On February 1, 2026, David Betts, a former healthcare consultant and endurance athlete, introduced an innovative AI-powered communication app called Talk To Me, Goose. Designed to aid individuals diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the app allows users to continue speaking in their own voice even as their natural speech declines. Betts, who lives in Mount Washington, Pittsburgh, developed this tool following his own diagnosis with ALS, a progressive neurodegenerative disease.
Betts spent nearly 22 years at Deloitte, where he was recognized for his problem-solving skills in the healthcare sector. He retired in January 2024, shortly after receiving his ALS diagnosis in December 2024 at the Sean M. Healey and AMG Center for ALS in Boston. With no known cause for his condition, Betts is among approximately 30,000 Americans currently living with ALS. The prognosis for many is grim, with most patients surviving less than five years after diagnosis.
Despite the daunting outlook, Betts focused on creating solutions rather than accepting limitations. “I’m terrified, but I can’t let that consume me,” he stated. The most concerning aspect for him was the potential loss of his ability to communicate. He aimed to avoid the impersonal and monotonous speech synthesis technology that has historically been available, which he likened to the voice of renowned physicist Stephen Hawking.
Betts viewed the existing assistive communication technology as inadequate and chose to tackle the issue head-on. “We ask people to settle for far less than what’s possible,” he remarked. With no prior experience in app development, he enrolled in online coding courses, while also leveraging artificial intelligence tools to streamline the process.
Transforming Communication through AI
Utilizing voice-cloning technology from ElevenLabs, Betts was able to create a voice clone of himself after recording just thirty 15-second clips. The result was astonishingly accurate, allowing him to hear his own voice reconstructed through advanced AI. “If we can make a deep fake of Tom Cruise, then the potential to use that same power for good is already there,” he noted.
The app addresses a significant challenge known as “the awkward pause,” which occurs when users of assistive devices type at a slow pace. Betts’ app predicts users’ intent, tone, and mood, facilitating faster and more natural communication. One poignant story that illustrates the app’s impact involves a father with ALS who, using his cloned voice, was able to narrate a bedtime story to his children—a heartfelt moment that resonated deeply with Betts.
After launching his project, Betts connected with the Live Like Lou Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting ALS patients. This partnership enabled him to provide the app free of charge to users in the United States and Canada. Currently, Talk To Me, Goose supports 31 languages and is compatible with multiple platforms, including Apple, Android, and Windows.
Aiming for Global Impact
In April 2025, Betts was recognized as a Zero Project Awardee for his groundbreaking work, prompting him to share his experiences at the United Nations Office in Vienna. The Zero Project, which promotes solutions for people with disabilities, awarded Betts’ app for its innovative use of AI in creating more human-like speech.
Recognizing the broader implications of his work, Betts stated, “There are 97 million people globally who would benefit from assistive technology.” He has also established a for-profit storytelling platform named Fables Adventures to fund the free version of the app. This initiative has already raised over $81,000 for the Live Like Lou Foundation, with a target of $250,000 for the current year.
Betts remains actively involved in advocacy for ALS-related policies, working to ensure the reauthorization of the ACT for ALS legislation before it expires in 2026. He claims that failure to do so could impede the progress towards finding a cure.
Despite facing daily challenges, Betts continues to embrace life with enthusiasm. He maintains his physical fitness and participates in local cycling events, recently committing to ride 50 miles for a friend’s birthday. “I don’t have time to be angry,” he reflects. “I choose joy.” His journey exemplifies resilience and innovation, while offering hope to thousands who may face the same daunting diagnosis. In the process, Betts has given many people the ability to retain their voices, a gift they feared they would lose forever.
