Patch Readers Share Their Stories of Quitting Smoking

HARTFORD/TOLLAND COUNTIES, CT — Last Thursday was the Great American Smokeout, which since 1977 has been a challenge by the American Cancer Society for smokers to give up cigarettes for 24 hours, with the hopes that this decision will continue forever.

The event takes place on the Thursday prior to Thanksgiving each year, and Patch editors in Hartford and Tolland counties asked readers to share their success stories of quitting the habit.

Here are a few examples of responses received from across the region. The respondents will remain anonymous.

• "I quit July 21, 2017 and have never looked back! 1,217 days of not smoking which equates to approximately 30,425 cigarettes. At today's price I've saved $12,170!"
• "Quitting smoking is one of the hardest things anyone can do. I quit in 1978 but I was one of the lucky ones. I wish everyone who tries the best of luck."
• "Quitting was extremely hard, took me three tries, but I succeeded in 1993 or thereabouts. I wish everyone good luck, it's well worth the effort."
• "Quit because you want to before it’s too late. I got lung cancer and finally that pushed me to quit. I survived the cancer, the road to hell and back, and now have one less lung. I was a lucky one, count my blessings all the time. The time to quit is now before the cancer. Good luck, the new patch is a good helper. It’s amazing how much better you will feel and much richer you will be."
• "It will be 24 years on December 19 for me. I smoked for 26 years. I went cold turkey. Best decision I have ever made."

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