Each recording session was a stark reminder of what she was about to lose. Yet, it was also empowering. Sonya was actively fighting back against the disease, reclaiming a part of herself that cancer threatened to steal.
After the surgery, the recordings were used to train an AI model. This technology allowed Sonya to type what she wanted to say, and the AI would then generate the words in her own, familiar voice. The result wasn't perfect, but it was undeniably her. The nuances, the subtle inflections, the unique timbre – all were preserved.
While the AI voice offers a lifeline, it's not a replacement for her natural voice. Sonya still faces challenges in expressing herself, and the technology requires constant refinement. However, she's grateful for the ability to communicate in a way that feels true to herself. She continues to work with developers to improve the AI model, hoping to make it even more seamless and expressive.
Sonya’s story is a testament to the power of technology, the resilience of the human spirit, and the importance of preserving one's identity in the face of adversity. Her innovative approach offers hope to others facing similar circumstances, demonstrating that even when cancer steals your voice, technology can help you find it again.
Sonya Sotinsky faced a devastating choice: lose her voice and tongue to cancer, or lose her life. Opting for life, she knew the surgery to remove her tongue and voice box was necessary. But the thought of a silent future was unbearable. In a determined act of defiance and foresight, Sonya embarked on a unique project – preserving her voice through artificial intelligence.
Before her surgery, Sonya spent countless hours meticulously recording herself. She didn't just recite neutral phrases; she wanted to capture the essence of her personality. To that end, she read children's books, infusing them with her characteristic warmth and inflection. She also, surprisingly, recorded herself saying curse words. This wasn't a matter of vulgarity, but a conscious effort to ensure her AI-generated voice would be authentic and reflect her full range of expression, including the occasional colorful exclamation.
The process was emotionally taxing. Each recording session was a stark reminder of what she was about to lose. Yet, it was also empowering. Sonya was actively fighting back against the disease, reclaiming a part of herself that cancer threatened to steal.
After the surgery, the recordings were used to train an AI model. This technology allowed Sonya to type what she wanted to say, and the AI would then generate the words in her own, familiar voice. The result wasn't perfect, but it was undeniably her. The nuances, the subtle inflections, the unique timbre – all were preserved.
While the AI voice offers a lifeline, it's not a replacement for her natural voice. Sonya still faces challenges in expressing herself, and the technology requires constant refinement. However, she's grateful for the ability to communicate in a way that feels true to herself. She continues to work with developers to improve the AI model, hoping to make it even more seamless and expressive.
Sonya’s story is a testament to the power of technology, the resilience of the human spirit, and the importance of preserving one's identity in the face of adversity. Her innovative approach offers hope to others facing similar circumstances, demonstrating that even when cancer steals your voice, technology can help you find it again.
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