Rediscovering her voice

MANILA, Philippines – In 2011, Singapore-based singer-songwriter Crystal Goh experienced a nightmare in real life. One day, all of a sudden, she lost her voice.

The doctors diagnosed Crystal with spasmodic dysphonia. She did not go mute, but speaking became a struggle. The doctors said there was no known cure.

Months went by, and Crystal’s condition gradually improved. But Crystal isn’t fully recovered yet. Her voice, soft and slightly raspy, is still incapable of a shriek or a yell.

But she can now sing again.

During her worst, Crystal found solace in songwriting. She says it inspired her to survive her ordeal.  In 2013, she collaborated with communities of at-risk youth and children of incarcerated parents to write, record and perform 4 original songs.

The project became known as Diamonds on the Street. It gave Crystal the opportunity to inspire and bring together communities through music, storytelling and drama. Crystal and friends who believed in her project realized the healing power of music, even venturing into public art to make the advocacy accessible to all.

Get to know more about Diamonds on the Street by visiting their Facebook page. In the meantime, watch Crystal share her gift  – her soft, soothing voice. – Rappler.com

This is brought to you by Our Better World, an initiative of the Singapore International Foundation – sharing stories to inspire good