Quitting Cigarettes: 10 Smokers Who Kicked Butt (or Are Trying To)

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Matthew Fox, 24

I was a smoker for almost eight years. I started when I was 17 and during college made a number of unsuccessful attempts at quitting. Unfortunately, neither my health nor all the money I was spending was enough motivation for me.  

Then I came up with the idea for a "Nosmokeathon," in which I could raise money for cancer charities by being sponsored to not smoke cigarettes. The money I raised went to two great organizations, the American Cancer Society (ACS) and the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN). I had a blog so that sponsors could track my progress as well as the success of the fund-raiser.

The Nosmokeathon worked out great. I have not had a cigarette in 222 days and we have raised $2,297.50! I am well on my way to being a nonsmoker. And it sure feels great.

Next: Loretta M. Craig, 45