The Tobacco-Free Coalition of Delaware County has been helping residents quit smoking for several years.
Each month, The Star Press features success stories from people who have successfully quit smoking.
“Success stories are a fantastic way to give hope to those who are burdened by the nicotine addiction,” said Cecilia Williams, coalition program coordinator. “Since one of the biggest challenges smokers face is (believing) that they can quit, these stories will provide testimonies of those who believed that they could quit and succeeded.”
Today, meet Zera Setser
Occupation: Employee, Head Start
Number of years smoked: 20-plus
Number of years smoke-free: 3 years
What made her start: “Out of peer pressure I wanted to try smoking.”
What encouraged her to quit smoking: “My 6-year-old son came up to me while I was smoking and said he couldn’t breathe. I remember saying the same thing to my mother when I was young.”
Some things that helped her quit: “Using the nicotine patch and chewing on straws helped a lot. Having my children constantly remind me not to smoke helped the most.”
Advice for someone who wants to quit: “You have to know you can quit and know that there are times when you might slip, so always prepare to start over if you need to. Also, find the one thing that motivates you to quit. Mine was my children.”
Quitting tobacco use can change your life, just like Zera’s. Call 281-2745, ext. 22 to receive information on local cessation resources or to share your success story, or call Indiana’s toll-free tobacco quitline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW to receive individual counseling and free nicotine replacement therapy while supplies last. You can also visit www.tobaccofreedelawarecounty.org for information about the Tobacco-Free Coalition of Delaware County.