In Croatia, a choir composed of cancer survivors who had their voice boxes removed is bringing audiences to tears. Founded in 2007, ‘The Optimists’ is the first choir of its kind in the world and aims to reduce the social stigma associated with the operation. “There are very few people like us… and in my experience, most people when they see me with this thing in my throat, are apprehensive,” said Veseljko Stojak, a member of the choir. “It’s easier when people know what this is about, and when they do, they treat us differently”. Stojak says he wasn’t a fan of the idea of support groups but j…