Nearly 32 years passed before the urge to quit came over Patricia C., a veteran smoker, who lit her first cigarette at age 15.

“I guess I started because everyone I knew smoked,” Patricia explained to Judy Leahy, Co-Chair of the Delaware County Tobacco-Free Coalition. “When I started smoking, you weren’t taught in school about not smoking,” she recalled.  

But Patricia began to realize the harmful effects of smoking when both her father and mother died of cancer. “They smoked,” she admitted.

Two years after her parents passed away, Patricia recalls the day when she spotted an advertisement in the newspaper promoting smoking cessation classes. Whether by chance or by purpose, the ad was left on the kitchen table for almost a week before Patricia took a second glance. But this time was different—Patricia took the initiative and decided to take the ad up on its offer—she  was going to quit. She was going to do it for her parents. She was going to do it for herself.  She credits her nieces and nephews, who learned in school about the harmful effects of tobacco, as being influential in her desire to quit.

“I went to Leigh Parris’ class at Taylor Hospital,” she said. “I felt the class really helped because we could all talk about how we were doing and that helped me.”

During Patricia’s crusade to quit, she recalled the overwhelming amount of support she received from friends and co-workers. “Even ones who still smoked,” added Patricia.  

"Patty came to my class with a great attitude and willingness to accept and try the cessation tools I had to give. It's always a great experience for me to hear about the support systems my participants have because it is the support from family and friends that really matters the most," says Leigh Parris.  "The most important thing for anyone trying to quit is to have support and like the old saying goes...if at first you don't succeed...try again."

Patricia also points out the subtle perks of quitting smoking. “My house smells good and food tastes better,” she said.
Now three months smoke free--and counting--being smoke free and healthy has never felt better. 

      Stephen Campbell and Leigh Parris contributed to the writing of this story.

Crozer Keystone Health System presents the American Lung Association’s Freedom From Smoking, an eight-session group program that uses a positive behavioral change approach that teaches people how to become a nonsmoker for good.  Classes are already in progress at Delaware County Memorial Hospital, Taylor Hospital, and Community Hospital. For more information or to register for upcoming community classes, call Community Health Education at 610-447-6009.

Riddle Memorial Hospital’s Smoke Free is an eight-session behavioral modification program designed to help people quit smoking and stay quit. One class is already in session at the hospital.  Upcoming classes will be held at Boscov’s Auditorium, Granite Run Mall on Mondays and Wednesdays, Jan. 31 through Feb. 23 from 1:00 to 2:00 pm and Riddle Memorial Hospital’s Administrative Annex Conference Room on Tuesdays, March 1 through  April 12 from 6:30 to 8:00 pm. Call 610-891-3635 to register or for additional information.

Main Line Health’s SmokeFREE is a free self-management program that addresses the physical and psychological addiction to smoking. SmokeFREE is a state-approved smoking cessation program that has been in existence since the 1980s.  Scheduled classes are as follows:
 *Lankenau Hospital: (in progress)

  *Bryn Mawr Hospital: Feb. 22, March 1,8, 15, 22, 29 from 6:00—8:00 pm in the Clothier Auditorium. 

  *Delaware County Community College:  Jan. 27, Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24, March 3  from 5:00-6:00 pm in room 2337 (Park in the general student lot).

 * Main Line Health Center, Lawrence Park Shopping Center: Feb. 17, 24, March 3, 10, 17, 24 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm in the Community Room.

Pennsylvania’s Free Quitline provides cessation referrals, telephone counseling, and self-help for the person interested in quitting or a recent quitter. Call 1-877-724-1090.

Youth cessation - Ongoing classes are available for students throughout the school year at Delaware County high schools. Contact Amy Smythe at Crozer Keystone Health Systems (610-447-6007), Kane Phillips at  Riddle Memorial Hospital (610-891-3635), or Lillian Rozin at Northwestern Human Services (610-299-3385).

QuitNet for 24/7/365 day online access to quitting (www.quitnet.com) Free to Delaware County residents.

FREE Community Smoking Cessation Classes

Three Months Smoke Free—and Feeling Better Than Ever
Patricia’s story

Tobacco-Free Awareness Week Jan. 16-22, 2005 —
Quit Smoking for Someone You Love
www.tobaccofreedelco.com