OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) - While some may consider the advancements of artificial intelligence frightening, others are using it to help get their voices back.
"Father, we thank you for this day and for the healing that you bring," said Pam Foreman.
Foreman delivers this prayer over the intercom nearly every day at Mercy South along i-240.
However, Foreman cannot speak on her own. She uses a form of AI that pulls from her own voice.
In early 2024, the 57-year-old struggled to form words. In April, she was diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, which is a progressive neurological disorder.
Forman's physical therapist said Foreman's type of ALS progresses faster than others.
"In her case, it started more with the muscles of speech and swallowing," said Jacob Mullin, a Mercy Physical Therapist.
By the fall, Foreman could not speak.
"It has been hard because of the little things you take for granted," said Foreman through AI. " I really cannot laugh anymore because of weak muscles, but I can still be joyful."
Chaplains are trained listeners and minister to hospital patients.
"She has to be ready to respond to what's going on in people's lives," said Brad Veitch, Director of Spiritual Care.
Foreman wouldn't let that stop her from spreading the good word.
Mercy helped foreman work with a non-profit that turns audio files into AI voices, through a company in Germany.
Foreman was lucky. She found audio files from a decades-old interview about her cancer journey, which she survived.
The responses are not pre-recorded.
"The voice that you hear is my actual voice before ALS," said Foreman. "It has my inflections and even a southern touch. I have my voice back and can talk to others again."
Plus, Foreman can still add other personal touches.
"She's learned to rely on those facial expressions that she still has," said Brad Veitch, the director of Spiritual Care.
Of course, patience is a virtue, especially while typing out responses.
"I have learned to go slow and be okay with it. I have also learned to relax and do the best I can," said Foreman. I plan to keep setting goals for as long as I can."
She's proven to be an inspiration to her hospital patients and everyone else.
"Pam has been able to use this opportunity to give herself a voice that's bigger than the voice she had," said Mullin.
"Watching her walk the walk and not just talk the talk," said Chris Oliver, the Health Supervisor at Mercy Health.
Foreman's physical therapist said they're working ahead for patients like her. They're recording high quality conversations just in case they will need the same help in the future.
