The Gift of Saying "I Love You"

John Faulise is battling cancer, and has lost his ability to speak, but on Wednesday, he was once again able to tell his wife and two little girls how much he loves them.

Speech therapist, Martha Farewell, was moved by John's story on the Channel 2 News web site, and jumped at the chance to help.

In July, we covered a fund raiser for John in Kenmore, held by his friends and family. In the past three years, John has fought three cases of cancer. It's a battle the 30-year-old is still fighting and he has lost his ability to taste, smell, and speak. During the fund raiser, John's brother read John's speech to his loved ones, in which he described his frustration with not being able to tell his little girls he loves them in his own voice.

Wednesday, he received the gift of the next best thing.

Farewell visited the Faulises and taught them how to use a communication device. John can type anything he wants to say, even an entire speech, hit a button, and the machine creates a voice that says exactly what he wants to say. It also allows him to communicate over the phone.

Right away, John thanked Farewell, and told his wife, April, that he loves her and the girls. Then, outside in the backyard, he told two-year-old Bella he loves her. She splashed him with water from her inflatable swimming pool and hugged him. John kissed 8-month-old Olivia.

John wants to be able to actually speak again, even in a hushed voice. Farewell, who works with ASPIRE of Western New York, is arranging for him to meet with another therapist who may be able to help him.

"I've worked with so many people who have been struggling with the inability to communicate, and to watch them to be able to speak, and the relief and the joy, is beyond words," Farewell said.

"We're so happy," April Faulise said.