Support Group offered for Laryngectomees

On Thursday, January 15, the West Florida Rehabilitation Institute will host a support group meeting for the Pensacola Association of Laryngectomees and Spouses (PALS) from 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. in Community Rooms A & B of the West Florida Rehabilitation Institute, 8391 N. Davis Highway, Pensacola.

The topic of the meeting will be “CPR for Laypeople/Laryngectomees” and will be presented by Marde Prioletti, Health and Safety Coordinator for the American Red Cross of Northwest Florida.  

Laryngectomy is the surgical removal of the voice box, usually necessitated by a cancerous growth on the vocal chords. As a result, the patient loses the ability to speak and is forced to breathe through a hole in the throat. 

The PALS support group helps laryngectomy patients adjust to an alternative form of communication after surgery by providing instruction in voice restoration and offering education and support for spouses and families. Members also participate in visitation programs for pre- and post-operative laryngectomy patients, provide equipment and educational materials to new patients and family members, and participate in American Cancer Society-sponsored smoking prevention programs at local schools.

The session is FREE and open to laryngectomy patients and their spouses or anyone who might be interested in attending. Reservations are not required, however for more information, call (850) 494-3212.