AI Voice Cloning Helps ALS Patient Preserve Her Voice

Monica Oalahan, a 67-year-old mother of two with bulbar-onset ALS, uses AI voice cloning to support communication after losing her speech. It follows her diagnosis, daily life with her daughters, and the collaboration with Northwestern Medicine's ALS clinic, nonprofit Bridging Voice, and ElevenLabs to create a voice model from existing recordings. It also explains how bulbar-onset ALS affects speech while cognitive function remains intact.

■ Monica's experience with ALS
- Diagnosis of bulbar-onset ALS and early speech changes
- Communication with family and use of a wheelchair
- Motivation for preserving her voice

■ Voice cloning process and support
- Role of Northwestern Medicine's ALS clinic
- Assistance from nonprofit Bridging Voice
- Use of ElevenLabs technology and source recordings such as videos or voicemails

■ Wedding speech application
- Writing the speech and initial plan for a rehearsal dinner
- Playing the cloned-voice speech at the wedding
- Family and clinician perspectives on identity and independence

Suited to viewers interested in ALS, assistive communication, and practical applications of AI voice cloning. It provides an overview of one patient's experience and the organizations involved, without detailed technical specifications, pricing, or clinical trial data.