Celebrating 25 Years of Empowerment: The Laryngectomee Society Celebrates a Milestone of Resilience
Hyderabad, December 16, 2024: The Laryngectomee Society, a pioneering self-help rehabilitation group for throat cancer survivors, recently celebrated its 25th Anniversary with a heartfelt function at the Apollo Medical College Auditorium, Founded in 1999, the Society has grown into a beacon of hope, offering comprehensive rehabilitation for those who have undergone a laryngectomy—a life-altering surgery involving the removal of the larynx (voice box).
The event brought together laryngectomees and their families in a moving celebration of resilience and camaraderie. Stories of determination, recovery, and empowerment were shared, highlighting the Society’s transformative impact over the years.
Dr. Umanath Nayak, Senior Consultant Head & Neck Surgeon at Apollo Hospitals and founder of the Laryngectomee Society, reflected on the journey: “When we started this initiative 25 years ago, our aim was simple—create a platform where patients could find strength in community, regain their confidence, and rediscover their voices. Today, seeing how far we’ve come is immensely gratifying. This Society is not just a support group; it is a testament to the human spirit and the power of rehabilitation.”
Rehabilitation Through Compassion and Innovation
Dr. Nayak, along with his dedicated team, has worked tirelessly to ensure that patients regain more than just their voices—they reclaim their dignity and quality of life. The Society’s rehabilitation program emphasizes speech restoration, with an impressive success rate of providing nearly 90% of members with intelligible speech. Beyond this, the team addresses physical, social, psychological, and vocational needs, making the program one of the most holistic in the country.
The anniversary event paid tribute to the efforts of the multidisciplinary rehabilitation team, which includes speech therapists, counselors, oncologists, and volunteers who have been instrumental in supporting patients.
“This achievement is not just ours but belongs to every patient who had the courage to start afresh, every family member who offered unwavering support, and every member of our team who worked relentlessly to restore lives,” added Dr. Nayak.
The anniversary celebrations featured inspiring testimonials from laryngectomees, an overview of the Society’s journey, and a felicitation of the rehabilitation team. The event underscored the importance of initiatives like the Laryngectomee Society in providing a comprehensive, patient-centered approach to cancer rehabilitation.
