David Betts Creates AI App to Preserve Voices for ALS Patients

In a groundbreaking response to his amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) diagnosis, David Betts has developed an innovative AI-powered communication app named Talk To Me, Goose. This application aims to help individuals suffering from ALS retain their unique voices and speech patterns even as their ability to communicate diminishes.

Betts, who lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was diagnosed with sporadic ALS in December 2024 after experiencing subtle symptoms over several months. These included muscle twitches, cramps, and speech changes that were often dismissed by healthcare providers. With a background in healthcare consulting and extensive experience in leadership roles, Betts approached his diagnosis with determination, refusing to let fear dictate his actions.

Transforming Challenges into Solutions

Despite his lack of experience in app development, Betts decided to take on the challenge of creating a solution himself. He began by enrolling in online coding courses, quickly realizing the limitations of traditional communication devices for those with ALS. Many assistive technologies allow typing speeds of only six words per minute, leading to significant delays in conversation and social isolation.

Utilizing voice-cloning technology from the company ElevenLabs, Betts produced a prototype of his app within weeks. The capabilities of the technology astonished him. “It took me, like, 30 15-second clips to make my first voice clone,” he recounted, astonished at how closely the clone mirrored his own voice. This realization fueled his commitment to ensuring the app would preserve not just the sound of a person’s voice, but also their emotional tone and intent.

The app was named after a memorable line from the 1986 film Top Gun, reflecting Betts’ desire for clarity and connection in communication. This emotional foundation became evident when the app enabled a father in the advanced stages of ALS to read his children a bedtime story using his cloned voice. This intimate moment reaffirmed Betts’ mission, leading him to state, “I don’t care if anyone ever uses the app again. Mission accomplished.”

Building Community and Impact

Betts’ journey took a significant turn when he connected with Wendy Faust, the executive director of the Live Like Lou Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting ALS patients. Their shared connections and common goals led to the foundation’s support in making Talk To Me, Goose available for free to users in the United States and Canada. The app currently supports 31 languages and is accessible on various platforms, including Apple, Android, and Windows.

His efforts have not gone unnoticed. Betts has been invited to speak at the United Nations Office in Vienna after being selected as a Zero Project Awardee for his work on this app. The Zero Project, which aims to eliminate barriers for individuals with disabilities, recognized the app as a significant advancement in assistive technology. “David Betts’ application exemplifies how innovators can harness the power of assistive technology for rapid development and deployment at scale,” noted Wilfried Kainz, head of research at Zero Project.

In addition to the app, Betts has co-founded a for-profit storytelling platform called Fables Adventures. This initiative aims to fund and sustain free access to Talk To Me, Goose through subscriptions and community-generated content. Betts has already raised over $81,000 for the Live Like Lou Foundation, with a goal of reaching $250,000 this year.

Betts is also advocating for federal policy changes, pushing for the reauthorization of the ACT for ALS legislation, which is set to expire in 2026. He emphasizes the importance of continued funding and research to find a cure for this devastating disease.

While navigating his own challenges, Betts continues to embrace life. He remains active, still riding his bike and setting personal goals. His philosophy centers on choosing joy over anger, inspired by the resilience he has witnessed in others facing similar struggles. “I choose joy,” he asserts, embodying a spirit of hope and determination.

Through his innovative app and advocacy, David Betts has transformed his personal battle with ALS into a broader mission, giving countless individuals the opportunity to retain their voices and connect with loved ones in meaningful ways. His story exemplifies the potential of technology to empower those facing life-altering challenges.