Martin Kedian

Trying to Save Marty’s Voice

For the last eight years I have battled a slow growing cancer in my throat. I never smoked in my entire life but this is where I am now. After numerous surgeries, the final prognosis was a total laryngectomy. Once knowing that my only option was to lose my voice I started becoming depressed and very frustrated. My wife could see that I was struggling with the prognosis. After many hours of research she found a groundbreaking transplant program at the Mayo Clinic in Arizona. After doing some more research and speaking with my local doctors, I decided to look at my options at the Mayo Clinic. In August of 2022, Gina and I visited the team at the Mayo Clinic. We spent two weeks speaking to doctors and I received numerous amounts of test and exams which, in the end, concluded that a was a fantastic candidate to have the larynx transplant surgery. This transplant has only been done successfully 4 times in the world. I am excited to be number 5!

I’m happiest when around friends and family. The fun, enthusiastic, life of the party needs to have a voice. I want to continue making people laugh and smile. To be able to reminisce about the past with my future grandkids, to give advice like only a Dad can, and just to be able to tell my wife I love her are all things I have taken for granted and now I have the chance to be able to cherish those moments after this transplant.

I have been selected to receive this surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Arizona, where I will also have to receive my follow up care after the procedure is performed. I will have to relocate for up to six months or longer. Though the cost of the procedure is covered, my cost of living in Arizona will not be. The funds will be used for flights, housing, transportation and all other necessities while in Arizona.

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