Amy Hancock was 20 years old when her voice started to grow continuously hoarse. She credited this to the 25-minute speaking tours she performed as a worker at a Botanical Garden and decided it would heal in time. However, concern grew when the problem wouldn't go away and by the time she visited a doctor she discovered the grim news - she had laryngeal cancer.
Amys' positive attitude is infectious, and the former radio presenter began her fight against cancer head-on. However, after many failed radiation treatments, her vocal chords had to be removed. Amy underwent surgery 3 times for techniques to restore her voice, all without success. Amys' only form of communication was through a hole in her neck and the use of an electrolarynx (a microphone-like device that, when placed against her throat, creates vibrations to help her make sound).
Even while watching Amy speak with the electrolarynx, her bubbly personality shines through, though the electrolarynx produces a monotone, robotic voice that makes expressing any emotion, sarcasm or excitement nearly impossible. Amy continued life with the electrolarynx for five years until she met Dr. Randal Paniello, a head and neck surgeon from St Louis. Meeting Amy, Dr. Paniello realized this is a girl that needed her voice and was willing to work for it.
A speaking tube was made using skin tissue, a vein and artery from her arm and cartilage from her nose. Dr. Paniello had never performed the surgery before, and Amy was the first patient in the U.S. to receive it (in 2003). 3 weeks after the surgery Amy was able to swallow both food and drink and a short time later she uttered her first words, audible and full of life again.
Amy's determination was inspiring and I was delighted to watch her happiness as she got her voice back, although that infectious personality was not dimmed by the electrolarynx, but now magnified by its absence.
Being the first patient in the U.S. to successfully receive this surgery, I eagerly Googled away to see if their were any updates on her condition, or to see if it had been successfully performed on anyone else.
I cannot imagine losing my voice and considerate myself very fortunate that I have not had to experience what Amy and more than 5,000 North Americans per year experience. However, with such an amazing surgery with a wonderful result I have to wonder why it hasn't been brought to attention more? Roger Ebert, the famed movie critic who lost his voice due to Thyroid cancer - can this not work? How many others out there have access to this surgery? Is it a narrow margin? I still have so many questions - but what touched me most was Amy.
Amy, although I can't find an update on your condition I hope your life is fulfilled now in a way you'd never imagined before. I felt such happiness for you and appreciation for my own life. Should I ever come across an obstacle such as yours in my life, you've taught me to soldier on with a smile!
UPDATE: Amy Hancock is now Amy Hancock Keck and is happily married! All the best to you Amy!
Credits:
"Super Surgery: A New Voice", Discovery Home & Health
"Saving The Voice", Medical News and Health Information (08/09/03)
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