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Cancer survivor Roger Ebert can't talk, yet speaks volumes
The noted film critic has been unable to talk, eat or drink since an emergency tracheotomy in 2006.
The Chicago Sun-Times movie reviewer uses text-to-speech software and plain old pen and paper to communicate. Ebert has been through several surgeries, first to remove his malignant thyroid in 2002, then his salivary glands in 2003 and his lower jaw in 2006.
Sadly, complications required a tracheotomy to be performed and the total loss of his ability to speak.
"What else can go wrong?" he jokes in the Esquire piece.
His "At the Movies" co-star Gene Siskel, a reviewer the Chicago Tribune died in 1999.
We give Roger a two thumbs up for his pluck and spirit. Read his inspiring interview here
including his feelings about death:
"I know it is coming, and I do not fear it, because I believe there is nothing on the other side of death to fear. I hope to be spared as much pain as possible on the approach path. I was perfectly content before I was born, and I think of death as the same state. What I am grateful for is the gift of intelligence, and for life, love, wonder, and laughter. You can't say it wasn't interesting. My lifetime's memories are what I have brought home from the trip. I will require them for eternity no more than that little souvenir of the Eiffel Tower I brought home from Paris."
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Photos: Esquire/WireImage
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Given the hardship he has endured and is enduring, Mr Ebert is demonstrating an inspiring outlook towards the whole ordeal.
WHAT A WONDERFUL WAY TO SAY I HAVE BEEN BLESSED. YOU EXHIBIT THE ULTIMATE IN SURVIVORSHIP. I HAVE BEEN FORTUNATE TO HAVE SURVIVED ORDEALS THAT CHALLENGE YOUR FAITH AND I MUST SAY YOU ARE A BLESSING TO ME. KEEP DOING WHAT YOU DO. GOD BLESS YOU MR EBERT.
I am most inspired by your show of courage and your sense of contentment draws faith into my heart...that is, in any situation you find yourself,just kip thanking good
A true inspiration indeed. God Bless you always. The is fate and we must live and accept some more and some less. You are a winner.