The individuals who participated in the Tips from Former Smokers campaign are former smokers living with smoking-related diseases and disabilities. Because of their devastating illnesses, they have had to change the way they eat, dress and do other daily tasks. They speak from experience, and all have agreed to share their stories to send a single, powerful message: Quit smoking now. Or better yet — don’t start.

See more about these former smokers' real stories. →

Wilma's Story

Wilma can't point to a specific reason she started smoking cigarettes. Her siblings smoked, and by her early teens she was sneaking cigarettes from her sister — beginning an addiction that would last 30 years.

In her mid-forties, Wilma decided that she needed to stop smoking. After several unsuccessful attempts to quit in the past, Wilma quit for good in 2007. She threw out her lighters and ashtrays and started exercising more. She got advice from her doctor and used a prescription to help. She also got support through an online program. Today, at 49, she enjoys activities — and a lifestyle — she never dreamed of as a smoker.

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Beatrice's Story

Beatrice, age 40, is the mother of two boys and lives in New York. She tried her first cigarette at age 7, her second at 11, and then began smoking regularly when she was 13. She had friends who smoked, and she wanted to be "cool" like them.

More than 25 years later, Beatrice still smoked. She was not a heavy smoker and had not been diagnosed with any smoking-related health problems, but she wanted to quit. Her family also wanted her to quit. Although she had tried many times before, in 2010, Beatrice quit for good. She encourages anyone who wants to quit smoking to do it—but to get help if they need it.

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James' Story

James started smoking at age 14 in an attempt to be like his father. Thirty years later he decided to quit and adopt a much healthier lifestyle.

Now 48, James has been smoke-free for 2 years and has made other important changes to improve his health. He became an avid cyclist and rides up to 10 miles every day for exercise. He also enjoys swimming and does some sort of cardio exercise every morning. He says if you smoke, you should quit.

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Annette's Story

Annette experimented with cigarettes as a teenager, smoking occasionally. But by the time she turned 20, Annette was a regular smoker.

When she was 50, Annette heeded her granddaughter's advice and quit cold turkey after having smoked for more than 30 years. But by then she already had cancer. At age 52, Annette went to the doctor because she was having difficulty breathing and was diagnosed with lung cancer so advanced it was necessary to remove one of her lungs. A few years later, she was diagnosed with oral cancer and surgery was again required. Today, at age 57, Annette is smoke-free and cancer-free.

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Brandon's Story

Thirty-one-year-old Brandon started smoking in his mid-teens, and by 18, he was diagnosed with Buerger's disease, a disorder linked to tobacco use that causes blood vessels in the hands and feet to become blocked and can result in infection or gangrene.

Nine years later, after losing both his legs and several fingertips to this terrible disease, he quit smoking for good. Smoke-free for 4 years now, Brandon hasn't had any more amputations, but he still must manage the consequences of being a double amputee.

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