Otolaryngology Online Journal

Inside the award-winning film "Can You Hear My Voice?" - A life-altering surgery, a choir without voice boxes, and the human capacity for resilience

10^th International Conference on Otolarngology: ENT Surgery
May 15, 2023 | Webinar

Bill Brummel

Bill Brummel Productions, USA

Posters & Accepted Abstracts : Otolaryngology Online Journal

Abstract:

Filmmaker Bill Brummel (Peabody Award, International Documentary Association Awards, Emmy nominations, Oscar shortlist) explores the psychosocial issues faced by patients after a laryngectomy and by other head & neck cancer survivors. Brummel is a 26-year cancer survivor who lost his voice box in 2016 due to long-term damage from prior radiation treatments. Subsequently, he produced and directed “Can You Hear my Voice?” The psychosocial consequences of cancer survivorship are challenging, especially when treatments leave a patient physically altered in a noticeable way. Laryngectomized patients experience anxiety, depression, and lack of confidence, and tend to socially withdraw. Using illustrative film clips, Brummel weave’s themes from the movie with his own story of survivorship. He addresses the trauma of forever losing your natural voice and breathing through a stoma. But through carefully selected film scenes (including the jubilant concert finale) and Brummel’s own story, he offers an inspirational blueprint for how to thrive after a lifethreatening cancer diagnosis and a laryngectomy. He does so with empathy, compassion, and humor. “Bill Brummel is a powerful speaker and advocate...” Judith Lacey, Supportive care and integrative oncology physician, Chris O'Brien Life house, Sydney, Australia.

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