Meet David Betts, a Pittsburgh resident and former senior leader at Deloitte, who has pioneered an innovative AI-powered text-to-speech app called Talk To Me, Goose. This groundbreaking app enables individuals with ALS and other disabilities to communicate using their own voice, tone, and intent, even as their natural voice begins to fade.

Diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in December 2024, Betts has defied the odds and continued to push boundaries, driven by his passion to help others. Over the past year, he has dedicated himself to developing the Talk To Me, Goose app, which harnesses the power of AI to preserve the voices of ALS patients.

Named after the iconic 1980s film Top Gun, the app is designed to empower people with ALS to continue speaking in their own voice, even when their natural voice is no longer possible. Betts’ unwavering determination and unrelenting spirit have driven the creation of this app, which has the potential to transform the lives of ALS patients and their loved ones.

ALS is a devastating disease that affects the body’s nerve cells, causing muscle weakness, paralysis, and ultimately, death. With approximately 30,000 Americans living with the disease and an additional 5,000 diagnosed annually, according to the CDC, Betts’ app could have a profound impact on the ALS community.

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