How did Hazel Buckley learn to speak again after her voice box was removed?

Hazel Buckley taught herself to speak again with the assistance of her grandchildren, who helped her practice by repeating words.

What is the Shout at Cancer Choir?

The Shout at Cancer Choir is a group for people who have had their voice boxes removed due to cancer, and Hazel Buckley finds it very uplifting.

When was Hazel Buckley diagnosed with throat cancer and when did she have her surgery?

Hazel Buckley was first diagnosed with throat cancer 19 years ago, and she underwent surgery to remove her voice box in 2017.

Home / Health / Throat Cancer Survivor Sings at Royal Opera House

Throat Cancer Survivor Sings at Royal Opera House

10 Feb

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Summary

A woman with throat cancer had her voice box removed and learned to speak again.
She now sings with the Shout at Cancer Choir, performing nationally.
Grandchildren helped her relearn to speak after the life-changing surgery.

Throat Cancer Survivor Sings at Royal Opera House

Hazel Buckley, a 66-year-old woman from Canterbury, has astounded many by performing at renowned locations such as the Royal Opera House and the Royal Albert Hall. This remarkable achievement follows her personal battle with throat cancer, which led to the removal of her voice box in 2017.

After her laryngectomy, Buckley faced the challenge of learning to speak again, utilizing a stoma in her neck for breathing and communication. Her grandchildren played a crucial role in this process, patiently listening and repeating her attempts to form words, aiding her recovery.

Buckley is an active member of the Shout at Cancer Choir, a group dedicated to individuals who have undergone similar surgeries due to cancer. She describes the choir as a significant source of upliftment, emphasizing that even if their voices are not as loud as others, the shared experience and effort bring immense enjoyment and fulfillment.