The Institute of Laryngology and Voice Restoration (ILVR) is a federally-approved non-profit organization (501-C-3) that was established in 2003 by patients with voice loss to advance voice restoration and breathing impairment as a result of throat and larynx problems through the support of innovative research, education and outreach programs. A small group of patients from around the United States convened in New York City to share their experiences with throat and larynx cancer, vocal cord paralysis and voice loss. These patients shared their gratitude to the caregivers at the Massachusetts General Hospital while acknowledging substantial frustration with their initial management.

This highlighted the wide disparity of care offered in the United States and abroad and the generalized limited awareness of the general public about issues related to the throat, larynx and voice. Julie Andrews, the iconic singer/actress who lost her singing voice joined the ILVR at its incorporation as the Honorary Chairwoman through the efforts of Dr. Steven Zeitels, her current physician and surgeon. Since then, iconic rock vocalists Steven Tyler of Aerosmith and Roger Daltrey of The Who have also provided invaluable support to the ILVR to forward their mission.

The ILVR has funded educational and award-wining pioneering research programs at:

• Massachusetts General Hospital
• Harvard Medical School
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Boston University
• University of South Carolina
• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
• New England Conservatory of Music and
• American Broncho-Esophagological Association (ABEA)