9-year-old speaks for the first time after rare, complex surgery

OHSU Doernbecher team helps young girl born with an abnormal airway say, ‘I love you, Mom’

By Nicole Rideout January 17, 2024 Portland, Oregon

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Delayza Diaz, a 9-year-old patient at OHSU Doernbecher, with her mother at OHSU Doernbecher. Delayza was finally able to speak after undergoing a rare, complex surgery to reconstruct her airway and restore function to her vocal cords, and one of her first phrases was, I love you, Mom. (OHSU/Christine Torres Hicks)

Vocal Surgery - DCH

Derek Lam, M.D., and his patient Delayza Diaz, 9, at a follow-up appointment after a rare, complex surgery to reconstruct her airway and restore function to her vocal cords. (OHSU/Christine Torres Hicks)

Vocal Surgery - DCH

Derek Lam, M.D., a specialist in pediatric otolaryngology, at a follow-up appointment after a successful surgery to restore 9-year-old Delayza Diazs vocal chords, allowing her to speak for the first time. (OHSU/Christine Torres Hicks)

Doernbecher surgery - Dr. Lam

Delayza Diaz, a 9-year-old patient at OHSU Doernbecher, with her surgeon Derek Lam, M.D., on the day of her life-changing surgery. Delayza was finally able to speak after undergoing a rare, complex surgery to reconstruct her airway and restore function to her vocal cords. (OHSU/Christine Torres Hicks)

Dr. Derek Lam is performing voca