The Incredibly Complex Life Of Stephen Hawking

Losing His Voice

Photo Credits: Joe Giddens/PA Images via Getty Images

During a trip to CERN (The European Organization for Nuclear Research) on the border of France and Switzerland in 1985, Hawking contracted pneumonia. Hawking became so ill that his wife Jane was asked if life support should be terminated. She declined. Hawking ended up having a tracheotomy, which would require round-the-clock nursing care as well as the removal of his remaining speech capabilities.

In order to ensure that he could still live at home, nurses were hired for the three shifts necessary in order to provide 24-hour support. Hawking was allowed to stay at home, and the cost of his care was provided by an American foundation.