Kimberly Williams-Paisley is looking back on her scary two-year medical ordeal with renewed optimism. On December 2, the Hallmark star posted an Instagram Reel from 2022 to the present. The video showed some of her most vulnerable moments, from her sudden inability to her lying in a hospital bed before her surgery. Text overlaid the Reel read: “In 2022 you’re going to lose your voice for almost 2 years. Don’t give up.”
“If I could go back in time and encourage myself, this is what I’d say,” the “Sister Swap” star captioned the post. “Grateful for the hard parts because they taught me so much, and even more grateful that I didn’t give up. So happy to be working again and using my voice! Share this with someone who needs to hear it! ❤️❤️❤️”
Fans Battling Vocal Issues Find Encouragement in Kimberly’s Story
Kimberly’s comments showed that many people really did need to hear it.
“I have been dealing with a vocal chord fungus for over a year now and as a former speech teacher, an adult trainer, benefit speaker and mom of 3 young kids – it has affected every part of my life and my psyche,” wrote one fan. “seeing hope that it can come back – you have no idea how much I needed this.”
Another person suffering from muscle tension dysphonia, which was one of the conditions Kimberly suffered from, also wrote their appreciation.
“I’m currently battling MTD. It’s been a year. Staying hopeful. Thank you for sharing your story. It’s so encouraging ❤️”
According to the University of Michigan Health, MTD “occurs when the muscles around the larynx (voice box) are so tight during speaking that the voice box does not work efficiently.”
Kimberly Williams-Paisley Finds Empowerment After Vocal Cord Crisis
In December 2024, Kimberly revealed to People that, along with MTD, one of her vocal cords had become paralyzed. It all began when she took the stage alongside her sister, Ashley Williams, at their annual Dance Party to End ALZ.
“I put the mic to my mouth, and nothing came out,” she said. “It was terrifying.” She left the Alzheimer’s fundraiser thinking that she needed “hot tea and vocal rest,” but weeks went by, and she could still only barely whisper. “I went to self-blame —‘I’m not breathing properly, I’m not relying on my vocal training,’” she said. “I was beating myself up.”
After months of hard work and two life-changing surgeries, she finally regained her voice. While she is happy to be past the sadness and anxiety, she can now recognize the benefits of her experience.
“I feel empowered now,” Kimberly added.” I don’t want to leave things unsaid. I never want to take my voice for granted — and I want to be brave in using it.”
I wish Hallmark would bring back your law movies. The cast just really clicked together so well.
It was really encouraging to read that by telling her medical story Kimberly was definitely able to help others. I am a retired nurse, and I have found patients seem to do better when they have talked or read about someone who has been through what they have and shows and tells them there is hope. Kimberly did that and I am glad she did because MTD is not something you hear a lot about.
I’m so glad to hear that you have recovered Wonderfully. It’s good to never take things for granted. I had a Major Surgery & was advised that I could have died from it really scared me, but made me sit down & think about my Life moving Forward. I’m Blessed to be hear.