Nancy F. Des Moines, Iowa

I had tried for several years to quit on my own cold turkey, respiratory infections etc. I could never stay Smokefree, giving myself permission to have just one cigarette but one was never enough. I saw an article in the Des Moines Register about ALA’s FFS clinics being conducted and signed up for the classes. Never thinking I could really quit forever but knew I had nothing to lose and everything to gain. As the weeks went by I learned how to cope with urges, feel good about myself, exercise and most of all educating me as to what tobacco really did to me and why previously it was so hard to quit. With the love of my family, fellow participants, a caring and knowledgeable facilitator I had all the tools I needed to keep smoke free. The rest was up to me because I wanted to beat this addiction. It was one of the hardest things I have ever done but the most rewarding and the best thing I have done for myself and my family. I tell my FFS participants over the last 21 years there is a great feeling of integrity that comes over you when they accomplish that big hurdle.

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