“Having the device has made things so much easier. I learned more and more each day how to be more independent when shopping or going to appointments. […] It provided me the instant ability to communicate with others without being the odd person out.” – Major Joe Martin
Overcoming Surgery for Throat and Tongue Cancer
In November 2021, Joe Martin’s doctors recommended the unthinkable: surgery to remove his voice box (laryngectomy) and tongue (glossectomy) due to cancer. It was clear that everything in his life was about to change — especially how he communicated. The surgery that would save his life would also leave him unable to speak.
As a proud Army Veteran with a distinguished 25-year career, Joe was no stranger to overcoming obstacles, reaching ambitious goals, and being a strong leader.
He’d earned numerous honors — including a Bronze Star, six Meritorious Service Medals, and a Humanitarian Service Medal recognizing his compassion and service beyond the battlefield.
When he first learned he had cancer, Joe created a book filled with his goals to help him and his wife stay grounded throughout his treatment. He knew he wanted to get his feeding tube removed, return to driving, and enjoy riding his horse with friends again. Cancer wasn’t going to stop him from doing the things he loved — even if it took the voice that had helped him achieve so much throughout his life.
When Joe woke up from surgery, he knew he’d have to get creative when communicating.
He used a whiteboard-like tablet to write each message, and quickly realized how exhausting it is to rely on others’ attention to be heard. It was hard to get people to notice and read his tablet — especially in a busy environment. To tackle his big goals, Joe was going to need a better way to communicate ASAP.
How Lingraphica AAC Helped Joe Rejoin Conversations After Cancer Surgery
Joe’s speech therapist, Debra, quickly recognized that Joe needed a way to communicate in a wide range of scenarios: from talking with his medical team to asking about the cost of a 25-pound bag of horse feed. She helped him get a Lingraphica AAC device through the VA soon after his surgery.
Joe shared, “I couldn’t wait to learn more about the device and how I could incorporate it into my daily activities. It provided me the instant ability to communicate with others without being the odd person out.”
He began tailoring his device to prepare for conversations at doctor’s appointments, social gatherings, and while out shopping. “I created folders for everything and updated them as needed,” said Joe.
Within a few months, Joe’s feeding tube was gone, he was back to driving, and he was sponsoring rides with the South River Trail Riders again!
Plus, he quickly found a new way to let his fantastic sense of humor shine through!
Joe uses his Lingraphica AAC device to crack a few jokes with Lingraphica SLP and content writer, Olivia.
Joe Continues to Lead and Serve Others Through Lingraphica AAC
Joe always lived according to the values his grandfather instilled in him when growing up: “Not for ourselves, but for others.” Since 2022, Joe’s AAC device has helped him continue serving his community.
Joe shares how his military career experience influenced his own leadership style.
He’s the facilitator of Virtual Connections’ weekly Veterans Hangout, where he’s often affectionately referred to as “GI Joe.” This free, virtual group provides a space for Veterans with aphasia to share their stories, have fun, and support each other.
When asked what advice he’d give to someone who’s considering a communication device, he said: “I think the best advice I could give is to embrace the device. Learn as much as you can about it.”
Are You a Veteran With Aphasia?
Join Joe’s weekly Veterans Hangout, part of Lingraphica’s free Virtual Connections program.
Lingraphica Can Help
We help people with speech and language impairments to reconnect with family and friends, improve communication, and live their best lives. Call us at 888-274-2742 or visit the link below to get started.
