This choir consists of throat cancer survivors who had their voice boxes removed

In Croatia, a choir composed of cancer survivors who had their voice boxes removed is bringing audiences to tears.

Founded in 2007, ‘The Optimists’ is the first choir of its kind in the world and aims to reduce the social stigma associated with the operation.

"There are very few people like us… and in my experience, most people when they see me with this thing in my throat, are apprehensive,” said Veseljko Stojak, a member of the choir. 

“It's easier when people know what this is about, and when they do, they treat us differently”. 

Stojak says he wasn’t a fan of the idea of support groups but joining the choir has helped him find community with other survivors.

"When something like this happens to a person, they are shocked, and also depressed, it takes a bit of mental fortitude to go through all this. And it turns out that really the best therapy is to hang out with others with the same problem,” he said.

Throat cancer is a disease which affects hundreds of Croatians every year.

For those with acute cases, this is often treated through a laryngectomy, a surgical procedure which removes the larynx.

In the process, breathing and digestive systems are separated, so patients are forced to learn to breathe and speak through an opening in their neck.

Behind 'The Optimists' is the speech therapy specialist Tamara Zivkovic Ivanovic.

According to Zivkovic Ivanovic, many who have undergone this operation train through singing.

“It's got intonation, rhythm, tempo. It's easy to recognise the song they are singing. It's not unlistenable, on the contrary - I think it really sounds good,” she said.

It's the confidence singing gives those who have had a laryngectomy, which motivated Zivkovic Ivanovic to form the choir in the first place.

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