Don’t Ignore the Signals!

• A red or white patch on the tongue or lining of the mouth
• A sore throat that doesn’t go away
• A feeling that something is caught in the throat
• Numbness of the mouth or tongue
• Difficulty or pain with chewing, swallowing, or moving the jaws or tongue
• Swelling of the jaw
• A change in voice

Early detection saves lives!

If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, consult with a specialists

Sonya Sotinsky on March 25, 2025, was diagnosed with stage 4 tongue cancer and underwent surgery to remove her tongue, larynx and other structures. She then worked with researchers to create an AI-generated voice box using past recordings of her speech. 

She recorded herself saying the things she would never again be able to say.

“I’m proud of you,” “happy birthday” and “I love you” topped the phrases she banked for her husband and two daughters.

“When you can’t use your voice, it is very, very frustrating” Sotinsky typed into a wireless keyboard she now carries everywhere.

Pervasive mouth cancer propelled Sotinsky to explore the existential importance of the human voice. Her unique intonation, cadence and slight New Jersey accent were fingerprints of her identity. How we speak is how we express ourselves, connect with others and make sense of the world.

“She got her sass back,” said Sotinsky’s daughter. “When we heard her AI voice, we all cried, my sister, my dad and I. It’s crazy similar.”