DJ
Hi Rick! I am from FCMS and I wanted to thank you again for coming! It was so moving I went to my Youtube account and added a playlist on "How to quit using tobacco" and compiled a lot of videos about the harmful effects, and what to do to stop. I had a y...
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Jill
Hi Rick,
You came to my school TEMS and you were amazing. You really made an affect on the kids in my class, grade, and me. You had such a stronge message. It wasn\'t just Don\'t Smoke, it was to me, Smoking can a will change you\'re life. It may not ...
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Brielle.
Thanks for continuing to affect people's lives. I think that you are awesome for changing people! Keep up the good work! Thanks, Brielle...
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meghan
he helped me since my pop pop died on the front porch
thanks for coming to cpms...
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Millbury High School SADD member
He gave a very touching and inspiring presentation at our school during SADD week....
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shania
Hey rick you have changed my world cause i did what you said to do sit down with a family member and i did but anyway i sat down with a family member and it was my dad and i told him that he can get lung cancer from smoking and i did the sad puppy face an...
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all of my life i will remeber what you have said to me. thank you sooooo much. Your speech was inspiring. i am sorry about your wife. thank you for helping and changing the world...
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Bethany
You have alot in common with me. My grandma died from smoking in \'08. It was very hard. It must be harder to lose a wife. ...
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quentin
You effected my parents and i because of what you said my parents are almost done smoking.thank you....
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emery
It has affected me in a huge way. Thanks to you i got my uncle to quit chewing and smoking....
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Bailey
Hello! You have changed my life in many ways. You tought me to stand up for my family and tell me dad all the things that are in chew tobbaco. Your speech was amazing and I think about your story every night. You have changed my way i look at the worl...
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im not smoking because of u u came and u were a great speaker @ clark pleasant thank u soooooo much, u rock rick!...
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vinci
rick you story is amazing. you have taught all of the dangers of smoking.i wa sabsent when you came to speak to clark pleasent intermedit school but,i rad you story and i truley made me think. you taught me and many others that smoking is not cool and can...
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Luke
after rick told his story it let me know how dangorous smoking and tobacco realy is....
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Patty
Your story was so powerful! Thank you so much for your time here at our school. The information that you gave the kids about smoking was extremely moving and I am positive that it will make an impact on their lives! I am so sorry that you had to go thr...
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jaydon
Hello rick I feel so sorry for you. you made my aunt stop smokin. She was smokin for more than ten years. ...
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Andie
First of all I want to thank you for coming to CPI. You've really changed my mind about how I look at things. Like, I never knew people smoked in disney movies, except for 101 Dalmations. My mom smokes, so i'm planning on a good way to get her to quit. Su...
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Alyssa
Thanks so much for coming to CPI. You have really changed the way I think about the world...I am even noticing things that I have never noticed before. Like how many cigarette buds are on the ground and streets. You really do have an amazing story about y...
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Megan
i never knew how smokeing could your life. even though i never thought about smokeing im sure i will never even look at them now.as soon as i got home i talked to my parents about what it can and did do to people and your wife even though my parents never...
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Elijah
You are a great speaker, you spoke to the hearts of everyone at my school. My grandpas are in cancer(lung)for smoking. I personally
think smoking is just wrong. You are the MAN!...
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Gracie
my aunt died last year from throat cancer i am still very sad. your progam inspired me to never give up on my family. exspecially my dad, he has had 2 heart attacks already and to my grandpa steve who has had 3 heart attacks from smoking and i know that i...
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luke
Thank you rick for coming to cpi, you told us how dangerous smoking and chewing is, im not going to do that thank you again!...
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Sierra
Your visit really helped a lot of people think about what smoking does to you and you taught kids how to talk to there parents about STOP smoking. I am realy sorry about what happend to Marie....
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Cody
Rick my uncle died the same reason your wife did. But at an earlier age because he also painted his truck and car without a gas mask. So it was speeded up. But I feel your family members ghost will stay with you forever. Rick dont forget what i just said ...
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Gurpreet
Thank you Rick for coming to our school. we really had a big impact. Im sure everyone did. We all know what your going through, and we all feel bad. Once again thanks for coming to our school....
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Christian
Thank you for coming to CPI . You affected everyones life in many ways, including mine.
...
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Jared
Thank you so much for coming out to Clark Pleasant Intermediate School. You changed my life. I told my whole family about you and they also think that you are amazing. Once again, thank you....
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Katlyn
You have effected me so much. I want to thank you about telling Clark-Pleasant Intermediate School about your wife and everything you have gone through. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!...
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Allie
Thank you so much for talking to us about the effects of smoking and I think that your story was amazing. Just by talking to one school you might be able to save many lives. Thanks again and I hope to see you in years to come....
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emily
thank you for coming to clark pleasent intermedat school you are a great speaker.
my uncle used to smoke and my great grasndma dose smoke ...my grandfather died so my grandma lives with my great grandma (who smokes) i feel sad for her but were else can s...
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Bryice
Rick thats an inspireing story youve shared with everone im glad youve done it. my aunt was dignoused with cancer over 1 year ago. its hard to have someone close to you so close to death. but your wife. it was my aunt. thank you for everthing and everone...
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Sam
You have inspired me to talk to my best friend. Who has smoked since he whent to the Army. So thanks for coming to Clark Pleasant Intermediate. ...
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Gabby
Thank you, I went home and sat down and had a talk with my mom she said that she under stands what you have gone through. She said she will try to stop for me and my sister. Thank you so much. from Gabby from the school of Clark Peasent Intermediate ...
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Lincoln
Rick you are awesome! You really helped me understand that smoking is a dangerous thing. Both of my parents smoke so I didn't think it was that bad. But you tought me that it was extremly dangerous. Thank you for coming to our school....
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Dakota
Thank you for helping us and maybe some kids will take that as an honor.I will for sure.You have taught my friends and me alot of things.So I hope will keep it up and alot of kids probly learn a good lesson.I still can't believe that they advertise a lot...
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Jasmin
You did a awsome good. YOu were brave after every thing. You fell down and came back up so great job. You are a awsome speaker. You stood in front of the whole shool and made your speech..Nice job.. ...
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Kacey
THANK YOU SOO MUCH FOR GOING TO Clark Pleasant Intermediate!!!!! Your story was really sad, and made me think about the bad uses of tobacco! You are a great person, to be taking your time to help spread the word about tobbaco!
Thanks so much!...
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Arman
Thanks for coming to our school it was really sad what happened to your wife. Thanks for telling me how bad smoking is thanks:)
...
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Sammy
I would realy like to thank you for talking to my school about smoking it really makes a difference!...
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Arman
Thanks for coming to our school it was really sad what happened to your wife. Thanks for telling me how bad smoking is thanks:)
...
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Derrek
Thank you u for coming to clark pleasent intermediate. I told my mom to stop smoking and my dad to. My dad stooped.You were very convincing thank you..It was sad listining to your story about your wife.I hope your alright.. I learned I will never snoke t...
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Lisa
Thanks so much!
you're amazing!
you speak with greatness about smoking!
I'm sure it has changed many of lives!
Thanks so much for visiting!
YOU ROCK...
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Coner
Your story about Marie's life has affected our lives greatly and I thank you for that. Thank you Rick! I want you to come visit us,but first you have to talk to my teachers at Clark Pleasent Intermediate school. Like I said thank you! ...
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Justin
Thank you for coming to Clark Pleasent Intermediate and teaching us about your wife and how smoking can be bad for you. I thought that they quit advertising drugs ,but i didn,t look close enough. I keep seeing it everywhere. I feel sorry for your loss. M...
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Emily
Thank you so much for talking to us your a great spokesman and I was realy affected your rock!!!! I dont really have any one near and dear to me that smokes but my best friends mom smokes and we are working on getting her to stop. Thanks alot you help ma...
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Brooke
Thank you for coming to Clark Pleasant Intermediate and informing us about the bad out comes of smoking and tobacco use. I went home that day and was explaning to my sister and told her how she would die from smoking if she did not stop now she would leav...
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Allison
Thank you for coming to Clark Pleasant Intermediate and touching all of our lives ,I loved how you were so real not one of those people who come in from the hospitol or some where and give us a lecture about how bad it is to smoke and they probably smoke ...
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Jake The Snake
Hi,this is Jacob from Clark Pleasant Intermidiate School. I wanted you to know that I thought that you were awesome. That was a real inspiring speach. And I listined really good to your speach,because I am trying to get my mom and step-dad to stop smoking...
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HARSHARN
Hello Rick . How are you? Do you miss your wife . I am feeling bad about your wife. your story was emotional . you are saving the world and you are healping the earth too by doing this job . GOOD JOB,KEEP IT UP!...
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Bryce
Hey rick im so happy that you came to our school I know you get this alot but you've inspired many people. You should know that. I just wanted you to know that my aunt to had cancer. I know what that feels like to have a person close to u so close to deat...
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Andrew
Thanks Rick you really helped me because my sister smoked and now i know that if you cant say the word than dont smoke it....
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blake
Thank for the best thing, that inspire me to make my mom, step mom, dad, step dad and,my bother to stop smokeing. ...
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Jared
You have inspired me not to smoke even though I was not. Your wifes death is sad but you have used this event to affect and save many lives. Thank you so much for coming and talking to us. Thank you....
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Elli
Rick, thank you so much for sharing the story! It really helped us all understand how bad smoking and tobacco is. I think it is very thoughtful of you to go and talk to students about you and Marie's story. It would be sooo hard for me to do that! I thi...
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nathan
Rick affected me by how smoking can hurt you. it showed me that people can be affected by it. My grandpa died about five years ago from lung cancer because he smoked. Everyone at cpi thanks you for coming and talking about wat can happen if you smoke. Tha...
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Kelsey
You made me open my eyes and let me see what smoking can do to you. I don\\\'t like what it does to you, it has to hurt you in so many ways. I never want to smoke in my life. Cause i learned what it can do to you, and I rather play softball then loose th...
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katie
Rick Stoddard! Oh goodness where do I begin! You are just simply amazing! You remind me alot of my life story. My dad died when I was four years old and that really did hurt. I was just a little girl when he smoked but I still knew it was wrong. I would t...
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anonomous
You have affected me and I now write sings and put them in places so thank you....
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Michael
I have talked to my dad about him chewing tabbaco and well he chews less and less every day now. My mom used to smoke before she even knew we were going to be alive,so that affected alot of people in my family and other kids parents im so GRATEFUL THANK ...
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JUSTIN
I THINK YOU AFFECTED ME BY NOT SMOKING OR DOING DRUGS.I WILL NEVER SMOKE OR DO DRUGS.I THINK THE PEOPLE, OUT THEIR IN THE WORLD SHOULD'NT DO SMOKE OR DO DRUGS.ITS BAD FOR YOU.I THINK WE CAN ALL DO THINGS WITHOUT SMOKING OR DOING DRUGS....
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Deserae
i wish some how i could have taped that and had my gpa and gma watch it. They smoke. My Grandpa is in his 50s and my Grandmas in her 40s. they have been smoking since they were in their 20s or earlier :(
I tried talking to them but they wont listen but, ...
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Austin
Dear Rick,
I feel sorry for your loss. I think what your doing is a great. I will never smoke. If I do I will quit right there. Lots of reasons 1 your story was an insperation 2 I know that I would get is so much trouble. Second hand smoke is...
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Kayleen
It reminded me of poeple who lost someone of somking. You told me a lot the stuff that I didnt know abuot soming....
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olivia
I never wanted to believe that smoking caused cancer in the lungs even though it happened to my grandma. I felt so bad for what happened to your wife. I know people who smoke and I never cared until I heard what happened to marie and how young she was whe...
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Kyla
Thank you so much for taking your time to talk to us. It made a big impact on my life and I can promise you I will never smoke in my life time. I went home and was telling my parents about you and then about a week later they stopped smoking. I don't thin...
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Krista
You truly did a great job telling us and informing us about how smoking can effect us! I'm truly effected in a possitive way! Everyone at Clark-Pleasent truly appericated your performance and speech was very heart warming to tell you the truth i cried! I ...
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kirsten
you saved my mom and my dad am sorry about marie she was so young....
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thanks for telling our school about smoking you probably made our cpi smoke free
...
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Trevor
Rick, I can\\\'t stop thinking about your life story. It touched me in many ways. If my grandma dies as my grandpa did, at age 61, I would be heart broken. Just as you were. I now realise I need to encourage everyone I can to sit down with family members ...
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Abigail
Thank you for coming to my school. Your story touched me. My grandma had cancer from smoking and survived. Yet, she is still smoking. My aunt has a kid and she [my aunt] is smoking. I feel worried for my cousin. Thank you though. I will never smoke. ...
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Timmy
Thanks for visiting Clark Pleasant Intermediate School. You realy impacted my class mates and I. You have truly conviced many people, including myself, are conviced we won't use tabbaco. You realy impacted me....
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George
Thank you for encouraging me not to smoke. I will not become freinds with people that smoke and either should anybody else reading this. Hopefully your message will do the same with every kid. Especially everybody 18 or older, that can smoke not to do it....
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Brock
hey rick this is brock from clark pleasant intermediate and i just wanted to THANK YOU for coming. you made an IMPACT on our school, you do look ALOT likle stonecold steve austin. if you keep doing what you you will change the WORLD!!! heres my opinion on...
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Kevin
Hi, I'm a student from Clark Pleasant Intermediate and I want to say thank you for me giving even more reasons to hate smoking. My dad chews tobacco and he says it is better than cigarettes because there isn't the same amount of chemicals that can ha...
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Trevor
Rick, I can\\\'t stop thinking about your life story. It touched me in many ways. If my grandma dies as my grandpa did, at age 61, I would be heart broken. Just as you were. I now realise I need to encourage everyone I can to sit down with family members ...
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Bailey
Hey Rick, thanks for coming to Clark-Pleasent Intermidiate. Your story really touched and I hope it did the same to others. I,m sorry your wife had to die. My dad chews and we've tried to, but his just changes the subject, its our newyears resalution....
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steven
Mr. Stoddard i want to thank you for making an inspiration to not only me but to my whole school too because when i got home after school i told my mom about almost every thing you said to me she talked to my dad and there both going to quit and were goin...
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Kayla
thank you for noticing that Clark Pleasant is a repect ful school and we had our hearts touched by your brave ways of speaking about your deceaced wife thank you for coming hope you come again...
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kyrstin
rick you were a amazing speaker and im very sorry about your wife my grandmal died from some kind of thing in her liver and she was only 40 i NEVER new 20 was middle aged either i really liked that statement i touched very well and when you spoke it almos...
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Trevor
Rick i could not thank u enough for coming to our school and talking to me and all of my friends about smoking hope someone will come along like you in the future. Thank you!!!...
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Dakota
Rick, you informed me about stuff that i already knew and things that i wish i didn't know. I am very glad you go to different places to help other and to inform children, teens, and also adults. I have a couple people that smoke in my family and now I ...
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Linsey
Thank you very much for coming to Clark Pleasant Intermediate school. Your story was very sad but it really made me think about all the bad things about smoking. Other presentations were like just saying dont smoke and you totally changed it because you h...
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Princess
Hey Rick,
I think you did an amazing job! You are a huge help to the community. I hope you keep encouraging people to not smoke. I am very thankful for you coming to our school (Clark Pleasant Intermediate School). You affected our lives in a positive wa...
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Haley
Thank you so much for coming to CPI. I really connected with your story. A lot of my relatives smoke and I worry about them every day. Also, I'm very sorry about your loss. I'm thankfull that is has been made a must to get kids to stop smoking. Again, th...
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Emily
Hello,
Thank you Rick for coming to our school.
Your story has inspired me and everyone that was there. I'm sure when your wife passed away you were devastated. I'm so sorry for your loss and hope you go to school to school teaching kids and teenage...
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Ashley
Thanks so much for coming to Clark Pleasant Intermediate School! Your story was very sad. My grandma used to smoke, but she stopped. I'm glad she did because of your wife's story. Please contenue to tell other schools about smoking. Thanks....
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bob
Thanks for coming to our school and sharing your story with us. It was a really sad story. I think people will learn a lesson form this. I hope people who smoke will stop. Thanks for this lesson you taught us......
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Sydney
Rick,
You affected my life so much. When I was out in the audience I could almost feel what you were feeling, it was that powerful. You are going to make a change in the world, I just know it. I'm hoping to see you again one of these days.
...
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Andrew
Hey Rick.You affected me by telling me about chemicals in cigarettes I didn't even know exsisted.I can't believe that they put over 2,000 chemicals in 1 cigarette.You have taught me to never smoke,ever!Thanks for the advice on how to get smokers to stop,a...
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Joy
Thankyou! You helped me so much with convincing my mom to stop smoking.My dad already stopped, but after that he started chewing, but that does'nt help.You've inspired so many kids and i hope you never stop. Together we can all make a differenence!...
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taylor
hey rick you have inspired me so much.Thankyou for coming to my school.My two grandmothers smoke.I've tried to get them to stop, one of them did but she started again, the other had a heartcatheder out but still smokes.i hope your story lives on forever.A...
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Honda
Hey, Mr. Stoddard. I am thankful for your message at Clark-Pleasant Intermediate School. Your message has made me persuade my mom to quit smoking. My mom has been using patches. She tried to quit cold turkey, but it didn't workout for her. My friends and ...
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Kayla
Thank you for noticing that clark Pleasant is a respectful school and we had our hearts touched by your brave ways of speaking about your deceased wife thank you for comeing hope you come back again...
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Kayla
You are such an insperation to me. Your story really gave me second thoughts about everything. The story was very touching to me. You are a very great person by going to places and telling your story bout the lost. Thanks for coming to CPI. You were great...
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LoveYouu!
Hey Rick,
Thanks for coming to our school, CPI. You've change millons of people. Your story was really sad but inspiring. I'm really sorry about your wife and grandson/son. I hope people stop smoking once they hear your story. Thank you once again for w...
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Hanna
u did an amazing job informing people about how bad smoking can be...u have affected our lives in a positive way! We all here at Clark Pleasent nIntermediate thank you!...
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Katie
Thank you so much for coming to Rossville and speaking to us!!!!!! It really touched my friends and me. I think it is really awesome how you can just get up in front of a crowd and not cry when you re-experience all of that emotional grief. Thanks so much...
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Autumn
Rick thank you so much for coming to FCMS last week. Your story was sad and inspriing to not smoke. I Dont smoke but alot of family members do. I hope they stop. And you are a great person. Your story was a sad. And Im sorry about your wife. And I just h...
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Katie
Rick thanks for coming to Custer Baker Intermediate School I hope you continue to impact the number of kids that second hand smoke never to start smoking. I hope that you just keep on going and always know that I took your words to heart and am tring to h...
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Shelby
Rick Stoddard, you have inspired me so much. You visited FCMS a few days ago. My teachers had been explaining who you were and all, but no one thought you would be like who you really are. I don't relate to you at all, I don't know anyone that smokes. But...
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Kayleigh
I want to thank you so much for coming to Rossville today! Your story has touched my life, though i do not smoke or ever plan to. I do however have family that does. I think that you are doing such a great thing! Keep it up! I'll keep you in my prayers!...
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Logan
Thank you very much for coming to Rossville Middle School. Your story has touched me and I want to start an organization to band tabacco use. Todqay at school you got to me when you played that song. I love that song. Now i see what that song can really m...
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Katie
Rick, thanks to you i think you and your wife have changed many peoples lifes. The story about your now son is so sad that is the part i almost cried at....
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Amber
hi rick i watched my grandpa died and it killed me i have never been the same i have thought about doing drugs and smoking but never had and you really helped me decide that it is not a way to ease pain it wil bring me more and i want to thank you so much...
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Angela
Thank you so much for coming to Custer Baker Intermediate School. At first we were all happy that we were getting out of class early, but when you were talking about your wife all this stuff about smoking and drugs started to sink in. I felt truly sorry f...
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Brannon
Im thankful that Rick came to Rossville High School..You spoke the truth and I also am against Smoking..My mom died of lung cancer in May of 2002 and I completely understand why your doing what your doing..Thank you so much for visiting Rossville!!...
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jessica
Thanks For coming to our school in indiana. It was great to learn some thing im very sorry bout your lost at the time. Im very thankful that you came and spoke with us about what can happen if we smoke. I never thought of my younger family members either...
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Tom Griffy
Rick,
Thank you so much for your visit to Clinton Central yesterday. I think you really touched a lot of young people here in Central Indiana. You may have touched me the most. I just sat through the death of my father-in-law two weeks ago Monday. ...
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Ashley Graham
Rick, Thank you so very much for coming to Custer Baker Intermediate School and sharing your strength and intelligence with my 6th grade students. Your powerful presentation touched our hearts and spoke to our minds. My students and I will always rememb...
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Taelor
Thank you so much for comming to Custer Baker Intermediate School on April 20th. You really touched my heart and a lot of my friends too. Walking in, my friends and i thought that this was going to be another boring convocation about drugs and stuff. When...
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Cheye
Rick, you had just recently shared your opinion of smoking at my school. Normally, I hate convications. I really liked yours, it connected. See, my grandmother died of lung cancer from smoking, she had lung cancer. She was practically my mother, my mo...
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Gabriella
I wanna say thanks for taking your time to come to Indiana and show your story with me.. It was about 1:35 on 4-22-10 when i walked into the gym and said whats this another stupid convo, but once ou stared talking I took back what i said.. I cryed once i ...
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Rusty
Hey Rick i wanted to say thankyou for coming to our school i know it touched a lot of people in there faculty and all especially me. I wish my grandparents and my mom and dad were there to see you today. I think if they would have heard you they would sto...
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Whitney
Hey Rick,
I go to a school that you were just at in Indiana. I wanted to thank you for coming. I really thought it was nice. My friends and i all teared up. When you talked about your wife and everything, it was so sad. Thank you so much for coming. I re...
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Kishla
Hey Rick, you really touched me today 4-22-2010.I had an uncle who went through the same thing almost. He had mouth cancer and adding to that he had liver cancer.They kept telling us that it went away but it came back several times, it finally got to the ...
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Brielle
Rick, your story has the same affect on you as mine does. I would like to share this story with you. Well, it started 3 years ago. My mom got mad at my step-grandpa and my grandma because even though my step-grandpa was dying of lung cancer, from smoking,...
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Hey rick you were at my school today at 4-21-10 and you had really touched me from your story i am very sorry with your lose i will never want to experience what you had to go through thanks fro sharing your story wil all of my fellow 7th grade classmates...
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Kayla
I just wanted to say thank you for coming to my school today and telling all the students your story. It was very upsetting and insirational. It ment alot to me that you cared to talk to our school and aware us about the dangers of smoking. I know that I ...
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Savannah
hey rick! i am from clark pleasent middle school. that was an amazing story! it was sad. i am very sorry for what your wife went through. i bet it inspired alot of people to quit smokking. it did me. i have never smoked in my whole life and after you told...
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DJ
Rick,
Thank you for visiting FCMS I learned alot! Your life changing story has really touched me. i will remember your words for ever. I will try to get everyone to stop smoking.
Thanks again,
DJ...
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Trevor
Thanks for coming to this school, Custer Bake Intermediate school, and explaining some of this. I especialy like the parts where you pointed out that cigarette advertisements actualy WERE aimed towards children, even though they promised not to do so.
Yo...
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hey, i go to indian creek! and thank you SO much for coming! it meant a lot! now i am gonna talk to my dad seriously about chewing tobbacco!! and if he does stop i owe it to u for tellling me to talk to him! thanks again! <3...
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Devin
Hi Rick i go to indian creek id like to say thank you i relize how bad tobacco realy is uve inspired me to quit n tlk to my mom n dad to quit now im trying to convince my family to quit thanks Rick youve saved my life...
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Zach
Thanks Rick for visting clark pleasent you really made me think and affected a lot of my friends too your story was really touching and you talked to us like we were adults not childern so thanks agian for visting....
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Breanna
Okay,,,,,, Im from Custer Baker Intermediate and you have gone through all of this and you have told alot of people your life story I thought today was pretty good until the end when you put the song on and you started crying you inspired me alot I hope y...
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Molly
I feel very fortunate to have been able to attend your April 19th presentation @ Clark Pleasant Middle School. Our message is all too real, & lung cancer effects EVERYONE that we have ever known, & it hurts. I will be starting my journey soon to help al...
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David
I was at CBIS in on the 20th of April and I saw and learned so many things today that I didn't know. My friends and I started a website and I'm thinking that after Earth Day ,we should do smoking because it is a thing that hurts so many people in our mo...
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maddie
rick your a gifted man from above i don't know how to thank you as much as can say but really all i can say is thank-you. im from Custer Baker Intermediate we all really apreciate what you do and when i got back to my classroom we had about 45 minutes lef...
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Garrett
Rick i really appreciate the fact that you came to our school and made your presentation. It really made me see what tobacco can do to people. I give you alot of credit for reliving your wifes death over and over and over again and am really sorry for y...
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Brianna
thank you for comeing to my school i actually had a aunt die from cancer and she was 46 too it was hard i still get that lump in my throat but she had 3 kids she had a set of twins they where 14 when she died and a 18 year old. but yes i am going to talk ...
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Kelsey
Rick went to my school, Clark Pleasant Middle School, and what he said really spoke to me. I knew people who smoked. My uncle did and he had a whole lot of problems before he died. I was extremely close to him and having him go so suddenly was such a blow...
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Caleb
Rick, thank you for coming to my school. I think that you have touched many students including me. I think you got the message through very well I hope that u can help stop the abuse cigarette companies are putting towards people....
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Emily
Today, April 19th, 2010. Rick went to my School. Clark Pleasant. My Parents both Smoke. My Grandfather died of Lung Cancer. It spread to his Brain. Just like your Wifes did. I showed my Mother the Commercials that are on this Site. She started crying, bec...
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lexi from Clark Pleasant in Indiana
Rick thank you so much for coming. you truly inspired me. i knew smoking was bad but wow after your story today i was amazed! i honestly believe u made a differance to our school. thank you again :)...
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ashley
I\'ve always known how bad smoking was and is, but having Rick at school today really made me realize that this kind of tragedy can happen to my family; my dad. Rick came to CPMS today and you know Rick i\'ve never seen anyone so against smoking! :) and ...
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Matthew
Rick, your story really touched me. I am going to try to get my mom to stop smoking so I dont have to go threw what you did. I dont know what i would do if that happened.
Thanks so much,...
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Robert
Rick's story went to a different part of me. My dad has been smoking for nearly 40 years and looking at it, I never thought about how bad it was until now. I've had stretches of time where i was seriously concerned with him and before he came and spoke to...
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Paul from SUNY Cobleskill
Hi Rick, Sorry we couldn't connect this trip but I'm working on a big new grant to spread your word into the Adirondacks - bring your bass boat. On behalf of all who'll quit or never start, thanks................... Thanks Paul. Everything went great toda...
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Hi, Rick. You gave a presentation at my school today (Owen D. Young- I'm the one who knew what urea was! XD) and though I'd already shared a little of my story with you earlier, I felt like getting a little more of it out here with these other kids you've...
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Rick, I am the girl from Charlotte Valley who ran out of our all purpose room crying today. I have lost my grandmother from cancer. She had 2 brain tumors and when i heard you talking about your wife being bolted down for radiation i didnt know thats what...
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Stamford
Yo man great job today u rlly made a diffrence your wife would be proud...
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Kelsey
Today(4-15-10) i walked in to the auditorium I thought it was just going to be another guy trying to get us to stop smoking or just don't smoke at all, but then i saw you and i realized that i had seen you before. The first time i saw you i was a smoker ...
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Kelsey
Rick, its me again form Stamford Central School, I forgot to tell you this, the first time I saw you I was at Oneonta Jr. Sr. High School and I was like 13 and now I'm 17 and I stoped smoking three years ago, I started smoking at a young age of 8... my fa...
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Jamie =)
Thank you SO much for coming to Sharon Springs Today (4-14-10) That story was so touching. Knowing What you went through made me so sad. I felt like I was about to cry. I didnt cry, But My eyes began watering. I noticed people around me were crying. My be...
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Renee
I just saw your show today, it really made me sad. I knew that tobacco was bad and all, but I never really saw it from the veiw you showed. My one grandpa died when I was five, he had cancer from smoking. My other grandpa died when I was twelve from ca...
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Courteney
Rick-
I just wanted to thank you for your presentation to my school today. I was very touched by it. I had lost my grandfather to lung cancer in 2004. When he died i was 8. He and I were very close. My little brother was only about 21/2 years old. I just...
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Lauren
Rick, i just wanted to thank you so much for coming to my school today. Your speech was really great, and i know some of my peers didnt appreciate it, i really did. I lost both an aunt and an uncle to lung cancer and it really sucks. When you were telling...
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Haley
Your story really affected me because, when i was only 11 my Grandpa died 17 days after my 12th birthday from lung cancer. I am now fifteen. Just the thought of him dieing makes me wanna cry every time because he didn't have to die at such and early age.....
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Charles
Here is how God has affected me?
THE MOST ENJOYABLE WAY TO PERMANENTLY QUIT SMOKING
There are many men and women who daily exercise great authority. They have the power and influence to control many people and large sums of money. But the ...
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Danielle
Thanks for coming to Watertown. Your presentation was amazing and I'm sure touched everyone. Me and many others on a personal level. My grandpa died 2 and a half years ago from smoking after he was diagnosed with emphysema. And that's how it happened.That...
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Jerrod
Rick! I just got home about 5 minutes ago from Case Middle School, where you just spoke. I didn't get to talk to you there because of the whole S.A.D.D thing, but I wanted to let you know that your story really inspired me today, and I love wrestling, so ...
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Austin
Rick thanks for coming to the hundson falls schools you should go to fiars and speak out to the world from your heart i look up to you many do with pleasure....
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rachel
Rick-
your journey has inspired me soo much. it made me soo emotional that I want to read your book right now. moving on like you did is a great way to deal with the death of a loved one. writing helps me get through tough times too. I wish you the best ...
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kelli
rick,
when my English teacher showed me your commercials i was sad and happy. sad, because people in my family died from cancer.
happy because you turned something really bad to something good. when you came to my school (acs) i felt your pain and i kn...
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jk
thanks rick for everthing and i think your story is really sad i i will never touch a ciggeret ever thanks rick...
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jake ACS
dear rick i think i've got a little problem with my uncle. I barely even remember his name. When i go to their house he is in his basement I would tell him but all thats down there is the smell of smoke and beer and i dont want to breathe it in.Thanks for...
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ELA* 4th per. *ACS
We read your message and the messages of our fellow classmates. We felt the need to share with you how much your story and presentation meant/means to us. We've been talking about your story and your visit for days. Your impact on all of us here at Argy...
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Michelle
Rick, I'm sitting here listening to country music, and the song Who You'd Be Today just came on. Instantly i remembered you and your story. You came to my school at Saratoga, and although im sure you dont remember me, i was lucky enough to eat lunch with...
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David
Hello Rick this is David from Saratoga High School. i just wanted to tell you i had a pleasure presenting you again like i did in Mayfield. I think listening to your story a second time really did help me think alot more about my mothers death from smokin...
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Marlowe
rick has affected me in such a way that i know some people who smoke and they say it's not easy to quit and it isn't but if they try they can do it...
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bri-
i think that you really touched all the kids in argyle central school. Thank you for coming and helping me make my desision on smoking or not and to talk to my mom about it. thank you again...
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Mrs. Myott
Thank you for coming to Argyle Central School. I think that your story and your facts really reached some of my 6th graders. Some of them have all ready been touched by close relatives having cancer or dying from cancer from smoking. You really got the...
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penelope
Rick...i was one of the girls at the greenwich central school.you have given me what i need to tell my grandfather to stop doing chew tobacco.thankyou...
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Alyssa
I went to your assembly today in Saratoga. You said your goal is to change a life, if just one. You changed mine. Tonight I was walking along Broadway and for the first time, noticed all the cigarette butts on the ground. I haven't lost anybody in my life...
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There is still smoking in the workplace in New York. Some company's still don't care. Have had a lot of jobs loaded with smokers.They hire smokers. Smokers have a bad attitude an d non-smokers don't fit in. If the boss smokes you don't have a chance.
K...
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Joyce
thank you Rick for coming 2 my school 3/4/10 your story is very heart touching i'm NEVER going to touch a cigarette, thank you for coming 2 argyle and talking to us i reealy enjoyed it thanks so much ...
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jimmer
im from saratoga. i have lost my uncle to smoking and that you are touring the country preeching not to smoke/use tobacco is a very couragious thing and i really look up to you. thank you for doing what your doing. you are saving lives every day. your ...
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crystalean
i am really happy because of what you said you helped my gramdma try to stop smocking but for write now see only cut down but thank you for your help and support. '' stay gold pony boy'' ''stay gold''...
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Mike
U have done so much to help me fight against people from smoking. I am a SADD member in my school & many people in my family USED to smoke. I fought against it a lot. It wasn't just smoking. My Dad used to use spit tobacco. It didn't help me much when I l...
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Scott
thx for commin to my school in argyle rick.thx to you i will never smoke in my life!thanks...
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Mia
I was expecting to be inspired by you, when i heard about you coming to tell Marie\'s story anyways, but Marie\'s story completely blew me away. It was very emotional, but branched out to so many people that needed your help. I agree with what you said ab...
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KK
Hey Rick...you came to my school, Greenwich Central High School, and spoke to us. I really didn\'t know that the presentation was going to be with someone like you...I thought it was from our principal. As I watched the videos of you talking about your wi...
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Haleigh
Hi,you were at my school today. In Hudson Falls.When I heard your story and as I listened to you,your story touched ne so powerfully.They say, the finger prints you touch someone with never fade.Your story will forever be with me.My family is full of smok...
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corey
i really like ur story and i think that u r a verry inspiring person and u came to my school today on 3/4/10 ...
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joyce
rick thank you for coming to are school in argyle we all liked it thanks ...
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Hope
he made me have tears in my eyes...and i dont want taht to happen to my parents!!!...
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Destiny
Rick,you came to my school today the Hudson Falls High School and your story is so inspiring. Im very sorry about your loss but it will defanitly will effect our school in a positive way.My mom smokes and she is now in prison because it messed up not only...
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crystalean
hey rick, i am really srry and you are really brave i would of broke down by now. your story inspiered my life, i am going to try to ever smoke and with out your inperation people we would mever relized. may god bless you. live you life to the fullest ext...
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dakotah
I just had a Nanna that died from cancer, and my dad and stepmom both smoke and it stinks bad. I just don't wont another loss that speech today i cried at the song and i am still crying. THANX u r an infulence 2 everyone....
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Alai :) <3
My uncle smoked, one day when he was watching the SuperBowl he saw your commercial and he called it LIFECHANGING, he had tried to quit for 10 years....NOTHING helped him quit, EXEPT your story! He called himself LUCKY to be ALIVE after 10 years of smoking...
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John
Hey Rick,
This is John Hubbard from Willsboro, NY. i believe u came and told your story a few years back and i think it would be amazing for you to come back soon. this past fall I had seen 1 of our 7th graders smoking a cigarettes, with in the past mon...
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Marissa
Rick you are a good person and I just wanted to tell you how you affected me. Im cautious about my surroundsings.
I was watchingthe previews on the movie The Last House on the Left and they have a smoking add in it. At first it comes across as they want ...
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Mickey
Hi Rick. I am from New York Mills school, and it was not all the litteler kids fault that NYM was"rodwy" and "loud." It was some of the 6th graders and some of the high schoolers but other than that we were fine. Your story was really touching. I think it...
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Cassidy
Rick, Your speech at Otto Shortell Middle School, was amazing. i couldnt get over how much it touched my heart. i went home that night and talked to my dad. He told me that he has tried to stop smoking and he said he did for a couple days, then started ag...
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The Greatest Deviant EVER.
You are one of the best speakers I've ever heard. Thanks for visiting New York Mills. Touching, man. I've never experienced what you have, and probably won't. <3...
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Kayla
Rick, when you came to my school [waterville] i never thought this assembly would change anything but when i heard the story about your wife it made me think about my dad and how i wanted to change his smoking habbit you've really inspired me to never smo...
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Anonymous
Thank you so much for speaking a my school (new york mills). The best part of what you do is that it's real. Other programs that try to stop kids from smoking and using drugs lack the emotion that is needed to really make an impact on someone's life. Y...
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Miss Anonymous
Dear Rick, please dismiss what Nick has said about your opinion about New York Mills. I'm sure he doesn't understand what you said about New York Mills being loud and rowdy. He needs to understand that other people have different opinions. He also needs t...
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hey rick you came to my school friday ( otto shortell middle school) to talk to us and you really helped me because my mother smokes and i know how it is to lose some one you love. i talked to my mom and told her your story and we both started to cry and ...
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Rachele
You spoke to my school on Friday and your talk completely moved me. I will never, EVER have a cigarette, let alone pick one up. My grandparents smoked. I lost my grandma 4 years ago from lung cancer, and now my grandpa has it too, and his time is almost o...
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i have always known that i would never smoke or do drugs, but i still want to thank you for coming to my school. im hoping that some of the people in our school would take what you have shown them into consideration. my grandpa died from lung cancer, and ...
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Allie
Hi Rick!! I am from waterville and i loved your talk you had with all of us. I admit i used to smoke. I smoked for 6 months . I quit in January of this Year. I am so sorry about the loss of your wife. I know the feeling to loose someone you love. On sempt...
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Allison
hey rick you came to my school today(waterville)..id just like to say thank you for speaking to us i deffinitly choose not to smoke..im suprised that you can relive your wifes death over and over agian i know it must be really hard..im sorry for your loss...
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hi rick! you spoke at waterville high skool today and let me just say you were absolutely amazing! :) my mom passed away in july of heart disease and was a survivor of cancer in 2004.you were reaally strong telling your story.My closest cousin suffered fr...
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katie
hey rick, u came to my school today and u affetced. when my great grandmother died she was only 72 years old from lung cancer due to smoking. so little after that i couldnt handle it anymore so i started to smoke. but now i realize that just cause im youn...
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Dustin
Well Rick first im going to say that it was a great time lisening to you speak it touched me and for a Guy-man-boy yeah you get it haha its hard for some one to show feelings in front of my friends. Im thinking of you as being a hero and your awsome and...
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rACHEL
Hi Rick, my name's Rachel. I went to the last school of your tour for the year that you made a presentation to. I'm going to be 100% honest. Walking in to the gymnasiu, I turned to my friend and I was like oh my god. This is going to be sooo super boring....
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Sarah
Hey Rick you visited Osms today and i really enjoyed you presentation.It has made me choose the path to definitaly not smoke.I could tell how hard it was to share this story but you did a really amazing job.There are people in my family that smoke and as ...
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Zoey
Rick you came to my school Otto Shortell Middle School, and you made me cry! I'm sorry about Marie. I have talked to my family about you and the Marie story, and what I told them they are willing to change thank you, so much. You made a greater impact in ...
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Alex
Dear Rick,
Today you talked to my school. You picked me to come up and try to read one of the chemicals in cigarettes. After I attempted it and sat down you gave me a book. Believe it or not I just finished reading that book. My sister is twenty six...
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alyssa
rick i just wanted to say sorry about your loss you came to my school the other day ny mills im really touched about your story and again im really sorry about your loss....
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Tyler
I would just like to thank you for all that you are doing. My mother used to smoke and now she quit. I sat down with her one day and showed her your superbowl commerical. I guess she was really touched by it and the next day she stopped smoking. Thank you...
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McKenzie
Hi Rick, my names McKenzie. I don't know if you remember me but I was the girl you told the swine flu and bird flu joke to, the one that said her friend on cruthes had issues. :) I just wanted to let you know how wonderful I thought your presentation was....
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"Kelly"
You had a very good affect on me. I know myself as one i was paying attention to your assembly the whole time, while you were here in New York Mills. I am sorry to say this but it was not all of us who were "rowdy" it was the younger kids. I myself are...
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Rick,
I am from NY Mills and I was deeply touched by your story. I admire your strength to tell us all such a heart-wrenching story. your presentation, in my eyes, was very informational, but interesting.
I am sorry if anyone was disrespectful to yo...
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Jacque
Dear Rick,
Thank You for visiting New York Mills. It must be so difficult for you talk about it. Thank you for helping people think about smoking.
I was so touched by you and your story, that I could not speak. I came up to you at the end and thank...
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Nick
I thought it was kind of bull crap that u thought New York Mills was the worst school. It really wasnt that bad and it was kind of an over reaction. You did teach us very good things and im glad u came but overall i dont think we were really that bad. =(...
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Josh
Hi Rick, I would like to thank you for coming to Ilion on Tuesday. I think it is amazing how you can get up in front of a place full of people and relive Marie\'s death everyday I would never be able to do that. You are a hero. Again thank you I know y...
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Rick during you presentation when you came to Oriskany i cry'd !! you were amazing. i will never again light up another cigarette! I quit since that day, once again thank you so much! God bless you....
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Lance
Hi rick. Today you came to my school, Lincoln acadamy. Thank you so much for talking to me. When my mom gets home from work i wanna talk to her about her smoking. Thanks for sharing everyhting you told me. You really taught me alot. :)...
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Morgan
I will tell my mom you said hello, god bless you && your family (: ...
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rick i am a second hand smoker to my whole amily but my brother. I lost my grandpa to lung cancer in 2005. i have seen your show 2 times and i have loved them both. i teared (i'm not a good speller) up when the song was on. my avorite songs' are DADDY'S H...
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Morgan
Rick you are amazing, I learned so much today when you attending Ilion high school, you actually ate dinner at my house one time, you knew my mom Julie ***** ** Smoke Free Mohawk Valley a few years back" I'm her 14 year old daughter Morgan, and I just wan...
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Jon
Rick, why don't you have your speeches up on your site? I am in the process of quitting smoking and I wanted to watch it again. Can you let me know how to see your vid again? I thought it was a really good way to get the message out and it provided muc...
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Julia Lalik
I wanted to say thank you for attending our lunch and learn session on October 28 for the consumers we serve here at Oswego Industries, Inc. The reaction was over whelming! I was wondering if there was anyway possible you would be able to return and del...
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haley
Yo i wanted to say thanks for comming, that story really touched me. i respect you for what your doing to this world we live in. your changing peoples lifeee! hah, and showing them the right path to take in life. i would really appreciate it if you contac...
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Diane K
Rick,
I have recently stopped smoking and your link was sent to me and you have this morning touched my heart and I know today that I did the right thing I have 33 days today and I too had a seziure and I know in my heart it was direct result from smo...
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Jennifer
Rick you did a presentation at the High School that my husband teaches at. My husband, who never smoked a day in his life fell in love with me, someone who smoked since she was 13, 26 years ago. I came home from work that November day to a somber man th...
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Ashley
Hey rick i would like if u could come 2 riverview middle school in huntington indiana to share ur story with the new sixth graders and the seventh graders that didnt get 2 hear it last year. thank you so much...
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Amanda
Dear Rick,
I am usually not an emotional person, but the story you told us today touched me. I have always been a believer in not smoking, but i didnt really think about it too much. but your speech really made me wanna tell more people ...
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kaylee
u just recently visited my school, and it touched me. it made me cry rite there. u c i lost all my grandparents to smoke related cancers. im the only person i know who has had no grandparents since i was 14 and it was hard. i hate smoking. ive always like...
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Patrick
rick i just want to say thank you for coming to job corps in edinburgh you gave out a powerful message you made an impact on people at that place thank you very much...
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Thank you so much for coming to the Job Corps. In Edinburgh.
I plan to quit smoking because of you and my boyfriend.
I don't want to end up with lung cancer and never be able to hold my baby again....
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Anna May
Dear Rick,
This is the second time I have written to you because I was so impacted by your story, I can\'t stop thinking about it. I want to thank you and Mr. Gallagher for teaching me about anti-smoking, and I hope to write to you again soon. I applaud ...
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Jen
Thank you for sharing your message with the youth at Clarence Middle School. It was a pleasure meeting you, I only wish that it could have been under happier circumstances. As I told you when we met, I am a Respiratory Therapist. I have had the pleasure o...
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Angela
It is so difficult to lose a loved one and it is even more difficult when you realize their cancer caused by smoking could have been prevented. My mother died from Head and Neck Cancer on January 15,2009. I applaud what you are doing.:)...
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Austin
Thank you so much for coming to my school, it meant a lot to me. The story that you told i'm sure was very hard for you to tell, but it touched me deeply. I know what it feels like to lose a loved one, my grandfather died about a year ago and it was reall...
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Stephanie
Rick has affected me because I told my mom to stop smoking and it worked! Thanks Rick!...
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KT
When I was in 4th you came to my school. Now I am in 6th grade, a whole new world. I have lost many family members because of the tobacco use and many more to come. Both my mom and dad smoke and other family members I don\'t even know smoke. I pray for yo...
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ivory
On 10/27/09 you came to my school, clarence middle. I lost a friend to drugs and thou they are still alive I feel like i dont know them any more, like my old friend is gone. I wanted you to know that for every person who you influence to stop smoking you ...
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Alicia
Dear Rick, I can't thank you enough for coming out to CMS and helping us stay away from those mean drugs and cigarettes. I talked to my mom, and she thinks it's really mean and bad that those people put those ads on the back and insides of those magazines...
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Alexis
Rick, my mom is a compulsive smoker and you have inspired me to write her a letter about the wrongs of smoking and how it affects me and those around her.i really wish i had the will and drive to bring tabacco up as an issue to my friends. You are a very ...
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Austin
dear Rick, i want to thank you for comeing to my school and telling us about your life, and how you had the courage to tell thousands of people about your wife, thanks to you, i got my mom to stop smokeing, and i am going to do all i can to stop alot more...
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Jacob
dear rick you have inspired me so much and i came to your web site and you inspired me more ya know what some times i wish that every body could be like you knowing that when they take a cigarette and they smoke it that they are coming this much closer to...
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JACOB
Rick you really are cool and you have taught me alot of things that tobacco does to people and to loved ones. Now w/ the stuff youhave told me i\'m going to tell my mom what smoking does to people and how many have died from tobacco use. the thing that re...
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Mrs. H's Class MMS
Thank you for coming to our school and speaking about tobacco and why we shouldn't use it. We started a petition to encourage people to stop smoking. We have been inspired by you, and we really loved your presentation. We hope to be the first generatio...
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Allison
Dear Rick,
You came to my school (CMS) this week, and I just can't thank you enough for inspiring me. I'll never smoke, and I won't let my family ever smoke. Thanks for dedicating your time to non-smoking speaking and for coming out to CMS to spe...
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melanie
hi rick! you came to my school (clarence middle school) and you have inspired me so much. In my school i see kids smoke outside of school who belong to our school. I hope when they heard you talk, they will understand what they are getting into. When i ge...
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Tori
hi rick u came to my school and i was so sad for u:( im so sorry i know how u feel :..( i told my dad wht happened and he said i will for u i want to see u graduta from high school and collage u went to cms and im happy that ur showing kids how smoking i...
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Anna May
Dear Rick,
Thanks a LOT for coming to my school (CMS). I was so touched that day, I have already set up a rally with by friends so we can parade around our drugstore with anti-smoking signs. I send you love and courage for your next visit to a school, ...
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Katie
Rick-
I really appreciate you coming to Clarence Middle School. You have influence me in a huge way. I will never forget the story you told and the facts that went along with it. Your story touched me in many different ways. I am going to grow up myself ...
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Michael
Rick, you have changed my life so much i never thought that you could have such sever injuries just from smoking tobacco. One thing for sure i will never smoke. Ever. My aunt smokes and i try to do everything i can to try and stop her. Next time i see her...
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Valerie
Dear Rick,
Thank you so much for coming to my school (Clarence middle school) and talking to us about how smoking has affected your life. As a 7th grader, I can say I have never smoked AND I NEVER WILL!!!! I think it is a disgusting habit. Your story re...
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Valerie
I am not sure if it worked the last time so i am trying again i think i messed something up. i forgot to add something anyways. My grandma died from smoking and it hurts me to say i don\'t remember her, because i was 5 yrs old when she died. to this day i...
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Kristin
Hi,
Today you came to my school Clarence Middle and made a HUGE impact on all of us. I wanted to thank you personaly because i have never been shown the bad things that smoking will do to you to that extent. Please keep doing what you are doing becaus...
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Dan
Rick, when you came to my school (Clarence Middle) i think you put a good message into all of the students, teachers etc. thank you for coming to our school and telling us your story and what smoking can do to someone's body. Thank You! ...
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Madison
Rick, today I went home and talked to my mother who smoked some in her teenage years, but began to smoke heavily by the influence of peer pressure. She told me never to smoke, that it was bad for you. I always thought of her as a hypocrite. Though, she li...
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victor
hello rick my name is victor from clarence middle school and i would like to say that your story was one of the saddest stories i have ever heard for this to happen to one man it is amazing your wife sounds very nice and cool and i hope she rests in peace...
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Zayne
Well you came to my school today and i really think you helped a lot of people my friend decided to talk to her parents about their smoking habit.You are an amazing influence and I can\\\'t believe how much the tobacco industry tries to influence children...
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Dear Rick,
Thank you so much for coming to our school to talk to us about smoking. What you did was so inspirational and you definitely made an impact on all of us not to smoke. We all really appreciate everything you told us, and I hope you can continu...
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Dan
Hi Rick, I wrote to you before and you've come to my school twice. I made that dedication to you and your wife on youtube using that Kenney Chesney song and I wanted to say, I know how you feel to lose your wife to cancer. You may not remember me, but I t...
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Paige
I have talked to everyone in my house thaat smokes. That would be my dad and his grlfriend. Thursday i am going to talk to my mom.She has smoked pretty much all her life. She got started on smoking when her mom(my grandma) gave her a cigarette for one of ...
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Allison
Dear Rick, you came to my school (Clarence Middle) and I wanted to tell you that you have impacted my life already! I've started thinking about ways to help my uncle, and these ideas seem good enough to work. I just can't believe I forgot to grab your bus...
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Rick,
Thank you so much for coming to my school. I am a teacher aide at one of the schools you went to. I am a smoker. I know what smoking does to me but still haven't quit. For some reason your story hit home. I called my doctor today and together we ha...
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Madeline
Thank you so much for coming to speak to us at Clarence. Your story definitely has impacted me for life. I will never forget it. I want to grow up to tell my kids that I have never tried a cigarette. I think your story changed many teenagers minds at Clar...
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michala
dear rick,
thank you so much for coming to my school. [clearence middle] your story was emotional for all of us. my mom even watched your video story. that last one. it made us cry. and we both know that heart was for you. may Marie R.I.P. I thought abou...
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Sarah
Hi Rick,
Thank you so much for coming to my school on 10-27-09 in clarence. Your story inspired me and im NEVER going to smoke. I am going to show my mom this website to tell her all the bad things that smoking can do to you. So once agian THANK YOU! ...
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Allison
Dear Rick, I hate to see adults and kids smoke. My aunt died a few years back from smoking, and my uncle smokes. His excuse, "I can't quit; I'll die when the Lord needs me." and that just pains me to see my uncle smoking his cigarettes in front of me. He'...
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Olivia
i think that its really great that you go aroun the country and tell people about your loss. you have been to my school on 10-27-09 in clarence. your story really got to me. I WILL NEVER SMOKE!!...
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Rick,
Your story has inspired me alot! You dont know how much it means to me for you to come to our shool and share your story with us. I was crying soo much while you were telling your story because I know how it feels to watch someone suffer through ...
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Brooke
Dear Rick
Today you came to my school (Albion middle school NY). Your story affected many of us and we thank you for that. You made our mines think about all the qualities smoking come with and it touched us with you and Marie's story. For me it made ...
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Courtney
My dad lost his best friend from cancer.The cause was from smoking. I miss will miss him very much and I no my dad will to. RIP Gordy We miss you!!!...
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Marisa
I lost my grandpa to lung cancer because he smoked. I miss him very much and I know what you're going through. ...
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Anna
Dear Rick- Last spring I had the pleasure of meeting you personally at a speaking event you did in up state NY. Your story and message still inspire me today. I have spent the better part of my day reading your journal entries and will use information fro...
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Jack
Hey Rick, I can't thank you enough for comming to my school. Your story hit me hard, mostly because my grandfather died of smoking last year. He was a great man, he started smoking when he was in the Korean war, he ended up quiting but turned to alcohol. ...
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savannah
rick your storey really touched me like you dont even know i cried for hours and hours i am still crying because i know how you feel i lost my grampa 4 years agao from throt cancer and mouth cancer from smokeing.. i wathed him die the five years he had it...
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Thia
You have inspired me so much!! I can thank you enough to show you how much did inspire me. the song and the story about your wife is what got me the most and I just cried fro like the whole day. thank you so much for coming to my school (mount Blue Middle...
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amy
Dear Rick your story touched my heart in a way you couldn't imagine. Your story meant so much to me because both of my parents (and many of my family members) smoke. You came to my school today (mount blue middle school) and gave your presentation i cried...
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Jennifer
Just read your last post about Shane completing Kindergarten. Now, it's almost time for school to begin again, at least it is here in Indiana. I hope things went very well for all of you over the summer. Your name came up at a recent tobacco control coali...
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TEEN ADVISORY BOARD (EL PASO TEXAS)
RICK,
YOUR STORY ABOUT MARIE WAS VERY HEARTWARMING FOR ALL OF OUR TEENS AT THE WOODLANDS CONFRENCE HELD JULY 27TH 2009.
OUR TEENS WERE VERY IMPACTED BY THE KEYNOTE YOU PRESENTED.
THANK YOU FOR BEING SO STRONG AND SHARING MARIE'S STORY. ...
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Tiffany
Rick I really enjoyed your presentation while in South Dakota, even though only a few came. You are so optimistic and I thank you for that. I am sure you have touch many lives. Thanks for being such a great inspiration. I had a question about the list of ...
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Bernadette
In every way imaginable. I to was affected by Marie's death. She was like a flower in the wind, such a carefree spirit. It stayed in my head for a long time until I went to see my Uncle who was only 62 laying in a hospital bed spitting blood and gasping ...
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will
thank you for coming to my school it really impacted me in so many ways both of my parents smoke and i hope this does not happen to them god bless you ...
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he hasnt we dont need to blame the tobacco compaines it says on the box u can get sick so quite complaining about tobacco and know ur wifes in a better place ...
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Corissa
You've changed everything by showing me how to be cautious about the people related to you that smoke.People that are unaware of the consiquences can be killed by disease.Thats excactly why we should take imediate action. Money is everything, but know tha...
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Alayna
Dear Rick
You have no clue how much your story has changed my life. Well i got a story to tell you that made me want to stay awat from Tobacco and Drugs and Alchohal and sex untill i am married.
May,4 days befor the 22 2008
Wake up to my mom crying. ...
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Alisha
Rick
first of all, thank you for sharing your story with so many people, i really believe it has made an impression. But the main reason i wanted to send this was to thank you for telling the story about your fishing friend. My dad used to smoke...a lo...
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Scott
Rick, thanks for sharing what has been an extremely painful experience for you. The first time I saw you and your ads it left a profound impression on me. I live in Arkansas and the ads are on television quite a bit, which is a good thing because people n...
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Danielle
Rick,
you have been an inspiration to my parents! i have to say that you are the best to sit there in front of people and talk about something so tragic that has happened to you, and you are very strong for that. i cried when i recieved your book for ch...
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Leia
I was moved to tears by your story today and I promise I will pass it on. As a prevention educator, I have join in efforts to teach 3rd-6th graders about the targeting by tobacco companies. THis mission is critical but my first priority after hearing you ...
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Barbara
Rick, My grandsons told me you had gone to their school. I used to hear your ad on radio & look at my husband.He did not like that at all. He was diagnosed with SmallCell Lung cancer Feb 08. We lost him Jan 09. He was told to quit smoking 12 yrs prior...
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Melissah
Rick, you recently came to my school (JCB) about a week ago. I thought it was just gonna be another boring assembly. Then you started to share your story. Honestly, us students at JCB have never been so quiet. You really sent a message to all of us. I've ...
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miranda
i whish my parent would just stop smoking i have ashema becuse of it iam looking forward to seeing you next year...
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Morgan
rick you have i can't even say but that is a very sad story and i don't want that to happen to my mom. Thanks so much for coming to my school JCB and talking to us about them i talked to my mom about her smoking and she said she will try to stop. Thanks R...
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Tiffany
Rick, I thank you soo much for coming to Central Square Middle School today. You had me think about smoking a lot more. On how it is soo bad. You have opened up the world. My dad smokes. And i will try to help him stop. Do you have any ideas that you can ...
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Breanna
Dear Rick,
When you came to my school on May 19th, you really told me something. I already know not to smoke. Now know even more. I know how you feel. When my Grandpa (G-pa to me) was in his 20's and 30's, he smoked. Right now, at the age of 75, he has a...
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Dona
Rick,
I saw you at my high school today. And I have to say that I came into the assembly like any other kid in my school. I didn't care what was going to happen, or what you were going to say. It was going to change my mind about anything and when I hea...
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Meg
Hey Rick,
You came to my school today (tuesday may 19) and you have really inspired me. I have had it kind of hard lately. In the past 3 1/2 years i have lost around 8 loved ones in my family. This includes My dearest brother to a car accident at the ...
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Missy
Rick, I went to the summit in Augusta, maine and i cried when u told my maire's story i have a mother that smokes and my grandfather just got out of the hospital friday becasue he had a major heart attack from smoking all his life. I learned so much fro...
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Kenn
Dear Rick, You have opened my eyes to a new world. I heard your speech at the Youth Summit in Maine, at the MYAN Conference. It was the BEST speech I\'ve heard from anyone about tobacco. It reminded me of my great grandfather who had passed away due to sm...
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Neesa
Rick, I have seen you twice now, and I must say I have NEVER seen somebody such as you before. I have NEVER herd a student walk up to somebody after a speach in school and say "God bless you" and really mean it. I have NEVER seen so many people girls AND ...
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Carol
When you came to Maine recently to speak at the Youth Anti-Tobacco Summit, you did such a great job! Letting us know that Marie is here in Maine with us touched my heart. I pass thru twice each workday, and I will think of you and work harder. Thanks too ...
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heather
hey rick its heather i am finnally moving back home i was telling my mom about how smoking is bad and the affects it takes on people and she shared the story with my step-dad they both are trying to stop smoking they have not bought ciggretts in a month t...
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sharae
you helped me open my eyes to smoking and i took control..i helped 3 family members stop smoking..you came to the glens falls middle school nd me and a couple of my friends talked to you after the asembley..this opend my eyes so much and i thank you for t...
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Toni
Rick your story is very touching and amazing. Your story is one of the main reason why I wont to help teenagers quit smoking. When I saw you and listened to you at the Anti-tobacco summit commitee in maine I then realized the real reason I was there to he...
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whitney
he was awesome he made me not want to smoke when i grow up and i never going to because of him...
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Amber
I was totally amazed and in aww when I saw you at the Mayan summit. You are now totally one of my Heroes. I cried my eyes out. I feel extremely bad. All i can say is THANK YOU!!!!!!!...
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Chris
Rick, I was at the MYAN Anti-Tabacco and I heard you speak, I just wanted to let you know that I think you are an amazing person and you really changed the lives of so many people. Keep doing what your doing because it is really making a difference...
Ma...
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Lorelei
Dear Rick,
You are awesome. I would really like to thank you again for coming to the Maine Youth Action Network's Anti Tobacco Summit. It really meant a lot to us. It was very apparent that your speech moved a lot of participants including myself. I...
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alivia
Dear Rick,
This past friday you have came to talk with a bunch of students, I think that you really spoke out to some people why not to smoke or use tabbaco. You really spoke to me and my friends, I will never use tabbaco in my life! I think that...
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katie
Words cannot express the gratitude that I feel for you coming to speak at our school. I was very greatful that there are people like you out there that care so much about the lives of us youth. We try to make people ear us out and understand that we are...
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Sabrina
Dear RIck, I am a high school graduate of Pendleton Heights High School and I first met you while attending Elwood Middle School when you came to our school to talk about the dangers of smoking. To tell you truth, I was in the very last row and had my han...
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Mariah
I was at the conference that he spoke at today (5-1-09) and your story touchd me. I am not afraid to admit that I did cry. Your story is a powerful one and I believe that it's that last push that I needed to go home and REALLY talk to my mom about her smo...
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justin
you effected my life alot thank you you should come again 2 salamanca...
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jarron
im back agian I just cant stop thinkin about our speech you had the other day at my school...my great grandma died of lung cancer when i was little i still think about her today and that speech made me feel so much better and also my grandma is going to q...
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Rachel
Rick you opened my eyes when i heard the truth about drugs! my boyfriend and one of my friends smoke and do crack i dont want them to pass away because i love them dearly. after you told us that heart waming story i ran up to my boyfriend, crying and aske...
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jarron
rick was very motional he changd mine and many kids lives.......thanks rick you are awsome...
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Cheyenne
Rick you are awesome!!! You came to my school in Salamanca Middle School and you inspired ALL of us!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks, from Salamanca Middle School...
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Dear Rick,
Hello, I am from salamanca when you came to the middle school togive that speach. During the speach i nearly cried cause it was heartbreaking. After, I went home and talked to my mom... she had said, \"Thank you for coming and talking to m...
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avery
i was glad that cameto my school rick. I had a grandfather that died 4 years ago from black lung disease and it was really bad. thanx for coming....
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Kaitlynne
hello there rick and i feel rlly bad about how ur wife died my family likes to smoke and i continue to tell them that there gnna get lung cancer but thy tell me that no they wont. So i rlly dnt no how i can help them but i contue to pesteer them and it ju...
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Frances
ur story was very devastating idk what i would do if i lost one of my parents to cancer so i can't even imagine how u feel im srry for ur loss but at least shes in a better place than suffering through life with cancer...
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Taylor
it was rilly rilly sad back on long island i saw on the news at least 1 death a day from smoking thanks for coming to sms...
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shanista
thanks for coming to sms we loved it at least i did but i have cyctic fibrosis and i cant smoke if i do i will die i could die any time and when i was born the doctor said i wouldnt live past 5 years old but i did im lucky...
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Shelby
Hi thanks for coming to SMS and talking to us my mom died when I was 10 I miss her a lot her name was Jennifer Manning she was really nice everyone loved her she died of lukeima some people pick one me because I dont have a mom thanks for telling me these...
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Alicia
This week, I got to see Rick Stoddard at my school. I was always against smoking...but this really made me dislike it even more. I never knew how many toxins were in cigarettes. I was able to get a very close friend to quit smoking...THANKS RICK! DANKE SC...
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loretta
hey Rick you really made me open my eyes but when i got out of there i broke down crying because i realized that my mom smokes.itold my mom every word you said about smoking and she said \"i cant do anything about it\" i told her that i was just telling h...
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Devan
I really agree with the comments you made on how spinach kills 2 people and they take it off the shelfs and cigarrettes kill 1200 everyday and there still sold! Its our government though. All they care about is the stack in there pocket! I think theres a ...
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dustan
he VERY EMOTIONALY CHANGED MY LIFE FOR EVER!! i want to change others. i want to inspire thme...
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April
hey Rick thanks for comein to speak to us. It realy impacted me bc my sister knows someone who want to qiut smokeing and now i know what to tell my sister to tell him how to quit Thanks so much. ...
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Anna
dear mr stoddard youre story really affected me a great deal to many kids it may not have made a differance and may have just been another speaker coming into our school to talk about how tabaco is dangerous. It was totally differant for me my grandmother...
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Hannah
Rick has affected me in an amazong way.. i have read almost everything on this website.. he is a truely amazing speaker. He came to my school today (Salamanca Middle School) and i looked around at everyone crying and i couldnt help but cry. I know what it...
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Kaitlyn
Hey Rick. Today you came to West Valley Central School. Today you touched me with your story of your wife Marie. I think that smoking is horrible and so is second-hand smoke! Both of my parents smoke so it is bad for me and my parents. And today after i l...
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Tristyn and Therese
Rick has effected me in a great way! He was at our school today!(Salamanca Middle School) Both of my parents smoke, (this is tristyn talking) and I am sometimes afraid it will kill my parents like it did with Marie! =(
(this is therese now) My grandpa w...
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meagan
Hi Rick, thank you for coming to my school at WVCS!! You affected me a lot, my granfather died when i was only 9yrs old from lunng cancer from smoking. He was always saying he wanted to be at my wedding but never made it. i love what your doing for all th...
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C. Malone
Funny, your name came up today, and it's been a year since you've been to our school. I "preach" and "teach" almost daily my anti-smoking sentiments. Actually, it becomes more of a "rant"!
I can still remember watching you pack up your gear in the em...
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nicole
hey Rick you have affected me because your story made me cry and it made me think that smoking is a really bad thing and that there needs to be no more smoking and that the people that are smoking should quit and i have been trying to get my mom to quit a...
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Rosa
Quick blog look and new person at work that smokes and told her about becomeanex website which helped me and linked rick on the search...
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SLH
This assembly really touched me good because I had my favorite grandpa pass away in october from tabacco related cancer. Since I can remember he was on an oxygen tank from the tabacco beating up his lungs so bad. And the beginning of october he started to...
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kaylynn
Thank you soo much Rich for coming and talking to our school it really ment alot. I have three cousins right now who are suffering really bad from cancer and my grandma is also on that path. Death is a tough thing to go through and so i like to write poem...
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EPJ student
thank you for coming to our school. we all were affected by your presentation. As you were talking about your wife it made me think about my mom and dad. they used to smoke but quit about 6 years ago. thank you so much stone cold steve austin! ...
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tanner
you are a great speaker your story was good. you came to my school today epj. i was abbused as a child to i almost died i was olny 2 weeks old...
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Unknown
Hi Rick u came to my school earler this month indien River middle school i am a 6th grader. I loved ur speech i am sorry for ur wife and lil grandson. I swaer for all my life i will never smoke u touched me with ur story, ur facts and i belive in u. Than...
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Rick u came to my school and played a song during it and ive looked to find it everywhere and i cannot find it please even though u said u wont write back just give me the name of the song. Please .................................. The song is by Kenn...
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Seth-PHS
Rick, that was such an awesome speech today. My grandpa suffered from stage 4 throat cancer last August in the hospital, had 4 surgeries because of smoking earlier in his life. Luckily he is now cancer free. I feel so sorry for u and your wife, but it...
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Joshua from PHS
Hey Rick, Your speech was amazing the way you made two people try to say what on that list is amazing, I going to try to get my mom to stop smoking, because she has been smoking ever since she was 16 and now she's 41, but still in good health (I don't kno...
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Lucas
Your speech changed my life. My grandpa was
smoking for most of his life until I convinced him to stop thanks to your story. He has not smoked since. I know that he will live much longer and happier with me thanks to the speech you gave at my school. T...
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JJ
Rick, you were a great speaker. My father has been addicted to chew for all my life. We looked up your speech on youtube, he has since stopped. Thanks for all you do. You are a brave soul for telling your expericences and your dearest Marie....
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tristian
rick you came to my school today and i thaught ure story was very touching because my friend smokes and hes only 13 but he said that he would never do it again....
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Connie Reed
Dear Rick,
Oh my God! That's the phrase that keeps running through my mind today. I never watch TV these days, let alone watch commercials. Last night I happened to be laying in bed reading as my husband was watching something. I happened to glance...
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Katie
Hi Rick, you had come to my school and your story had touched my heart. I myself have been smoking since i was 12, so three years. Your story made me think that anything is possible. I always though to myself "oh this wont happen to me" but you and Marie ...
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Megan
Dear Rick,
You came to my school today, and I wanted to say thank you. You had also visited a year or two ago, and I was amazed then. Today you opened my eyes and my mom smokes. She started as most people when she was around 18, she was on and off. Then ...
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Deborah Bicknell
Hi Rick I am trying to reach you with details and questions about your trip to Maine to speak. I have a bunch of stuff to send and tried the other email you submitted but it keeps getting bounced back. I am not sure how to reach you and don't think I can ...
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Nancy (Germain)Paquette
Hello Rick and Chris-I see you will be at GHS this week. makes me happy to hear you are still working hard-Chris we miss you xoxoxox
Give me a call, Nancy...
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kim
This story was very touching to me. I my self do not smoke but a lot of people I love and care about do. Not even knowing you I could see that you loved and miss Marie very much. ...
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lindsay
i just wanted to say thanks for coming to pike central middle school you really changed my life my uncle just died from smoking he died april 3 2009 at 10 in the morning i was at school at that time but i found out as soon as i got home so thanks for comi...
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Jonathan
I know cigerettes are bad and my grandma and grandpa died from it. My Biological mom is about to die from it. Either way i still can't live without them. I've only been smoking a year and a half and i'm already addicted. As soon as there's even a litt...
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Zach
Hey rick i am from indian river middle school.My great grandma died from cancer. she was a chain smoker if thats what you want to call it.She had one cigarete after another. Both my parents yous to smoke but i to showed them all the facts about smoking an...
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Megan
Rick occasionaly will dine at my work, Two Cousins Resturant. Although I have not had the pleasure of seeing him speak I am well aware of his manner, and the way he holds himself. Rick is a well mannered, thought out man ready to make the difference in th...
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Annelese
im from Millbury High and i thought you did an amazing job. i could kind of tell what you were talking about, and it touched me deeply. see, all of my moms side of the family smoked. yes, past tense, because they're all dead. 3 of my moms brothers and one...
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Amberlyn Sarah
Hey Rick, I am from Millburry Memorial Jr/Sr High School. I appreciated your message that you gave to us. My grandmother died from smoking. She used to smoke about two to three packs a day. Everyone one my dad's side of the family smokes wether it be ciga...
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Nick
Rick, I am from Millbury High School. You put on a great presentation and it really spoke to me and my classmates. You're really strong for doing what you do and I respect that deeply. Your words made me think how glad I am that I don't smoke and I never ...
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alexis
Mr. Rick Stoddard came to my school the other day and he told us everywhere you look there are thousands of tobbacoo, cigerates at every store, gas station. And i thought to myself... why would i want to lose my life to something so stupid! i am staying ...
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Jacob from Huntington North High School
Rick it jacob from Huntington North High School and you come your story made a impact in my life my grandpa is 65 years old and he still smoke\'s what can i do to help him so he doesn't losses his life Thanks Jacob ...
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Quincy
well... Rick came to our school just the other day and before he came i was a heavy smoker.but then after he came and shared his story about how he lost his wife i just want to say THANKS RICK!! and now after that day i have not touched a tobacco product ...
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Quincy
Well Rick came to our school just the other day and before he came i had smoked at least a pack of cigarettes a day but then after he had come and shared his story with us and told us about his wife it affected me deeply.that day he talked to us i decided...
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Chris
I attend Greenfield-Central High School. I wanted to let you know that your message is very powerful. This was the second time I had heard your story and it was just as, if not more powerful as the first time. You help many people and do a great thing....
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Devon
Rick, i think that marie would be proud of you for going school to school, telling teens your life, it's somthing a very good person would do, and i thank you for coming to our school...
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Mike
Hi rick. U came to case middle school April 2nd, 2009. I am one of those eigth grade students. I was deeply affected by your speech. I feel so bad about your we' lil' grandson... Small haha. But anyway, I bet it was. Very hard to lose marie. I have never ...
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Aron
Huntington North High School !!!
Thank you very much for coming and teaching us about what has happened to you , and what will happen to us if we dont do something about it. ...
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Marianna
The other day my brother and i were in a store we've gone to for months, and found a cigarette add. It was an add for one on the new squeezy sticks for camel cigarettes. My brother, 10, saw the advertisment and asked to get some. I had to tell him that it...
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Marianna
Rick, my mom and dad both smoked until i was 13 years old. I developed asthma because of it. My father, 36, has smoked since 15 and my mom has too. One day my mom woke up and started coughing up blood. She decided enough was enough. Though she stoped smok...
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Mrs. Dean at Indian River Middle School
Rick,
I wanted to thank you for sharing your painful and poignant story. I too lost someone I loved, my father, from lung cancer. Dad was diagnosed on July 6, 2006 and passed away August 12, 2006, about five weeks later. He was 62 years old. He smoked ci...
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Cephus
Mr.Stoddard you are a big inspiration not just to me but to every one in this world.You were the best guest speeker in all Indian River.I wil take your avise and try to get my Mom to stop smoking.She has been smoking since she was12 years old and its very...
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Daniel
Mr. Stoddard just spoke to my school and I must say, I am touched. for him saying he's not a spokesperson, he's pretty good at it. As soon as I get home I'm going to talk to my dad. he's been smoking since he was 12. what scares me even more isthe fact th...
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Amber
Rick has effected me so much i talk to my mom about the whole concept of smoking and she actually took my word and has quit smoking it is so nice that i actually got threw her head finally.Rick has put so many things threw my mind that goes and goes every...
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Brittany
Hi my name is Brittany. Last week Mr. Stoddard came and spoke at my school. Well i went home and told my dad what i was tld at school and how is effect's us me my sister and my dad. He had told me to write my mom a letter asking her to stop smoking. I wou...
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Jaylynn
The day you came to my school was a day after my grandma passed away,from smoking and it effected her lungs.It has effected my life alot!!! It makes me think about how you can lose your life from something so horrible. So thanks for talking at our school...
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Emily
Thanks Rick for coming to c9 (central nine carrer center) you did a great job, and really touched my heart! You were so open and knew exactly what you were talking about(like the ads to little kids). I have to tell you that you were the best guest speake...
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Jacob (Maxwell Middle School)
Not To Smoke With Anyone...Even If Other Do It...Thank You!...
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alyssa
Thanks, for coming to HNHS(Huntington North High School) you made me realize that I could really maek a difference in the world and work with people to ban smoking. My parents smoke and I absolutely hate it I think it's teh most disgusting thing ever. Doe...
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Susan
Thank you Rick. My dad is a smoker he has been sense he is 12 and now he is 56. i told him you story and all the facts and who your friend decided to quit. i even played the guilt trip thing and it worked!! he has slowly been quiting and it was because o...
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David
Hey Rick!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You are so amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You might remember as the kid that told about his dad bein gone and his mom bein in the hospital. Im David, and a sophomore at Huntington North High School. Ur an awesome ...
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Kelly
Rick, thank your for speaking at Central 9. you really made an impact. my grandma has breast cancer.but she still smokees. it just bothers me because i know it can spread. I just wish she would realize we want her around. i just wanted to thank you for sp...
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C.D.
I would just like to say thank you for coming to Huntington North. I'm pretty sure that you're message made a difference in many people's lives, and there were many students at school who thought it really hit home. We have many "pot heads" and druggies a...
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Tyler
I think what you are doing is awesome and keep doing it because you help many people all the time. I a grandma and she quit smoking like 2 years ago and I'm proud for her ,but my grandpa smokes and he hasn't even thought about quitting but he should becau...
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Chelsea
Dear Rick, Thank you for coming to Central Nine Career Center today.I enjoyed and appreciate you talking with all of us.You have done a great thing and I never smoked,and never wanted to,but my boyfriend of 3 yrs and my papaw smoke.I never thought there w...
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megan
hi you were at my school/career center today and the assembly you gave was AMAZING! You opened up my eyes A LOT to tobacco industries and to tobacco itself! it also brought back memories of how my grandmother went through almost the same things as marie.....
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Jesse
I just wanted to say that I do feel for your loss. It's never an easy thing to deal with the loss of someone you love. I do have to say that when you came, I finally came to reality with something my mom has been telling me for a while. "God has a plan fo...
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Felicia
I don't know if I want to exactly thank you... sadly that sounds very wrong. But the thing is when you came to Huntington North yesterday you nearly killed me. My mom died now four years ago of cancer, and she went through everything your wife did. It hur...
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summer
i don't smoke and i'm not around any second hand smoke, but this was still a powerful and touching subject. I really apperciate what he has done and what he's going to continue to do. I know it's probably hard losing someone you've loved for so long. I th...
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kaylee
I want to let you know i appreciate what you do everyday and thank you so much for coming to Central Nine. Your story touched me so much , it really does hurt to see someone care for so many people in what they do.You changed the way i look at people who ...
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B
Hey man i just wanted to say that i think what u do is a great thing. Going from school to school telling your story. I think it is what some people really need to hear to actually think about what they are doing to themselves and others. I come from a f...
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tyler
i really really feel sorry i know at my school you said we wouldnt be penpals or anything but please email me back please ...
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Jenny
thank you sooo much for coming to HNHS today!! my dad ,step-mom,grandparents, aunts unlces are all smokers and have been for a long time, and they all put my life at risk too, i have a lung disease already (cystic fibrosis) and 2nd hand smoke isn't good f...
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Colten
Thank you for giving your time today and visiting HNHS. You have spoken to me when I was in middle school and that you affected my life that i have not had a desire to smoke or anything of the sort. It was over 5 years and it has lasted that long....
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N.G.
Thankyou for coming to Huntington North High School today. I saw you back in middle school & I could hear you talk many times, and it will never get old. Everytime, I hear your speech the more & more it means to me. I will never smoke in my life after hea...
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K.S
Thanks so much for coming to HNHS today. You spoke in front of Crestview a few years ago, & I thought you were such an amazing speaker. Now, I'm older & I realize how hard this was. You really helped me & gave me courage to talk to my mom about smoking. T...
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Julia
Rick, thank you for coming to Huntington North today. You've inspired me so much. My grandpa wants to end up just like his mom. My greatgrandma has been in the hospital 6 times because of smoking. Nothing has happened to my grandpa. I have a friend that c...
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N. J.
Thanks so much for coming to HNHS today. you made me think of when my gandma was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer from smoking so much. What made it worse was on valentines day my grandpa left her for someone else and then a couple weeks later she was di...
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Sierra
My dad is 63 years old and he's been smoking since he was 11. Even after the doctors told him he only had within three years to live, he continued smoking. If he hadn't smoked all his life, he might not be dying right now. My future children will probably...
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Lauren
Thanks so much for coming to Huntington North High School. This is the second time I have seen you speak and now that im older I was able to understand it more. Your message really got to me because I have actually been through having cancer before. But I...
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Alex
You came to my school and told us your story then after that I realized that almost my entire family smoked cigarettes. So that night I went home and e-mailed all of my family that smoked how it could effect them and what effect it would have on the rest ...
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John (Greenfield-Central High School)
Rick this was the second time that I've seen you speak and I was still blown away. Your story is touching and a testimony to the enduring strength of the human spirit. I appreciate that you take time out of your busy life to come to schools and relive the...
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siara
WOW!! thank you for coming to eastern hancock today to speak to us. it hit my friend & i really bad that tears started coming out of our eyes!! im soooo sorry about your wife!! :(.........thank you, Siara ...
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Becca
well Rick i have a story my self my step DAD has been around ever since i was one my real DAD david hasnt been there my whole life bu the thing i wish my real dad would STOP doing is drugs i guess one dayy i will wake up n relize that he really hasnt been...
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tionna
rick you have showed me that i shouldn't do cigarettes...or any other unprescribed drug for that matter. you're right...standing by, watching thousands of people die...and just letting them. EVERYBODY NEEDS TO HEAR OUR WORD!!! (:...
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Kelsi
Dear Rick,
I am a student at MVMS and i just wanted to thank you for coming to my school today. I know your presentation really touched alot of kids, including me. What you said on your video about never thinking of 23 as middle aged really puts th...
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Alex
WOW!! Considering you aren't a "good speaker", that was the best lecture about something like this that we had ever had! I've been trying to get my step-dad to stop, but he just gets mad at me. Now i can say that there's, what, 43 cancerous chemicals in O...
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kelsey (student, mount vernon middle school)
thanks for coming to my school i really apreciated it and my dad smokes tell me if u think this is a somewhat good idea to et him to stop smoking if i get off the internet and copy and paste a list of all the cemicals in a ciggarette and email them to him...
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Katie
Dear Rick, Today you came to my school Well what you said really got to me. I am trying to get a plan to stop my mom to stop. My dad also smokes but hes more hard headed about things like that. Both of my step parents have stopped smoking but i really wan...
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Hey Rick you came to my school yesterday cascade middle school. I think what you do, sharing marie's story is a great thing and its remarkable how you hold it together as good as you do. I think the kids of our generation will be very affected by the thin...
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Matti
dear rick
you have chaged the way i look at the people who smoke in my family. thank you so much you were such an influance to me. i wish that 1 day you will be able to talk to adults who smoke so they can here your story and hopefully you can change th...
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Dear Rick, I think what you do is awesome . Your story is amazing. You came to my school today at Cascade Middle school.
Thanks Sydney...
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zach
hey rick you just came to my school cascade middle school and i want to thank you for comeing and i want to know if there is anything i can do to stop smokeing ads...
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Paula
Hey Rick,
Thanks for coming out to Greenfield-Central today. Some of our kids were really disrespectful and rude, but you still told your story and hung strong. I'm sorry for your loss, but I've seen how it's made you that much more passionate on how you...
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Brooks
Hey rick...thank you for coming to my school(greenfield-central). I cant possibly imagine how painful it is to tell that sad story over and over so i just wanted to tell you how much i appreciate you pushing through the hurt it causes and informing americ...
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Chase
hey Rick.
thanks for coming to my school, Milan Middle/high school.
You really inspired me to try and help people in my family that smoke.
please if you are reading this, and someone in your family smokes, show them the rick stoddard video's and ...
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A.R.C
Hello Rick!
I would like to let you know that when you visited my school (Winamac), you really effect us. I knew my whole life about what tobacco did to you. I admit that I had the occasional cig. When I was with friends, when I wanted to cry, when ...
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Alexis
Today you visited my school. (West central) I appreciated your message abundantly. Although I am "young", I have had many life experiences with tobacco. I have never done it personally, but I have seen it ruin lives. I just wanted to let you know that I f...
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Sarah
Rick, I just wanted to say thank you. You came to my school on the 19th of March. You captured all of the students' attention. You kept saying, "I'm not a speaker" but you spoke to us and what you had to say was heartbreaking. I believe in your cause. I g...
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Mrs. Dana
You came to speak to our OSS ( Out of school suspension) students on Tuesday, March 10, 2009 in Greenfield, IN. I want to thank you for taking the time to come. I was deeply moved by the love you have for your wife! That is how I feel about my hubby a...
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Sydney
rick;
when you came to my school, your speech touched me. more than any visitor who has spoken to the high school, you made so much sense to me. my dad smokes. i dont believe he has any intention of stopping. im going to tell him your wife's story and gi...
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Justin
hey you came to west central and i stood up because it was so touching GOD BLEES YOU ...
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kasandra
rick your story made me think about how my mom has smoked for i think 21 years shes 34.......i still think about and i showed my mom and it made a differnce.....she hasnt smoked in 5 weeks its not much but progress thank you for showing her a path to take...
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Angel
hello im from winamac community high school it was an honor to have you come to are school. I do smoke but after hearing your speech mad me change that so thanks.......
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Eman
hey rick you came to Barker Middle School and your story touched me I tried to have my grandparents stop smoking but they don't stop I really feel sad about your wife and at the age of 46 that's just not right I wish you the best in life....
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Jessica
Rick, you came to Barker Middle School today, March 19th, and made such a difference. When I woke up this morning, I wasn't going to come to school. I am so glad I did.
I have to admit, when I told my mom this morning we had an assembly, these are my exa...
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pchs
hi rick, you came to my school (pike central high school) on wed. although i am still young i have struggled with peer pressure quite a bit so as you were talking i kept thinking of myself and where it could take me if i couldnt stand up to peer pressure....
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Lauren
Dear Rick...
Twice now you have come to Doe Creek Middle School, and twice I have seen you. Your story is one that affects many people, myself included. I have tried to convince people in my family to quit smoking because of you and the story of my wife....
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Andrew
you came to south central today and it wuz really an eye opener 4 me and it really got to me so thank you 4 making a difference...
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Zack
Hey Rick. You came to my school today. (South Central Jr. Sr. High School) You really influenced me and my family. Thanks to you I will try to convince my Grandpa and Aunt to stop smoking. Thanks Rick....
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Danielle
Rick, today March 19, 2009 you visited South Central High School where I attend. I have never smoked and never planned to, nor do i encounter second- hand smoke. I am one of the lucky ones. However, I will say that just walking out of the gym today and li...
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Sam
Today you visited my school. (March 19th.) I appreciated your message abundantly. Although I am "young", I have had many life experiences with tobacco. I have never done it personally, but I have seen it ruin lives. I just wanted to let you know that I fu...
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Andrew
Hey, You came to my school today (March, 18) and i think it made a huge impact on the people's lives that heard your story and message, i know it changed my point of view on things. I just wanted to tell you thank you for coming, Good bye and God Bless....
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Kylie
hello,
you came to my school on March 18. I thank you for coming to my school(Pike Central middle school) I know it made an impact on a lot of people's lives, It did mine! thank you so much!
=)...
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heather
hey rick its heather i would like for you to come back to our school here before long i will be leaveing shoals high school and be going to a school of smokers and i was maybe thinking you can come and change the lives of the kids a mitchell high school a...
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Taryn
Hey Rick! Im from Washington High School and your speech on March 17th was unbelievable. You really touched my heart and really made me want your information to get out there! You are a very tough person for what you have been through and i hope you stay ...
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Tailor
Hey Rick. Even tho i just wrote you I wanted to had a little more. I realy enjoyed you presentaion. I hope the best for you and your nephew, kids, and grand-children. I stilll wanna thank you for coming to Pike Central. Thank you so much. Many prays for y...
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Sammy
Hey Rick thank so much for comeing to PC.Your story really touched me and a lot of ways....I hope you get to see your wife again someday......
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Tailor
Thank you so much for coming to Pike Central. I no that your message hit alot of students hearts. I hope that one day you would come back to teach us more. You tought us moret than anyone one that has came to our school. I have never realized how many peo...
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JoRdAn
rick makes me want to make people
STOP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :) So i did...
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Michelle
Thank you so much for coming to my school (Washington Catholic Jr/Sr High). I know it made an impact on a lot of people's lives after you spoke to us. I know if it didn't on anyone elses it sure did on mine. And thank you for comforting me when I was cryi...
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Lacy
I attend Washington Jr. high school. I just want to thank you Rick for making time to come speak to my school on March 17, 2009. Your story really touched me and my friends. I am sorry for your lose of your beautiful wife. I just want to wish you good lu...
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Morgan
Rick came to my school today and spoke about smoking...i already had my mind made up that i was never going to smoke because of my family and friends that have died..my grandma died from smoking..she died at an old age but she had been hospitalized so man...
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JADe
rick i think you for comein to washington and talkin to us it really has changed my veiw i have been smoking since i was 10 and im tryin to quit and that just made me want to more so thank your for all your help...
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cody & dane
rick scared me at first site i almost peed a little but rick after listening to your story of you and your beautiful wife i learned that oh ricky you are so fine you are so fine you blow my mind and i think you should go on tour again to show us once agai...
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Lori, RN
Rick, I can't thank you enough for coming to Eminence. You are an amazing man on an even more amazing journey. When you lost your Marie, God sent her back to you in the gift that you give when you speak to the kids. You are a blessing to our children ...
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sarah
rick came to my school today. his story about brought tears to my eyes i wish there were more people like him to show the real truth behind tabacco use. thank you rick for opening the eyes of hundereds americans...
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Vincent
Hey Rick. I know that you do not resond to these massages much because you have family and a job to save others life though Marie's story. I believe because of you many teen may change there persective on tobacco products. thanks for all the hard work. ...
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Emily
Rick, you visited my school and it touched me. (I cried) My grandfather has smoked cigars for 50 something years. We have tryed to help him stop but it doesn't work. Now i know what to tell him. My brother and father chew tobacco. I think it is gross and ...
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Tanesha Addison
He has really made a big difference in my life. I am needing some help on trying to get my dad to quit smoking. I am really scared of loosing him from smoking. When Mr. Stoddard came to South Dearborn High School I started to think a little more about sm...
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Cameron
Hi Rick
I'd like to thank you for coming to speak at my school Doe Creek this past week. Your story reminded me of my grandpa who was smoking a pack a day, and rand down hill, and eventually died in 2004. The cigarette companies make me mad. They sw...
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Kiersten
Rick you are a very nice man.
I think that you have shown me alot. My grandmother died of several several different types of cancer: bone, lung etc.
thats not the point .
The tar that you shwed us was nasty.
my dad smokes maybe about one and a half p...
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Jason
hey rick im jason from south spencer. you spoke with us earlier this week and i would just like to thank you. ive been through alot of what you have as well and i really wouldnt mind to see smoking be gone all together. my grandma passed away when i was...
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I want to say that you really helped me see that I need to stop waiting around on the sidelines. I have two people in my family who smoke. They don't smoke in front of me, so I guess it's kinda "out of sight out of mind". But not completely. It does worry...
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Titus
Rick we miss you over here in Indiana this is Titus from voice out of Elkhart...
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Lezlie (from Shoals Community School)
~Rick~
You have effected me in so many different ways. I never really took the time to think about all the people that have lost loved ones because of Cigaretts. I have also lost someone so dear to me and that someone was my grandma,on my dad's sid...
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Brad
I'm a student at a school you spoke to recently, you have inspired me to step up and give my support to ani-smoking and anti-tobbaco groups. I thank you for inspiring students with your sad story....
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Chase
Rick. I am a 7th grader at milan, you have inspired me at milan high. please do not give up on what you do....
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HEATHER
RICK I WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU 4 COMING TO OUR SCHOOL MY BEST FRIEND SMOKED AND YOU SHARING YOUR LIFE STORY YOU MADE HER STOP THANK YOU SO MUCH KEEP UO THE WORK THANK YOU
HEATHER...
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Sam
Hi rick. today you really touched me at Milan high school. i hought you were very inspirational. but i did talk to my parents about you and smoking. but i think it would be great in a few years when your back in the neighborhood if you could actually hold...
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jason
hey its jason again..forgot to tell you of a song i found and i think it reminds me of you and marie its called The Poison By: Bullet for My Valentine.
its a rock song but does remind me of your story
thanks again
bye...
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jason
Rick, you came to my school today march 12.
my name is jason you may have seen me in the stands, I was in the orange polo shirt on the right side of the stands from you.
I just want you to know that you have really inspired me with the things you said. ...
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Stephanie
Rick!!! i was at the school jac-cen-del. ur story touched my heart so much today!! it really inspired me to want to talk to my grandma that has smoked since she was 13..its really good to see that someone cares about this problem and has this much passion...
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Kenzie
Rick!!! I have seen a lot of bad things happen to people I love, but your story has touched my heart so much!!! When you were telling us your story I honestly wanted to cry and cry. I've never seen someone so strong in telling a story of someone you've lo...
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Max
Hey, Rick. I saw you a few years ago as a young teen at a Teen Conference in Upstate NY. I don\'t know if you remember, but we gave you a Stone Cold Steve Austin doll at the end. The resemblance is uncanny! I\'m almost 21 now, and I still remember your pr...
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Brad
I really think you(Rick) made a good point about how when spinach kills 3 people, experts take it off the shelves, but when tobacco kills thousands of people each day nothing is done. I just thought that was really interesting, and it got my attention. ...
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Hanna
OMG! Rick you are amazing! so sorry about your wife.Listening to you i feel like i died and was reborn! I thought about smoking when i got older because my parents said it was relaxing. I have definitly changed my mind!...
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Nathan
thanks i really learned alot from the presention and i loved how you spoke to everyone. I really hope that your message gets throw to others in the USA. Even tho some people dont listen. anyways thanks for coming to south speancer high.
from yours tru...
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Krysten
Rick,
I listened to your story about fiffteen minutes ago and I felt that I needed to say something. Thank you so much for coming to our school today to tell your story. So many people would just give up and say "poor me" if they had to go through what...
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Joyce
Rick's story sends a strong and important message to our youth. My grandson called to share with me what he learned today at Doe Creek school about the dangers of cigarette smoking. Rick's story is important to everyone. Don't smoke and stay healthy for l...
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Kyle
Thank you so much for coming in you have really opened my eyes about smoking. I'm going to show this to my dad and see what he does i hope he can understand as much as you can. Thank you again for coming to South Dearborn Middle School....
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Aspasia
Thank you so much for coming to Doe Creek today. I know that this will change things not only for me, but for those at DCMS. I am truly sorry for your lose of your wife. i know how it feels to lose someone near and dear to you. Again, THANK YOU for coming...
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Jordan
Rick came to Doe Creek today and I had seen him once before, but I felt like I understood him better this time. Last time he came to Doe Creek I felt really sorry, and now that he came back again I feel as if I wnderstood the message of what he was saying...
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Glenn
Rick, you are an amazing man and you have really touched my heart. i wish when you came to doe creek i could have shaken your hand because it has been an honor to hear your story. i hope you go to every school across the county that you possibly can and...
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hanna
Dear Rick, you have affected me and my friends in so many ways.Me and my friends starting crying.You have taught me how to convince my parents to stop smoking. They actually listened! Thanks for all you have done for Doe creek....
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Lauren
Rick you have some much. I am sorry for your lost. We thank you for coming to Doe creek today. I know we all learned a very important lesson. Thanks once again....
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Matt
Thanks for coming to doe creek. The story about you and your wife was really touching. Thanks. I think you have really made a change....
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Nathan
You came to my school today. it affected me so much and showed all the real dangers of smoking. My aunt smokes and i just go of the phone with her telling her how much it upsets me and how i realy want her to quit and she started crying telling how sorry ...
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Alexander
Rick your story affected me very much and i thank you for coming to doe creek middle school....
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Olivia
He has affected me in so many ways. His story was very serious. Rick thank you so much for coming to my school today. I'm very sorry for your lose. Your story will be with me at all times. I'm taking your story to concern ...
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Smith
May God bless you Rick for helping us realize what we are doing. I know it is not easy telling Maries story... thank you. ...
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Smith
Hey Rick
Both my parents are smokers and my sister and I never talked to them about it because we knew that wasnt our parents favorite subject. You moved me today, and I think I'm ready to talk with them about it. Thank you, thank you, thank you so unbel...
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Emm
ricks speech really got me today. we have had many guest speakers at our Maxwell Middle School, and none of them have ever put a toll on me like ricks. it took me everything i had not to just break down and start crying. Rick is a very brave man to come o...
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Samantha
At Maxwell Middle we've had a lot of guest speakers all of them tried really hard to get us to understand their story..but i never did your's was the first i could follow! You were the only speaker that made me cry while you were playing your song...that ...
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T.C.
you told me all the dangers of smoking, and i though that your speack was sad and thanks for coming to Greendale Middle school ...
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I'm from South Deaborn High School.
I first want to start off and say I'm sooo sorry about your wife... He has affected me to talk to everyone I know that smokes because I don't want that to happen to anyone. Thank you for coming to my school....
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Briana
today Rick cam and talked to my school Greendale Middle School and he really opend my eyes. As i was waching him talk about Marie i realized that, that could be some1 in my family.His "show" really made me look at what can happen to a person if they dont ...
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Adam
he cam to south dearborn high school i walked up to him shook his hand and said thanks happened on march 5th of 2009. this man was amazing. he put alot of hope that you know maybe i can affect people as he did...
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Shelby
Rick you came to my school Greendale Middle School March 6, 2009 and frankly you have put a huge impact on my life. My great grandmother, and my aunt both died of Heart Deisase either from smoking or from natural causes honestly I have no clue. But my mot...
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*Amanda*
I've thanked u several times on here Rick, and I'm going to do it again. Its been a while since u've been to my school, and I think it would be great if we could have u again. While watching TV last night i saw one of ur commercials come on, and in my hea...
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Elizabeth
Rick has put a big impact on my life. As soon as I got on the bus after he left our school I told my boyfriend he needed to stop smoking. So he is now done he promised me he was. Then when I got home my mom always buys PEOPLE magazines so of course Rick p...
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Amanda
hey rick. i just wanted to say that you changed my whole outlook on smoking. it changed how i think about things in general as well. i cried when you played that song. it was so sad. i am deeply sorry for your loss and i respect the way you reach out to k...
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Kayla
Hello Rick. You came into my school and made alot of us high schoolers think. I honestly think you made a point to alot of the kids at my school. I know for a fact, you changed my mind about things. My mom was a smoker, and I sat down and talked to her af...
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Daniel
You came to my school a few days ago and I think the way that you made your points were much better than what I have been taught in elementary. They always told us to just say no, but I don't think they realize that when you are being pushed to do them, i...
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Jennifer
Rick came into South Ripley Jr. Sr High School today and talked to us about how he lost his wife because of ciggerattes. After hearing all of what he had to say i can garantee that my classmates and i were moved in our own ways. He made me realize that we...
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Jayden
Wow! Rick has realy made a difference in my life. Ricks story is a very touching story and anyone should be glad to listen to his story. Rick has changed my mind about smoking. I learned lots today and that you have no reson to start smoking. He puts ...
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morgan
wow when you came to my school you changed how i thought about everything. you are an amazing person. i cried when u listened to that song. your story is very touching. and i thank you for coming in. i have had a hard life sitting and watching my mom kill...
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Piper
Rick, today you came to my school. When you where showing pictures of your wife it made me think of my mom. They look nothing alike but... My mom has been smoking since she was 12. She has quit numerous times but she allways goes right back to it. When yo...
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Mary
Rick came to brownsburg today to speak to us. His story really moved me and a ton of other kids. He had me in tears when he first mentioned that his wife died. By the time he played the kenny chesney song, I was bawling my eyes out. I\\\'m so thankfu...
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Brett
Hey man thank you. You made me stop that horrible problem and move on with my life. My Parents finally stopped when i told them about you thank you for saving my life and theirs.
BEMS...
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Molly
Rick just came to our school today. His story was a big smack to the face about the dangers of smoking and tobacco. Some kids were crying at the convocation.
My dad quit smoking when I was born because he didn\'t want me to be affected. Even though that ...
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Trish
My husband and I have set a quit date for smoking March 13th. It's the anniversary of our first date. Can you please send a message of hope? We've seen your commercial. I am really glad you are talking to students at schools. If I knew back then what I kn...
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Mom of David Tantasqua regional
Rick,
David was so impressed by your presentation that he brought home your cards and insisted that I look at your website. I quit smoking 2 yrs ago. Some battles may be lost( condolences) but the War is NOT over. There are still some out there that ne...
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Shauna
Dear Rick, I'm doing a report on smoking around kids and smoking when pregnant. I was wondering if you could tell a little bit more about smoking.My parents smoke around me but i really dont know how it effects you. I would really appreciate it if you wou...
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Chantel
My mom had lung cancer and after i told her about Marie's story she almost died crying. She finally figured it out that life is too short to be smoking chemicals. My dad chewed for several years and now he has blood in his urine and failing kidneys,he has...
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Kim
rick u have affected me so much my dad ex girl friend smokes and i told her about u coming to my school and she said that she tries to quite but it is so hard. thank u again for coming to my school!!!!!...
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jacob
Hi Rick I asked my mom to stop smoking and she did but my dad is making it hard on her because he lites one after another she has a deadly liver diease cald slorosis of the liver
jacob...
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Austin
We are in Riverview middle school and we vare studying smoking and I am sorry for your aboutyour wife...
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daniel
hey rick u came to our school a while back and u made me go to my parents to tell them to stop smoking thanks...
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Raycheal
Rick, you probably dont remember my face, but i remember you. you came to my school a while back ago; Leesville High School, Lousiana. I was watching TV and i just saw your commercial; and it reminded me that i was going to write you.
i just wanted you ...
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Regina
Hi Rick, your story sounds alot like what mine could be. My husband has been smoking since he was 18 years old he is now about to be 42. He worries me everyday with all the symptoms from smoking and all he does is talk about quitting. I want so bad to hel...
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adriana
hey rick this adriana from eastbrook and i dont know if you remember me but i told you that my mom has had cancer and we found out a couple of days ago that her cancer has came back for the third time and i am so scared that she is going to leave me and i...
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Autumn
Hey Rick! I wrote to you a couple times before and I do it every so often because I like talking to you. Well years back, I did a project on cigarettes and I found out a lot about them. The ingredients that were in them and things like that. I will never ...
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Amanda
Rick,
You came to my school (South Adams in Indiana) last year i believe it was. it was my 2nd time hearing you speak and it really got to me. I lost my grandpa in 1999 because of smoking. I really dont understand why people smoke. In November of 2008 i...
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autumn
Hi Rick. You came to my school last year. Sandcreek middle school. Well, my dad smokes, my sister. I try to make them stop but they don't. Your story has inspired me never to smoke. Keep on inspiring kids around the world to never smoke. Im so glad I hea...
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Natalie
Dear Rick,
You came to my high school a few months back. Central Louisiana, I\'m not gonna say the place because, well, I\'m careful on the internet. Anyways, I\'ve been meaning to write to you since the day you came to my school, but as you know, it is ...
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Lilith
Dear Rick, My name is Lilith, I am 12 years old and in the 7th grade. You came to my school (Atlanta High) in Louisiana not too long ago, and your lecture really affected me. I have been trying to get the members of my family that smoke to quit. My aunt j...
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amanda
hey rick i read you book. i have looked for your book for like 6 years. i really liked you book. i really liked how you put all the letters that people wrote to u, i am a smoker, and i dont know how to quit, but the reason i wanted your book is because i ...
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Brittany
Ever since I learned how much cigarettes can do, I've cared more for my stepmom, she smokes. I don't really care for her. I've known her since she married my dad when I was nine and I don't see her. I care more for my stepmom because I know more than anyo...
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Rick, you came to my school a couple of weeks ago, Saranac Lake High School, i simply, on the behalf of our high school would like to say to very simple words to you. They may be simple but they mean the world to us, i know that you touched lives of peop...
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Darius
Your story touch me so much as a boy i cry my eyes out I have a uncle that smokes every time I see him I say please stop smoking its going to kill you one day and I know one day he will stop thankyou.
GOD BLESS...
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Quaid
Dear Rick Stoddard; you came to are school last year (Salamonie middleschool) I took your advice and i treid to stop my parents from smoking so I tried to get them to get on your web site and they dont want to. They want to quit but my mom said she will b...
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amanda
i wrote on here a while ago when you came to our school (canastota) and i did change for a while after tht but i got back into some of the things and i wish that i wouldnt have. i cant stop smoking and i am trying b/c your story means something to me....
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Haley
Mr. Stoddard when you came to Pickering High School I thought that it was going to be another assembly that didn't matter. However, your story touched my heart and when i got home I sat down with my mother and told her everything that you said. She did no...
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kendal
hey it is kendal from Owensville community school and after u talked to us i went home and set my mom down and i told her how many ingreadents are in cigrettes and that next day she quit,........
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Kenzie
When you came on the 21st i cried through the entire thing. Lake George has had so many assemblies about smoking and drugs that i thought yours was just going to be another boring assembly. But i was wrong. I saw that my best friend Haley wrote to you too...
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dezarae
heyy rick it me once again!
ive been talkin to my mom nd my dad to quit ther addiction to smoking i cried over it to but my opinon doesnt matter to them i guess cuz they still havent quit!
my mom hasnt even came close to quitting or ne thing its horribl...
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megan
i have quit smoking. I have also been telling other to stop.....hope they do...oh.. and im sooo sorry about your wife......
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katherine
Rick.... my grandpa died of lung cancer. By the time they caught it, it was too late. My grandpa died 3 days after I was born. My mom said that new new life preserves the lost... if that's true..... I was my grandpa's angel that took him to be with my gra...
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chrissy
Rick,when you came to my school; Tupper Lake middle High School, i and many of my friends were toched by your speech about marie. I am also very sad to hear about that and i believe that that heart in the sky was made for you. After that speech i would n...
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Emma
Hi,
You came to Saranac Lake about a week ago, and i wanted to make sure you knew that every word that you said has stuck with me and will always will. Marie's story is going to fallow me forever, and because of it i will for sure never smoke! Everything...
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Miss White
Hi Rick. You spoke to the students at our school (Bunkie High) in Louisiana a couple of weeks ago. I want you to know I had heard your voice many times on the radio while smoking on the way to or from school. While affected by your story, I was able to...
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Haley.
Rick-
When my teachers told me and my class we were going to have an assembly about drugs we all were so dissapointed because we have so many of them. I thought it would be boring like all the rest.Once i I actaully heard your speech i realized i ...
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Brad
Hi I thought that your story about marie was a sad story. God bless you Rick...
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Courtney
Hey Rick.... You came to my school a couple of weeks ago, Bolton, in Louisiana... Im sorry for what happened to Marie... You\'ll will be in my prayers.... i appreciate what you are doing... You said that tobacco companies advertise to little kids by like ...
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gloria
today, novemver 21st, you came to our school and talked to some of our classes about Marie. she sounded like a wonderful woman and we were all greatly touched that you'd be willing to share your story with us. the song at the end was my favorite part, it ...
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Rob
I am a teacher in upstate New York. Rick spoke at my school today in Lake Luzerne. I cannot begin to explain how positively Rick's story affected me. Rick is a Hero! Marie's spirit is not only living in Rick, her spirit is now a part of all of us who hear...
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Hey,
You did your presentation at my school in saranac lake today and after listening to you i was touched deeply. My grandfather passed away from lung cancer 6 years ago and it was hard on the family. but it was hardest on me who was there when he was ...
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kayla
hi rick. you came to my school (LaSAS) in louisiana a couple of weeks ago.me and a couple of my friends cried. your speech was really touchfull. im terribly sorry for what happened to your wife, marie. (r.i.p)
your speech made me think about my mom, and...
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josh
im sorry about what happened to marei. i just want to say thank you for speeking at my school. im glad you care about us enough to have come.
thanks rick...
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Devyn
You came to my school brushton moira in new york on november 20th and the presentation was very good ,good luck...
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matt
hey you where at my shool today and i have to say im sorry for what happen and you really tuched me to get my mom to stop smoking 11/20/08...
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Alexis
Dear Rick=]]
I saw you at brushton today and your speech amazed me! I didnt know about the second smoke and it taught me so much thanks for comingg.
Byee=]...
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Mike
I first want to say that your presentation was very intelligent and I am so happy that you were able to clear up the myths that people make up about tobacco use to make it seem less harmful. I've always wanted to tell people that cigars, for example, are...
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Kimbeerly
Hi Rick you came to my school last year. I will never forget your speech. Thank You for coming to my school!!!...
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michael
rick you have affected me by showing me that smoking can almost always kill and shorten your life oh and one more thing this is the day that you spoke at brushton it was 11/20/08 it was about 9:00 thanks for reading my email i hope you reply...
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Stacy
Dear Rick :) ,
you've recently come to my shcool and done a presentation. I loved it! A lot of people smoke in my family, and sometimes it seems like nothing will get them to stop. Many of my family members have smoked for a long time, and hopefully...
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Natasha
ok you spoke at my school on november 20, 2008 and like alot of the people here i was not really to happy about the assemble but it was way different from what i thought i lost my mom to cancer so i kind of know how it feels i just wanted to say thank you...
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Rachel
Dear Rick,
My teacher told us last week that we were going to see someone speak to us about smoking. And everyone mostly in my class have already heard you speak, i have not until today..your story has touched me in many many ways. At the start of this...
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jordan
hello im jordan im a guy i go to grant high in louisiana. i just wanted to say that im sorry about ur wife. and my grandpa was one of the lucky ones he lived to be 91years old and smoked a pack a day chewed almost a bag a day and drink like a fish so...
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Kalieb
Mr. Stoddard that speech you gave here at Pickering high School really showed me the great affects of smoking. Do you have any advice to get my parents to quit smoking. Please, reply even though you said you don't i need to get thet advice for my mother. ...
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As a teacher of students with emotional disturbances in upstate New York, with probably 90% of my teenagers who openly smoke, I commend you and your efforts during your presentation this morning. Aside from leaving your stamp on my youngsters, you have re...
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Michelle
When we were told we had a presentation for us during our first period this past Friday, November the 14th, I thought, "Great, another stupid presentation." But in all honesty, I'm really glad you came. My mom smokes cigarettes, and I've heard from the gr...
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jennifer
hi rick you spoke at corcoran high school last year and your story is very touching . i have alot of friends that smoke, both my parents smoke and i tell them all the time you need to quite i tell them facts about it they just dont listen im hoping when i...
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benjamin
dear rick you recently spoke at my school (Oberlin High) You realy opened my eyes to the dangers of smokeing. i think the story u shared with us was a sad one i realy liked listening to you and someday i would like to help stop tobacco industries from sel...
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Maylinn
Hey Rick, i remember when you cant to our school you really changed my life that day!!!! I tryed talking to my parents about what you said and tryed to get them to quit my dad thinks your just a joke i told him your not and that you could change his life ...
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Samantha
Dear Mr. Rick when you talked to our school (LaSalle High School) it really touched me to try to get my mom to stop smoking because i dont want to see her go through alot of suffering and plus she has asthma, which smoking really doesn't really help , and...
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Rachel
Dear Rick:
You recently went to my son's school Montgomery High in Louisiana and spoke to them about the dangers of smoking. I am a smoker and my son came home, sat on the couch and started crying and sharing his fear of losing me to cancer. Thank you ...
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adriana
hey risk this is adriana from eastbrook and you probably dont remember me but you talking got me thinking that you are the strongest guy i have ever met and to go threw all of that made me relize that my life isnt so bad after all! my mom has lukemia and ...
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When Rick came to my school in Kinder, Louisiana, he spoke to everyone about tobacco. My life has surrounded that subject, because many people in my family smoke, and many people in my family died from smoking. Recently, my grandfather died from complete ...
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Greg
Rick you affected me because I am an addicted smoker and not afraid to admit it, but it is just hard to stop. So I just wanted to thank you for coming to Kinder High School and making your speech, I know it was hard to talk about losing your wife but we a...
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nissa
i know that i did this before but, my stepmom has quit but my dad is trying and he just got an operation on his heart and he is going back to work today. and sometimes i don't think he is trying. i wish he would STOP smoking. he knows that i love him so h...
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krystie
rick you were amazing up on our stage in fort plain school. my aunt had died from cancer to. she was 27 years old and she had the cancer behind the lungs but she is 3 in the whole world who has had this cancer. i just want to thank you again for coming an...
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Tia
Rick, thank you for coming to Block High today and speaking to the students there. I teach school at Central High School, and we brought our children to BHS to hear your story. It was us that you dined with at Sonny's. I wanted to let you know that we ...
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Traci
Dear Rick,
You came to Marksville High School today and as sonn as I hit the door both my children told me about you. My oldest is 18 and she said I saw something today that scared me. I was told of your program in detail. I remember a commercial y...
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Casey
Hi Rick I am a student at Bunkie High and you spoke to us on November 13. Your story touched me and I appreciate you so much for caring for young children.I really admire you for telling the story so much, its like reliving it over. I admire you for it. I...
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Candace
hey rick, im a sophomore at bunkie high school. The speech you gave on November 13th really opened my eyes to smoking. I know how it feels to lose someone from that. What you said has encouraged me to speak to my family and friends about smoking. I hope y...
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Rick Stoddard:
You came and spoke today at my school, and I wanted to let you know just how much your story touched me.
I cannot remember a time that my father was not smoking. He was smoking 3 packs a day, every day, for 35 years. Honestly...
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Ms. Linda
Could'nt wait to get to my computer in the classroom and write. I sat right in front of you with my class and said tomself. he looks like someone I've seen. Not knowing what the program was going to be about at first. So I said O my God, it's him. Thank ...
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JaQuilla
Hi...im a senior at Bunkie High...what you said to the student body on November 13 will always stick in our hearts...you are very inspirational and keep encouraging others as we incourage you!...
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Jade
Dear Rick,
I just want to say thank you for caring for us. I admit i smoke, and after hearing your story i really do want to quit. There are many students at our school that smoke and i'm sure they're thinking the same thing i am. My boyfriend dips ...
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Kylie
Hey Rick! I just wanted to say that what u said at my school kinda got to me because my mom and dad smoke and I dont want to feel the same loss that u are. U have made a very large impact on so many people and I think that it is great that u can share you...
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Karen {Davonie's mother}
dear rick thanks for coming to my daughter's school and talking to them about smoking it is great advice because i am a smoker i would really like your help in not to smoke any more my daughter Davonie has begged me not to smoke i have been smoking for tw...
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Rosalyn
Hey Rick! I just wanted to say that I really enjoyed you coming to our school (Bolton High School) and sharing your story. When you kept showing those commercials about Marie me and my friend were literally in tears. Your story has really touched me. I ha...
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RICK U VE TOUCHED ME.... I MEAN I CAN RELATE B/C MY MOM..... SMOKEZ & I'VE BEEN TRYIN 2 GET HER 2 QUIT.... & SHE WON'T LIZTEN... BUT MAYBE... THIZ TIM I'LL FINALLY GET 2 HER... SHE'Z GONNA TURN 42 IN DEC. SO.... THANKZ 4 COMIN 2 MY SCHOOL(ASH) & HELPIN ME...
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Caleb ( Ash Trojans)
Sir, I just wanted to thank you for what your doing, and wondering if you have any tips for me to try to stop my mom from smokeing. She has been smokeing since she was young and I'm not very good at the guilt trip. And one more thing sorry for the people ...
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When you came to pineville high school your words meant so much to me and i want you to know you have one more person to stand behind you.Marie would be very proud of you and i know if she could have helped it she would have done it but i want you to know...
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rick u came to my school(ash) an i jus wanna thank u for coming cause it really touch me i have a uncle that smoke weed black an cigarette an i never told him how that make me feel but now that u told me about ur wife i wanna do something!!! AN I WILL!! r...
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Terry
When u came to my school (Bolton High School) You moved me to go out and take a stand against tobbacco and put an end to this. You are a really great speaker and may God Bless u, Marie would be so proud....
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Jessie
Rick, You were at my school (LaSalle High School) this week. Wow! What an amazing presentation you gave.You really were a wake up call to a lot of people at my school. After you left we all just sorta walked around in silence the rest of the day thinking ...
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Ethan
Today What You Said At Jena Really Got Me Thinking. There Are So Many People Around You Who Smoke And You Dont Even Realize It. I Think Its Time People Started Realizing The Chemicals That Are In The Air Around Us From These Idiots. A Couple Years Back, I...
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Montgomery Tigers
We loved to hear someone speak up and do something about smoking. Smoking has killed many a day and it is time to stop the millions dieing. We appreciate your braveness and hopefully to see you someday whether it is about smoking. you are a true HERO than...
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melissa
You came to the school that my daughter attends in La and I just want to say Thank you Your story is truly touching and very sad, sad because it could have been prevented. That\'s the thing that people do not understand about addiction. It rules your lif...
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Myndi
Hey Rick, Thank You so much for coming to Montgomery High School. I have a lot of respect for what you do. You made me tear up several times, the worst things happen to the best of people. Im starting to think you care more about our generation than our...
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ginnie
hey rick i dont know how to tell u how much u touch me today when u came to grant all i could do is site there and cry cause it made me think about what could have happened to me but if it wasnt for my sister i would still to this day be smoking but since...
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alissa
Mr. Rick when you came to my school (Pickering High) you inspired me to ask my mom to stop smoking, who in 2 weeks, will have smoking for 28 years. She started when she was 13 and only stopped once for a short period of time. I think about Marie and I won...
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Julie
i just had a question on how to get my daddy to stop smoking cause i want him to grow up and see his grandchildren im 14 he is 44....
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Tamara
RICK, that speech you gave at my school (leesville high school) yesterday was amazing it showed me how bad smoking is. I knew the usual stop smoking it will hurt you but you gave me information that really meant a lot. I know my school appreciated your he...
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B.S
hey rick.
your story made
me cry today when
you came to
montgomery high school
it is a sad thing.
a couple weeks ago my
mama quit smoking
and i am so happy for her.
your story was sooooo..
sad. and may God be with
you. <3...
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Annie
Thank you so much for coming to Leesville High School the other day. I couldn't believe how many advertisments were aimed at children! I thought I'd let you know that I have ordered a dozen of the stickers that have anit-smoking slogans on them. I also wr...
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Cliff
He has shown me the many dangers of smoking and dipping and how it can affect not only your life but the life of others...
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paige
hey rick thanks for coming to pickering high school today.. My dad\'s mom has been in out of the hospital for the same thing that your wife had and heart problems..... Then her husband my pop has had heart surgery for the same thing ..... We thought that ...
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Monica
Dear Rick,
I attend Pickering High School. Today when you came I expected to here the same old thing. "Don't do drugs!!" But today when I went into the gym, I was suprised!!! You shared a heartfelt story with us! I know it must be hard to get in fron...
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Amanda
Mr. Rick, after you came to my school, Leesville high school, I realized that my mom and my friends are affecting me. When I was little I would take my moms cig.s and soak them in water, or hide them or just throw them away. Do you know a way that I can g...
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You made it to were I want to help more people to try to stop people from messing up there lifes. I think that you are a great person for doing this. I know this is very hard for you but when you tell that story I think you hit people in the herat I kno...
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Alison
Thank you for attending my school. You have helpped us find a cause for my aunts illness. She had been sick for the past 3 years and it now just getting really bad. Thank you so much. ...
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Katie (Kitty-KAT)
Rick your story has really changed me and i'm not playing i'm going to talk your words and try to talk to my family about how they can stop or at lest try to stop. my mom stoped for about 2 months, but then got back on because she was stressed. it is not ...
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Jeremy
Today Nov 5 08
Rick came and talked to us in the school i go to. At first I thought i was going to have to here some really boring speech about not smoking and all that. Well I was wrong. He told us about his wife and what happend, he told us how he goes...
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Alesia
Rick, On Saturday November 1, 2008. I lost some of my good friend to Alcahol and driveing when drinking. Derek Nolan, Micheal Goodlow are ao really really close friends to me but now cuase of the sale of alcahol to minors I no longer have them in my life!...
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Matthew
Howdy Rick,
I just wanted to say thank you for coming to Pickering High. I took all that you said and put it in great thought. My step-dad chews and my mom smokes, i am going to try to use what you said to try and make them stop. It must of been tough to...
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Chris
Hey Rick, i know are school enjoyed you coming to Pickering High School. it really hit me hard when you said your wife died. my mom had been smoking for my mom has been smoking for 33 years, she stopped about eight months ago. I would have never known you...
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Trisha
Rick, You will never know what a tremendous inpact your attendence at our school did to many of my fellow classmates. I believe you came to my school, Haubstadt Community School, on friday and it will never be the same. You are a very strong and brave man...
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Tesia
Thank you for coming to Natchitoches Louisiana im really sorry how the students acted during your speech.Im at natchitoche Annex...
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Olivia
Rick, I just recently was in your convocation, at Yorktown Middle School. I have been smoking regularly for about 6 months now. And the day i saw you step into my school, i was like, pshh. I don't care what he has to say. But when you told me your wife, M...
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Nick
Thank you for coming rick I know you gave up so much just to talk to me. My dad died of cancer when I was 10 years old and I know how it fells to lose someone you love so much. I hope to see you agin someday you and your speach moved me and so many peo...
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Ben
Rick I have an uncle who smokes. I see him a lot and everywhere i go with him he is smoking. I didn't know that that many peopl die from second hand smoke. You came to Yorktown High School and hit me hard with your words. I am really close to my uncle so ...
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Taylor
Dear Rick,
Hi Rick, thank you sooo much for coming to Yorktown High School last week. Your convo was amazing. I know that we all enjoyed it. You left a place in my heart. I will never ever forget you. thats a promise. you really did effect me. You had me...
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Kristine
Rick, last Friday you came to our school i just wanted to thank you and know you are greatly appriciated and know you have effected many lives at our shcool including mine. I talked with my family as you suggested and i hope they took it in consideratio...
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emma
rick, thanks for coming to my school and teaching us about tobbaco use. both of my parents smoke, and im really concerned about it. i even made my mom look at your website. thanks so much! hopeful you and marie's story can help make a difference in my fam...
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Heaven
Thank you so much 4 coming to owensville community school this last friday...Your presentation has helped me and my friends deal with alot of things in many different ways...and i just wanted to say thank you for that. ...
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Shalea
Rick, you came to my school yesterday. I was so touched by your speech. My grandmother smokes, and has survived cancer. I am still afraid that it will come back though. She smokes 3 packs a day. I also know that something is wrong with the hand that she s...
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renae
thank you for coming to chateaugay central school in northern new york.this passed march my grandfather died from a heart attack because he had cancer from smokeing i miss him...
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kendal
hello am a student from Owensville Community School and i really like that speach you gave us. the story about your wife was the most enteresting story that i have heard about someone. After that talking to us i will try to talk to my whole family that s...
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Dezarae
thank you for coming tomy school today.
it was very touching hearing about your story i know it had to be hard for you.
well my mom smokes and im a getting a little worried about her she has smoked forever and now she has a cough and i honestly think it...
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Kristin--8th Grade
Rick, you came to Owensville, Indiana this morning, and told your story. It is a very scary thing and last year, at age 53 my grandpa died because he had smoked since he was about twelve. It just tears me apart to hear other peoples stories because I know...
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whisper
rick, well my mom is a smoker and after you came to my school, Chateaugay central, i told my mom what was in cigerettes and she said i know and i said then why are you smoking them. She said hunny im sorry and i know its affecting you and your sisters and...
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kelsey
rick, you really affected me. i have a grandma that smokes and it kills me inside to see her suffer. i keep on begging for her to stop but she cant. she has been smoking since she was 12. ...
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Alisa
Hey I got o Jefferson. You came to my school.
My dad had 3 heart-attacks and on time he was dead for 3in a half mintues and it was on my birthday.
My mom smokes.
My dad smokes and drinks.
My brother does Camel Snuff.
I don\'t like it.
My mom\'s boyf...
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Ted
I appreciate your message. When you lose someone close to you a part of you dies that you never regain. For you to revisit that loss so that others will not experience it is commendable. I am sorry for the loss of Marie. But somehow you are trying to make...
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katelyn
I am so glad you came to Jackson. I know that a lot of people there smoke. One of my friends was bragging about smoking. I got so mad at him because he thinks its so cool but its not cool to have black lungs or to die just cause you want to be cool. Its ...
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Nadia
His story was really touchingto me. I was teary eyed when he put the picture of his wife on and played the music. I just about started to cry when he asked who was exposed to second hand smoke. My mom,Amy(31)has been smoking since she was my age. I\'m 12 ...
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libby
My dad smokes and so dose my grandpa I think that what you said is scary so I am going to tell my dad to stop smoking. THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING YOU TOLD ME I AM SO GLAD YOU TOLD ME THAT KIND OF STUFF. THANKYOU SOOOO MUCH!!!!...
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Brandi
Rick you really made me think different. you cam to my school today at marshall. Hearing your story really made me think of all the people who actually do smoke. and they just cant stop. my mom never use to smoke until my dad passed away a few months ago....
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STEPHEN
Thank you for coming to jefferson intermediate center,your speech touched my heart, and you gave me the courage to tell my mom what smoking does and I will tell her this weekend on Nov 1,2008.I was one of the fifth graders,and tell my step dad and dad....
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libby
My dad smokes and my grandpa.I think that I shood think more about there heath. ...
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Davonie
dear rick,
your story has affected me so much!! you see both my mother and father smoke. all my life i haved tried to stop them.but soon i gave up. thank you for encoureing me to try again. you stay strong and god bless you....
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kassandra
Rick thank you for teaching me so much about NOT SMOKING .I will always keep that in my HEART forever AND IN MY HEAD.You are a great man and i'll will always tell other people about you and you're wife she sound's so wonderful and nice.
Rick thank you ...
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tyler
You made a differents to me. Think you for that.
I will never SMOKE EVER! My mom and dad
smock I try to make them STOP SMOKING
all the time. I hope you will help other poeple
to learn not to SMOKE.
Sincerly
...
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Maddie
you made me cry but, im fine . you really touched me I feel so sorry for what happened 2
you and your wife .Iwish there were some way
to stop the people from making deadly drugs.
the song you played is a sad song but I love
that song. I really hope t...
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TAYQUANA
Dear RICK you show me how to tall to my faimly about cigarettes I think it will help my dad stop smoking...
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Bailey
Rick,I kind of know how you feel.My grandma died with cancer due to smoking.I feel terrible for you and your family.A lot of people in my family have died.I've had about three aunts die,one grampa die,and two grandma's die.I wish life was a little better....
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Alli
hey! I saw your presentation and I thought
you were great! I am truly sorry for your wife .
I totaly agree with you on the whole subject
about tabaco ! I would start a protest but
I am too young . thank you for opening my mind
about tabaco and fo...
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andre'ona
Hi, Rick i an sory about your lost. I am happy that you have courage to stle talk and tell kids to not smok.That affected me a lot . I fet so sad but it was oka.I hope that other kids do the same as you. ...
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katelin
i'm sorry about what happened to your wife.It was really sad! I listened to every word you said.
And i promise i will never ever smoke. I'll have to tell my dad to stop smoking! Because i don't
want my dad to die,because he's the only one have to live ...
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Noah
I was so sorry and and sad for what he said.It made tears role down my face and for the scacerfice he had to suffer.I'm touched that he is still talking to kids about Maria.I'm really happy about what he said about the compainies and cigarette dangers.Rig...
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Jada
That was sad about your wife I am sorry for her,
everyone was crying. That was the saddest story that I've ever heard.
I have people in my family that died from cancer
when my family members die it is very sad for me and everone else in my family....
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Eries
It made want to help the people in my family that smoke and help them stop because i do not want to lose family members because of cigarettes and did you know that faltly advirtising is illegal and if i could i would report them but i cannot because i am ...
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Jourdan
The time you came to our school it was so touching to hear that your wife died.A few people have died in my family that used second hand smoke.I felt bad when the music came on. I know just how you feel inside because i was right there next to my Grandmas...
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jesse
you made me and every body sad and you had made me feal like just going home and telling my parents and any body in my family that smokes to stop smoking and start being healthy and live your life and say cant you see that cigarettes take your m...
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baylie
you made me cry but im trying to hold it in im so glad u came im glad u told them not to smoke but i know i convinced my mom to stop and she did im so sorry that that happend to you and by the way that song you played is my moms favorite song i listen...
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Dylan
I am sad Rick thak you for teshing us . A lot for
all the thing you know unbat cigrettes . Rick for all for all the things then you for all things.then
you know....
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jaquess
Hi rick you really have encouraged me to sit down and talk to my moma and she stop smoking thank you so much i and i understand how you feel cause mybig cusin was only19 when she died and she got sick and had bone cancer and her hair feel out too and s...
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corey
that presentation that you said to my school Marshall really made me realize that i need to do something to get my dad to stop smoking.
I know what you are going through, my mom died 5 years ago, when i was 8 because all i have left is my dad but, i don...
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Blane
I was sad and you expired me to help my Mom stop smoking.Thank you for doing that....
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Teron
it made fell sad even though...i dont know if anyone in my family died off of smoking....ill try to tell ma uncle(s) to stop smoking because it's bad for them and they could die off of it...You came to my school Jefferson I.C. ......I'm very sorry about w...
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imari
i am so sorry rick about your lost .you came to my school jefferson .i really loved your presentation. I really am sorry for you because you had to shave your wifes hair off. i feel terible .of all the presentations i been to yours is the
best sweet car...
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Victoria
You came to Jefferson school today.You really taught me about smoking.I will never smoke.I'm sorry about your wife.She seemd like a really nice person.When you were telling us about you wife, I cried.So did my friends...............Thank you.
...
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patrick
i was so said to hear about our wife and how she died smoking she semed like a great person .
you made a point that smoking is bad for you and you should never do it . i dont want that to happen to my dad . i will try to talk to him to get him to stop sm...
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Chandler
you made me relize that just one can kill.
even thou my family smokes i started
just one is all i did.
i didn't know but NOW I DO!
thank you rick. i hope you find the women of your dream!...
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DEJANIRA
Rick make me feel so sad that i was fin to cry my heart out beause my mom is smoking and i tried to sit her down and talk to her but she says she is not going to die from smoking but today i'm going to tell her i talk to you today but what i want to no i...
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taylor
u came to my school today n i hate the tabacco companies.i want to write them a letter talking about all the guilt they should have,my grandpa is pretty close to me.he has tounge and throat cancer.it hurts me to know hes gonna be gone someday cause of cig...
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Raquan
rick has affected me beacause when i was 1 my grandpa was diagnosed with lung cancer and he had 2 months to live when found out so when you told me about mari it reminded me about my grampa....
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taylor
heyya you came to my school dickinson today. that speech really showed me how bad that it really is. ive always told myself that i was never going to smoke, and now im deffinitly not. during it i almost cryed. my mother and alot of people in my family smo...
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liz
thank you so much for coming to my school. I really enjoyed your speech and it touched me. You had a lot of good things to say but I really liked when your said when spinach killed 3 people they removed spinach from all stores, but smoking kills tons of p...
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brandon
Rick thank you so much for coming to my school. I think everyone at school was touched by your story. Again thanks for coming in and sharing your story with us. You truly are a strong man to have to go through that....
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andrew
hi u just came to my school dickinson and u reminded me of my grandpa he died from lung cancer about 4 months ago thank you for the info u gave me :)...
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Allison
Hey! Thanks to coming to my school I really injoied having you there................................Your speech really got to me.....scence that speech ive been envoled in activites to try and stop smoking.Thanks for coming to our school and talking to u...
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Adam
Hi Rick, I think that you did an amazing job expressing your feelings about smoking and how it kills so many people. Keep up the great work. My step mom has been smoking for a long time, we try to make her stop but she hasn't "gotten around to it" she has...
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Tyler
Hi! I go to Test Middle School. That was Sad and informational. My mom smokes and I've been trying to get her to quit so now i have some new facts to hit her with. I'm so sorry and I almost cryed. I hope I never start smoking and especially not at 15! It ...
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Victoria
Hi Rick when you came to my school 10/28/08 it helped me because my grandma and my grandpa both smokes.My grandpa had open heart surgy and he just had an elctro shock box put in his heart that opend his eyes to stop smoking.If he doesn't it's going to kil...
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Rick, I am a student at test and i want to thank you for giving me alot of information that i was not aware of. Just today i told my mom that you went to my school and talked about how smokeing isnt good for you and she said that she was going to quit no ...
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Candice
Rick,
I am a teacher at Test Middle School in Richmond, Indiana. Your program for our students today was UNBELIEVABLE! You presented many facts that I was very unaware of and I truly believe that you have touched many more lives than you know. I have ...
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Meta
Hi Rick,
First off I would like to say that I am very sorry for your loss! Secondly, I would like to tell you that I think what you are doing is truly AMAZING! You have a huge heart and God Bless You!
I have a 16 year old son that seen your program a...
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Marissa
Rick,
For Christmas I am giving my aunt alot of information to help her quit smoking.
Please pray for her. She really wants to stop!
Thanks again for what you do!!...
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Nick
Rick, i thank you so much. you made understand what smoking is all about. i ask people if smoking is bad, the answers i get is Nahh. this week is red ribbon week at salamonie school and i wear my red ribbon with pride! Thank you Rick....
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Ruby
Rick i just wanted to tell you that you are a very strong man. I appreciate what you do in our world. My mother is not dying of lung cancer but breast cancer and the doctors wont do anthing for her. I dont see how you can be so strong. If the doctors dont...
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Faith
Thank you a lot Rick god bless you. you mad a big differents in my life. I will never ever smoke.
THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!! ...
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shytana
Rick has a good way of making people happy and I for one knows what he is talking about my dad is a smoker my mom had breast cancer amd me and my brother are affected by second hand smoke can we stop our dad from smoking but make our whole family happy?...
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Fantasia
Hi rick your story was really touching and it made me feel diferrently about smoking at all and finding all of those chemicals in cigrettes even chocalate now that makes no sense god bless you ...
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James
Hey Rick i am very sorry what happened. Thank you so much for coming to Yorktown middle school i cried when you showed that slide show about Marie we all will be praying for you and Marie PLEASE COME BACK TO YORKTOWN hope you feel better soon. ...
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Anonymous
Just wanted to stop by and leave a comment. It's been almost a year since you came to our school, and I still remember your story so clearly and it still has a profound impact on me.You DO effect people in an extremely positive way and you are an extremel...
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Marissa
Rick, I am from Yorktown Middle School and your speech was amazing! It really touched me. I want to thank you for doing all that you do! I'm sure its hard.
Don't stop fighting....
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Breonna
Rick is a really good man, and i am proud of him. He has came here to talk about his wife and i thank him for that. i know that he has went through a lot. My great-grandma died from lung cancer from smoking cigerettes. My parents smoke also and i always t...
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gabi
Thankyou for coming to Yorktown Middle School. I will pray for you, your story about Marie was very sad. You really are a hero, and keep up the goodwork.(:...
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Jaycelin
hey rick. im jaycelin from riverview middle school i am the girl who waved to you in the second row before you started! i pray for you and your wife marie! and the next time i see my uncle rick im going to do what you said to do say hey can i talk to you ...
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alexis
dear rick i am soooooo glad you came to riverview middle school my sister started to smoke at 13 too and i am scared you could have lung cancer i dont want my sister to die soo im only 12 and she is 24 i am soo scared i dont know want to do i dont know if...
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that day you were at Gowana those words got to most of us and made us cry and think of the people we know that smoke thank you...
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Gabrielle
rick i am from la porte bostonmiddleschool my dad grandma and great aunt also a very inpotant person my dad and he is always sick and says he will never stop smoke i want them to stop i was inspired but i only see my dad on thursdays it upsets me and i kn...
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Gabrielle
thank you so much 4 comming to bostonmiddle school yeserday 10\24\08 i really appreaciteate u i pray 4 u everyday and i pray to marie u have inspired my grandmother to stop smoking u r really a true hero keep up what you ar doing and i hope in the featur...
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Donna
Rick-
I am a middle school teacher in La Porte, IN. I saw your program this morning and I truly believe that your story had a great impact on our students. I hope they remember your message as they make decisions about using tobacco. Please keep shari...
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Jacob
Hi rick. My grandpa died of lung disease even though he got crushed by a semi and also fell off of the back of one. Out of the ten bad things that happened to him, he died of smoking. Thinks for coming to Kesling in LaPorte....
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Shiane
Hi rick i am from LaPorte In and your talk to us today day was very outragous. my mom smokes and i would like her to stop ,but she doesn\'t follow my pattern. she has been smoking since highschool and now she is 41. she might have long cancer but dont kno...
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Kayla
Rick has shown me how people who choose to use tobacco items treat their own lives. Those people who use tobacco items are in GREAT DANGER!!! But I am not sure that they all understand that they are putting their life in that danger I hope someday that th...
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Devin
you have affected me soooo deeply about smoking. nobody that taught me about ciggarettes that has been this emotional and understanding of some of us kids that have had this happen to us. i will pray for you at my church that you will help the world to kn...
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Ashlie
Rick I would like to tell you that in third grade my aunt diedfrom smoking and now I am in sixth grade and I still cry almost everyday about it. So for you to stand there and not cry I think you were really brave.Thank you so much for coming to Boston Mid...
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samantha
Hey Rick you have changed my life my dad smoke\\\'s and i am scared that he is going to die from it . I am going to tell him to go to your web site tonight....
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Gabbi
You have changed the way that I look at smoking and tobacco. I have had 3 relatives die from smoking and 1 from both smoking and tobacco. And I was so sad when you played that Kenny Chesney and talked about how sad you were when Marie died. And my re...
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Lil' Skinny
Hey Rick , I'm very thankful of how you came to boston middle school of LaPorte. My whole view on tabacco and the indusrties has completely changed. And you are totally right that people that advertize tabacco are totally trying to get kids interested in ...
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n/a
Rick affected my life by telling me the dangers of smoking and tobacco use. I knew it could be deadly, but I had no idea about the terrible advertisements. My dad smoked a lot, but about 3 weeks ago, he quit. I was very proud of him. But, my mom still smo...
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Angela
i have lost many realitives to cancer when people ask my dad about his mom and sister he has a hard time talking about it and the fact that you can talk openly about that is something you schould be proud of many of ...
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lulu
Rick has affected me by telling me the problems that smoking can cause. I had no idea how bad smoking can be until he told us about his wife Marie. I will do all that I can to prevent my friends or myself not to smoke. I appreciate Rick coming and talki...
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Nathan
Hi Rick. You are amazing. It must have been hard. I hope you are feeling better. Your speech was really good. I think you really helped a lot of kids and changed their mind and won't even think about smoking or tobacco. Thank you very much for coming to B...
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starla
THANKS FOR COMMING TO OUR SCHOOL TO TALK TO US THAT WAS VERY SWEET I WILL HELP MY MOM, GRANDMA, GRANDPA AND MY DAD TO STOP SMOKING ...
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Christian
Thank's 4 coming to Boston Middle School. I am very antidrug. I hope that the goverment bans tobaco. ...
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Jenna
Hi Rick. First of all thank you so much for coming to LaPorte, IN. I learned alot about smoking and about your wife, Marie. I do to have family members that smoke and I wish they can quit. I can not believe what cigarattes can do to people. Well thanks ag...
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macy
He has affected me by teaching me a lesson.That lesson is that i should not ever start smoking because it is bad for you in many ways.Thanks Rick for coming to Boston Middle School and telling our scholl that smoking is very bad for anyone....
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Chloe
You are really great at my middle school! Thank you for coming. I am going to get my Grandma to quit smoking, and my step-mom....
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Alex
he made me feel his pain of how his wife died and it made me feel sad and start crying....
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Monique
Rick is a good preson in i know how it is when someboby that you love is gone. But i will not smoke because it is bad for you and i wish i can get some of my family to stop smokeing ....
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Lance
Hi Rick it's me again. Thank you very much for coming to my school in Tupper Lake NY. obviously your story has change the ways i look at tobacco industries and life forever. See, My Grandfather (whom i never met) died of Lung cancer when my mom was in her...
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Joshua
U affected my life and my aunt life i told her all about it. I sorry about the death of marie it still in my heart. You touched 15 peoples life when you came to Crestveiw Middle School. it was that the people you touched were crying because they had that ...
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Mariah
Rick when you came to my school (Salamonie School) I just can't belelive what you done I hope you changed so many lives and i started to think about my other family members and long that they smoked and just to think that it happended to a great guy like...
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Molly
Rick, You came to my school yesterday (Crestview Middle School). I loved everything you talked about and how well you spoke to us... If you remember me I was one of the girls on the first row. :) Even though no one close in my life smokes or anything I re...
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Alix
Thanks Rick for comeing to our school and talking to us about all kinds of tabacco and second hand smoke. It was amazing when you asked if you knew someone who has died from or dieing from lung cancer. When more than three fourths of our school raised t...
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Quinn
Hi, Rick! The speech at Kesling touched me. After the speech I give to my parents and grandparents they will definatley quit smoking.
again thanks for coming to Kesling....
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jacob
Hello Rick i just want to say thanks for coming to kesling. It showed me a lot and when u shock my hand that day it was a big deal for me.So i just want to say thank you and hope your wife lives on in peace....
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anonymous
Hi Rick, thanks for coming to Kesling Middle School. I only saw half of your presentation, but from what I did see you're a really good man by trying to help people stop (and never start) smoking. My brother has been smoking for about 14 months (that I kn...
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Brittany
Hello Rick, when you came to Kesling Middle School on the 23rd of October, you really helped me see how bad smoking was before I went off and did it. My parents are both smokers, so I grew up with the smoke since I was just a baby. I have asthma because o...
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anonomus
you shared you story with me today at elston i am in seventh grade and my grandpa is dying from lung cancer it hurts me right now thinking about this and i thought i should have enough cortusy to share this with you i've been in the room with my grandpa w...
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Kyra
Thank you so much for coming to Riverview Middle School Yesterday. When our teachers said we were having an assembly about smoking I figured, "Oh its some person coming to show us about how it affects our teeth and our lungs and yadda yadda" I had NO idea...
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Ashley
Rick thank you very much for coming to Riverview Middle School you have effected my life big time I have two parent's that smoke and I worry about them deeply even before you came to my school to talk to us about smoking, but now I worry even more for my ...
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Cody
Hi Rick, its me again...
you are an amazing guy. your convocation at Kokomo High was soooo amazing. It means alot to me that you will reach out to kids our age to try and persuade them to never start with the use of tobbacco. my dad smokes and i wish he ...
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Courtney
Thank-you soo much for coming to Salamonie Middle School. It really had an impact on me. I wanted to cry when you talked about the guy getting his jaw removed because of chew \"smokless tobacco\" because my dad chews. And he\'s been chewing for a long tim...
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Cassi
Today when u came to Salamonie, it really made me think about a lot of things....i thought about my mom and her fiance....there heavy smokers and it really made me realize that wat they do could really hurt them.....the things u said about cigarettes and ...
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hey rick! the day that you attended salamonie really impacted my life and to start off i want to say thanks! :) see i've been hanging out with this guy and he smokes everyday! i started smoking from hanging out with him, i keep telling him that im going t...
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brooklynn
hey rick the day you went to riverview school (10-22-08) I had Know idea what it was all about but the creepy music before you went on made me wounder. But when you talk about Marie my heart started to pound hard, see my dad and sister are heavy smokers w...
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candace
Rick you have effected me when you started talking about Marie.I am woured about my mom and other family members of mine and what happend to Marie im afreid that my faimly members are going to the same thing.Rick what you said at salimone realy got to my ...
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Stephanie
Hey Rick.
When you came to Salamonie Middle School on 10-22-08, you really got to me. When you talked about Marie and what happened I wanted to cry my eyeballs out. I liked it when you said that you shaved your head every morning because it makes you l...
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Kortney
I just want to start off saying thank you for coming to our school and making an affect on me. It really helped me understand how you handled things & how our generation can make a difference. my mom quit smoking a year and two weeks ago, and i'm verrrry ...
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dakota
hi rick u wint to my school today (rivervew middle school). u tuched alot of us today most people where crying after at least 15 people where balling in cluding me u convence my thank u for comeing come again next year ur really good well thank u again u ...
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Jacy
Well, all I want to say is thanks for coming to Huntington IN. Crestview Middle School. This is the best non-smokeing/anti tobacco speach I have ever heard in my life.Again, Thanks so much! We are lucky to have you Rick....
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Kristina
hello im one of the kids from riverview middle school and i would just like to thank u for coming to our school and telling everyone how bad it is to smoke u know what that night i went home and ask my mom would u die for me and she said yes then i asked ...
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Brittany
You made me cry when you played the music! It made me think of my dad. He has smoke since he was 11. I have lived with it all my life. I was seriouse when i talked to him. He talked to me about stopping. he said he would. And i think that he will. I belie...
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kalie
rick .. WOW .. i thank you soo much for comeing to riverview middle school .. yeah honestly i thought wow here come another speaker coming in about smokeing .. you were the best speaker that has ever came to riverview middle school when i saw those pitcur...
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Mindy
I would like to thank you for coming to Mississinewa High School and talking to my sophomore class about your story. I was truely touched by your story. Both of my grandpas smoked and they died from smoking cigarettes all their lives. I have been one suff...
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Nikki
Rick, I want to start off by saying that I am deeply sorry for the behavior of my school yesterday. Please dont take it as we are a horrible school. Within the 9 weeks that I have attended this school, I have some to learn that there are some kids who tak...
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Allie :)
I would like to apologize for my schools behavior when you came. It made me mad, myself, that they were talking. I lost my great-grandfather to smoking. He had smoked since he was 12 and gotten lung cancer 3 times. He passed away trying to recover from...
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Shaniqua
I apoligize for the way the students at my school acted while you where here in kokomo. I myself enjoyed your story and it almost made me cry. I am sorry about what you had to go through. The studens here where rude and disrespectful. Usually the studens ...
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Cody
So sorry for the disapointing reaction of the students at Kokomo High School yesterday. I feel so bad for what uve gone thru. THANK U FOR EVERYTHING YESTERDAY....
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allie
I would like to start off by appologizing to you. When you came to Kokomo High School, I am sure that you were thinking that you were going to have a very good audience, and we would be respectful. I am so sorry that our school showed that kind of behavio...
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Nathan
I have been against smoking, drugs, and alcohol all my life. I felt awful when you told us about Marie. I am from Kokomo High, and would like to personally apologize for my school's outrageous behavior. There were, however, very many kids listening to ...
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Zach
Rick, thank you for finding time in your busy schedule to come to the Northwestern High School today and telling us your sad story. I feel sorry for you to here such a tragic but, true story. When you told us your story I started to cry. As a guy, I feel ...
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Amanda
well for on Rick while at our school today i had a part of me that goes out ot Marie but then i have that feeling of if she knew what was causing her cancer then why wouldn't she try to stop and give up but then i think of everyone else and everything i h...
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adriana
hey rick i really want you to e-mai me back but hey i don't care if you don't.you might not remember me but i am from eastbrook and i talked to you after you spoke to everybody and you told me that it will be okay! my mom has cancer and she still smokes a...
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haley
i know u sead not to ask u to wright back but if u dont i dont care but will u post all thats in tobacco me and a lot of frends are going to post it on the school wesit so if u could post it on here or send it to one of the techers at upland school.my mom...
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Joshua
Dear, Rick
I want to think you for what you do. You came to Mississinewa High today, and talked about smoking. I hate the smell of cigarettes. It gives me a head ack. So I know I will never smoke, but after you showed me all the things they ...
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J.D.
Hey Rick im praying for you, dont let life get you down. just look up and know that God loves you and wants the best for you. Your doing a great thing for people, you have touched many peoples lives including mine. I hope you are blessed with your journey...
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Olivia
Dear Rick,
I just want to start off by saying your not alone.
When you came to my middle school last year, i never forgot your courage to speaking to us. I bought your book "The Burning Truth", and read many pages so far. My grandmother has stopped smok...
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Emily
i cant believe what happned to you, it was touching in many ways. my mom smokes and im scared that something will happen to her. i try to tell her to stop using all the advice you taught me at acadia middle school. thank you for everything you dooo ! (:
...
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Kari
Rick,Thank you for coming to talk to my school in Pulaski.It had a huge affect on alot of people. Alot of people, as you saw, raised their hands when you ask if we were exposed to ciggarette smoke. Well, i was one of them. I also know how it feels to hav...
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Chelsea
Rick has made me realize that its a terrible thing to smoke or chew. I wish companies would smarten up and stop making that terrible stuff. Rick what i wanted to say was thank you for talking to SRF school and talking to us younger kids to help prevent sm...
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Latasha
Rick you have inspired almost everyone I know including me!!! Ilove how you have enough guts to actually go up in front off a lot of people and tel about your wifes death!!! If someone in my family died I would never be able to go up in front of hundreds ...
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Amanda
Rick you made me feel that somking is a bomb ready to make the earth explode. Smoking is what gave my dad c.o.p.d. Now he is on an oxygen system to help him breathe. He takes so many inhailers, it's not funny. I just want to thank you for coming to Pulask...
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Rick,
I just want to thank you so much. I have taken a lot away from your speech and life story, I can tell how hard this is on you. I dont have any idea what you are going threw but it just seems hard and i want you to know that what you are doing is...
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Jeanifer
I wanted to thank you so much for speaking at my school today(9-10-09).It has inspired me so much.And i know what its like to loose someone close to you.Its hard but you have you move on knowing there somewhere better and happier.Last year,you came to our...
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Shelby
Hello,Rick! You have recently been a speaker at my school and it has really inspired me to help others who use tabacco. i will try my best to talk to my family about their smoking habits and try to help them. Thank you for coming to my school.I could tell...
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Nicole
I want to say thank you so much for speaking at my school the other day. Many people before the assembly thought it was just going to be a boring assembly, just like the rest of the assemblys we have had. After the assembly, me and my friends talked, and ...
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Mercedes
Rick...Today you came to my school and gave your presentation...It really touched me....It reminded me of my parents because they have been smoking for a long time...I told them about your prensentation today...I really hope they quit....I knew before tod...
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shelly
my stap sister pest away 2 years a going. From smoking she was 23 years a going.because she saw tv show that beid her to smoke . she gust finsh cogger. than pest away on May 24,2006. when I was in 3 grade...
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Alison
rick, i just wanted to say that when you came into my school today(Hartford Central School) you touched my heart and trust me im not just saying that. Your story was so sad, yet convinced a lot of people just how bad smoking is. i never really thought a...
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Brenda
I was truely touched by your presentation. I'm sure Marie is looking down from heaven and is very proud of you. Thanks for making a difference in so many lives. God Bless....
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Cassidy
hey rick. i'm cassidy from hartford central school. you came to my school today, and you really taught me a lot. i mean, i knew i wasn't going to smoke ever in my life, but you really convince me to never even think about it. and i really appreciate that....
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Kasie
u came to my skool yesterday. i am a 7th grade student at Shenendehowa. when i heard ur story it reminded me i could possibly loose my mom to smoking. she has been smoking for as long as i can remember and she has told me she smoked before i was born. i a...
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fall
I had liked the assembly yesturday it was very touching and helped me learn so much more than i already knew about smoking. Your story was awesome Im so sorry bout your wife I know how it feels to lose someone over smokng. so thank you so much!!...
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Victoria
you have touched my life by hearing your story. Thank you for making a difference...
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Allysia
Rick when you cam to my school today i criend i felt the pain you were in i just haven't been put in a situation like that before i just want to say thenk you it touched me very deeply I told everyone imn my family about that story. I am truly sorry. God...
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Amanda
Rick, thank you for coming to my school and touching the lives of others. When you said that Marie had seizures, that made me think of my aunt. My aunt has smoked and smoked for years, and I am afraid that she might be developing lung cancer. What would h...
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Maria
Rick you came to my school a couple days ago and your video and story about your wife touched me its so sad but I think you are doing a great job and should keep telling your story I am sooooooooooooooo sorry Thanks for being so concerned!...
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Casey
That assembly today suprised me.I was suprised to here that someone was finally worse then me.My parents are split up and my dad smokes to take away the stress.I tell him its bad and i cant tell him without crying.But one time he said he promised to stop ...
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Donovan
I am in acadia middle school I like how you came to our school today it was very touching...
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Emily and Emily
Wow. I didnt know what the assembly at school today was about. I was so touched because smoking related illnesses have engulfed my family and 55 year old father. He used to be a strong, smart marine; but now he uses a wheelchair and has heart and lung dis...
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Chelsea
I read your story today in one of my classes, as well as seeing the commercials you've done in hopes of reaching out and making a difference. As a senior in high school, I am surrounded by classmates that smoke, as well as my older friends now in college....
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Adam
Hello Rick. I'm Fom Duanesburg Middle School. I have to lost both of my great granperents because of smoking. I feel bad for you. Thanks for talkin to me...
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Cecilia
Dear Rick,
I read the article about you in my hometown paper (Tupper Lake NY) and was so touched by your story. I, too, lost someone dear to my heart. My cousin Debbie died from lung cancer in August 2004, at the age of 34. She left behind 4 great kids...
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Niki
If you want to be horrified, check out the article "New Brinkerhoff Business Blows Smoke Rings Through Downtown" on the Plattsburgh Press Republican Web site. It not only glamorizes smoking, with only a very short blurb at the end detailing health risks, ...
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Emmily
Rick, in Oneonta, NY at the highschool/middle school, I remember you coming. This was almost two years ago, if memory serves me right. I recently moved to Wright City, Missouri. Our highschool is absolutley horrible, to be quite honest. The same way mine ...
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Jenna
Rick's appearance at my school has really made me think about speaking to people. For the last 5 years I have had a lot of problems with my family and relied on my grandma for help to get me through bad times. She was an amazing, non-judgemental person an...
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joyce
rick affected me alot because someone in my family died from smoking. i also made a video about smoking on youtube so if you get a chance find STOP SMOKING by peaches4281996.........................................
Hi Joyce,
Thank you for your video. I...
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Alyssa
rick, you are like a super hero to me. i love that you are going around telling your story, it must be extremly emotional. i will look up to you for the time to come. i want to than you for comeing to my school (canastota high school). you don't understa...
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Abigail
Rick came to my school in Tupper Lake. I have to say what he said realy affected me. When was little my grandpa took me and my twin ally just about everywhere.After that we would go out to eat at his favorite resturant(also ours at the time) He would alwa...
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Allison
In my grandpa\'s family he had 11 siblings. Eight of them died from smoking. One got ran over by a car.
Ones still alive but my grandpa died when i was in third grade. You recently made a trip up to the Adriondacks.Your story affect me and all my friends...
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zack
This made a big diffrence on me because my uncle died because of smoking,I cut my hair today because my uncle dided today(october,3 2008...
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Jessica
Hello Rick, my name is Jessica from Canastota High School. I am very glad you came to our school. Though I cried at your speech I think it was very moving. I feel that you made a big difference in our school and helped a lot of people see why smoking i...
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J.D.
Rick you affected me in many ways. You opened up my eyes to take the initiative to Go out and help people to stop smoking, And for my father to quit and help him. I thank you for coming to New Life Christian School Rick. Your in my prayers..and i know you...
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todd
yes it has becaues i think that big long paper you have shown me is dumb that they put all that in cigurets dunb DUMB DUMB!!! that his so stupid well Thank you for shareing that story with us im telling everybody not to smoke...
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Michelle
Rick you made a big impression on me while you were at my school (DeRuyter Central School) I'm really sorry about your wife and I'm in the sixth grade at deruyter i think you got through to alot of people...
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Shane
Hey Rick i am a 8th grader at Brookfield Central and after you came to us i feel that i hav to tell you something. I wanted to tell you that when I just turned 13 i started smoking for at least 1 month if not 2 months and I am very glad i was able to stop...
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brandon
hey rick my name is brandon from canastota high school and to be honest no assembly has ever hit me as hard as the one you put on today. your effort to make a change in teen's lifes is just amazing and i on behalf of canastota high school would like to th...
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Pete
I'm a teacher here @ DeRuyter, where you just talked. Thank you for your efforts. I don't have any real data for you but I do have a friend from Puerto Rico. He has stated many times " ciggarettes in U.S. very weak." He smokes Marboros and goes on to say...
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amanda
hi my name is amanda and i'm from canastota high school and rick came to my school today. i kno that smoking is bad for you and i agree with everything that he said to us today b/c my grandfather died from melanoma cancer b/c of smoking and i myself smoke...
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Lance
hi.. than you for coming to my school in Tupper Lake. you have made me change the way i look at tobacco industries in a different way forever. thank you very much. and i'm sorry that your wife has died. and remember when you said "You will probubly walk o...
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genevieve
i just wanted to tell u that ur story of ur wife has got to me i am very sorry that she had to die of cancer everytime i get on a computer all i can do is look at ur video is has made me cry so many times i had showed my mother today she had told me that ...
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someone sad =[
I SEEN YOU AT MY SCHOOL SLAMIN SALMON RIVER !!!!!!!! IUT WAS COOL!!!! COME AGIN SOON!!! <3...
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I saw Rick a couple days ago at my school. I've been to a million of these seminars before, and I was expecting the same old story again. What I didn't expect was this man to preach his life story to us. It surprised me. I have always thought that smoking...
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Marsha
I was moved to tears during this week when I saw you at my school. You confirmed all my worst fears about smoking. I can honestly say I've never tried a cigarette even thought both my parents are heavy smokers. I fear for my parents every day. As a parent...
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Anonymous
Rick opened my eyes, especially about the children being exsposed to ciggarettes in Disney movies. And especially when he said what he said about spinach. I fear someday I'll lose my dad, he sounds like a fish out of water and hacks up his lungs all the t...
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Rick has opened my eyes 150%. I saw him today at my school, Salmon River Central. Of all the stories I have heard, he got through to me. I didn't want to go and listen to him, I dreaded it all week but I went, and it changed me. He said spinach kille...
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joyce
rick affected me because i felt real sorry for him and i am so amazed at wut he does...
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josh
i just wanted to know how much yuor story has meant to me its a very sad story bought you make a big diffrence buy sharring you are a very brave and strong man i wish you the best of luck and i hope you can come back to my school again (chateaugay centra...
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thank you so much for coming to salmon. it was great having someone come here. my mom has smoked for a while , quit, and then started again last year after stress. she's quiting again soon. i talked to my family about your lesson and i really want to than...
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Miranda
Well one, I know now that it's more dangerous to smoke more then I even Imagined. Thanks for visiting Northern NY. Even though I never smoked a day in my life (and never plan to), I still think it changed my view on smoking. It was a very sad story you to...
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John
he made me realize that i should talk to my parents and that them smoking affects them alot and that it affects me and my 3 older brothers. So thank you for coming to my school i really appreciate it....
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Janis
Thank you for telling your story. I have 53 days smokefree and reading about Marie will help keep me smokefree. Blessing to you for what you are doing....
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Hope
Hi Rick,
I am a teacher at Chateaugay Central where you just finished speaking. While you were here today, my dad is in the hospital struggling with pneumonia and complications from COPD caused by years of heavy smoking. Thank you so much for the thing...
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Crystal
Heyy Rick. You came to Gorham Middle/High School a few months ago, and your story was amazing. I'm very sorry about what happened to your wife, and my sister quit smoking. You inspire many!...
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Danielle
i need help. i have people of my on family that is smoking. Three are up in Clymer for know. what do i do to help....
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adrianna
rick im sry about what happend to your wife and im glad ur takeing a stand
good luck!...
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Jessica
Rick, I am writing to you because you whent to my school this year {Corcoran High- New York}. I whant to let you know that you are a great inspiration, as I was sitting in my school's auditorium I noticed how great a person you and your wife are. I wish...
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Amanda
Rick- u have no idea how much ur presentation meant to me! i saw u at my school (South Adams in Indiana) several months ago for the second time =] i have to admit the first time i was like yah w/e i dont want to be here. but this past time i was glued to ...
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Nicole
Heyy Rick, its nicole from new york, aka cappiccino girl<3 I heard the song "who youd be today" on the radio, and i burst out in tears. i miss you so much. your story has it my whole family. I told my dad about it and he cut down so much on smoking. and M...
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Clarissa
Thank you so much...i showed my dad these videos and he stopped smoking...my dad is the only one that i ave and i dont know what i would ahve done if i lost him...thank you so much fior saving my daddy...
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Michaela: The Disagreement With Nick
Dear Rick,
I have recently read a few of entries made by a \'Nick\', and i strongly disagree with a few points that he is trying to make.
1. Nick pointed out that if you drink to much water, your kidneys could shut down. I would like to point out, that ...
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mikey
You have changed my life forever. I have tried to get everyone around me to quit. They are trying to now. I'm allways on them about it. Thank you for talking to Galway. I think you have chang a lot of people lives. Thank you for evything....
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hi my name is elizabeth you came to my school(nort
you have made me realize how important it is that i get my mom dad and step mom to stop smoking. I will never start to smoke because (well i never planned on smoking)of what you said and showed us eww!!well i am still trying to get them to stop.thank you ...
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daisy
I've heard a million times why smoking is bad but until i heard it from your mouth i never really thought about how it can destroy someone's life as much as it has done to your wife. Thank you so much for speaking at my school(Frontier) because i'm not go...
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The Intern
To be honest you have’t really taught me much about smoking that I didn’t already know. Sure I was disgusted by the tar bottle, the list of chemicals that Hooked On Phonics couldn’t even help me read, and the absurd tactics of the tobacco industry but wh...
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You're an inspiration! Neither my husband nor myself smoke. I have 3 young children and I pray each day that if they're ever pressured by their peers to smoke that they''ll have enough strength and information to say no. I found out today how hard that...
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Autumn
Your impact on my life is bigger then the sun! Please keep up your awesome work and keep telling the story of truth. You are changing the country and our futures one school at a time. Again, thank you very much :) rock on!...
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Kailey
thank you for what you do, informing people about the truth. you did a great job, and i know that you have reached many people with your story. God has a big plan for you, and what your doing. your story will never stop touching people. people like you de...
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Cayla.
Dear Rick,
I am one of many people that you affected a couple weeks ago at Frontier Middle School. I personaly really enjoyed your peresentation I think its the absolute best assembely my school has ever had since ive been there. I loved it so much and I...
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Olivia
I Thought your presentation was great. (Frontier Middle School) I kinda know where your coming from. I lost a cousin at the age of 18 from smoking. He Had Cancer......If he was still alive to this day, he would be 56 years old. It's painful because he hel...
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Danielle
Dear Rick, I know how you feel. But Keep on living on. Tell your story with other kids....
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Jacob
I dont know why ur whinning people have used tobbaco forever ur not going to stop it so quite trying its a persons own choice to chew or smoke not urs or the governments ...
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Emma
Rick, first off, i would just like to say how much i appreciated your presentation at my school. I feel deeply for you and your families loss. At home, i myself have my mother who smokes cigarettes and my father who smokes cigars. I am deeply conscious...
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Jordan
Dear Rick,
I enjoyed your presentation on what smoking can do to your body and how it affects your life and family. It must have been really hard for you and your wife to have to go through that and have to suffer that way. It\'s cool that you are going ...
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the tribe
rick thanx u soo much for tht story im sorry for ur loss i have been tryin to get my cousin to stop smoking for a long time later on i got sick of it nd just stopped telling her to stop but listenig to ur story really touch me i just feel tht ur stroy ins...
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john
hey rick i wanted to thank you for coming to our school. you helped me to quit smoking and showed my best friends fat Joe, Eric, and stidham to give me the support i need. so thanks and keep doing what you do because it really helps!...
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Kali
He tought me to never start smoking in my life. it was sad to hear his story...
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Rick,
I was thinking of a marketing tool you could use to keep the message alive. Give each school a hand full of small posters with your face on it. They can hang them up in school then every two weeks move them to different spots so kids keep seein...
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sarah
rick i am sorry for your loss i know how it feels. All of my greta aunts and uncles and grandfathers have died from smoking. Just last year in september my best friends mother died i lived next door to them my whole life and she was like a mother to me sh...
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Deanna
well after the assembly at fronteir middle school in hamburg, me and my friends were like, that is so true and so sad . i got scared because my grandma and dad are heavy smokers. i didnt know all of that until you came to our school. i thought it was goin...
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Jessica and Mckenzy
Right now we are listening to the song, "Who You'd be Today," and we thought of looking at your page and seeing how you were doing... You went to our school, Stillwater, a couple months ago. =]...
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Emily
Hey Rick!
Thank you so much for coming to Emmet Belknap on 5/22. Your story made me cry. I'm very sorry about marie. She seemed like the most wonderful person. Your story encouraged me to never smoke in my life. I've lost friends and family from smoking....
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I thought it was very nice of you to come to Sweet Home Middle I know for a fact i will never start smoking. I also think it was a real eye opener for my peers and I think they all will think about your story if they ever face the choice of smoking or not...
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Mary Evanco-Caryk, RN
I have been blessed to see Rick 2 years in a row in Buffalo, NY. I am a Registered Nurse who works at a health center which services primarily Developmentally Disabled individuals and the underserved minority population ( many Medicaid patients) I have a...
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Mary Evanco-Caryk, RN
I wanted to add one more thing. I believe that Marie is with you every moment of everyday and is so proud of what you do. ...
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Emily
Thank you for coming to my school, North Park! You are truely an inspiration. Telling people what happened to your wife must be the hardest thing you ever do. Having someone die from something so terrible like lung cancer, is so sad...and so hard. Thank y...
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Lisa
Rick when you came to Ams on may 21st and told us that story that happend to you and ur wife i felt real bad it got me and my friend really upset we even started crying. My friend and i both promised each other we are never going to smoke a cigerette as l...
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Cassie
Dear Rick your an insperation to me and many others your story touched me but i was afraid to cry in front of my friend but I am very sorry for your loss me and my family send your family blessings i am from Emmet Belknap and on 5/22 you came to my scho...
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Destiny
Thank you for coming to Emmet Belknap on 5/22. Im really sorry about your wife Marie. Listening to your story almost made me cry. You have made sure that i will never smoke in my life. I tried talking to my parents but they didnt listen,it is really hard ...
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David
hi rick thank you for coming to our school that day i heard kids say there going to stop and i hope that they just don't talk about stopping they have to do work your story makes me want to go to as store with cigar ates and just take them all and just th...
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Jake
Hi Rick you came to my school, North Park, and your story really made me pay attention because my mom smokes and i have asthma and sometimes my sister and I cant breath. We know she smokes more than a pack a day, but she says just a pack. Also she has bee...
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Abby
thanks for comming to my school. My dad smokes. he always is coughing. i cant even remember when he didnt smoke. when u told the story about your wife i cried because i dont want my dad to die. i always try to get him to stop but he wont......
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kate
thak you for visiting my school this week. i know what u mean i to haved lost someone dear to me.it is hard to talk in front of every one about what had happen to u about your wife.but u r being brave and telling your feeling out about smoking and how it ...
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Brian
hey thanx for cumin to emmet 5/22, listening to ur story almost made me cry, and im usually not the one too cry, you have made sure that i will never smoke a day in my life, i lost friends and family to smoking and i will not lose myself to smoking,
once...
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brandon
i'm from emmet belknap, and i wanted to say thank you for coming and telling us your story. it was very emmotional for me and alot of my friends. i know i will never try somthing so stupid as smoking....
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KayLeigh
Rick, thank you so much for coming to my school on May 21st. Your story touched my heart. My father smokes and he got really sick, to the point where he had trouble breathing, and he told me "I'm trying for you to stop smoking." and now I can send his inf...
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calena
dear rick,
thank you so much or comming to our school and skpeaking with us you truly opened up eyes to anothe world !...
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Alexis [cheeta 21]
thank you so much for coming to our school Emmet Belknap and talking to us. Im so sorry about your wife Marie and I wish you the best of luck troughout your career. my aunts and uncles smoke and im trying to get them to stop. So thinks for the advice...
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felicia
rick, your story was unbelieveable. im so sorry about marie. A lot of my family smokes and some have quit. Some still do though. I just really want to say thankyou for coming to speak to emmet belknap today[5/22]. i honestly almost started to cry when you...
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allie
thank you so much to come to FMS. you should me how much smoking can affect people, kow i just hope my family listen to me when i told them this story. thank you aging for making my school one of your stops...
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Dear Rick,
Thank you for coming to Emmet BelknapSchool today, and giving your heart touching presentation. I now know some of the true and deadly facts that tobacco industries were always trying to hide. Your presentation really touched me because r...
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Rachel
rick, thank you so much for coming to emmet belknap today to talk to us. Your story really touched me. I will never forget you and your story. I'm so sorry about your wife and I think what your doing is great. I almost started crying. Thank you again so ...
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Dylan
Rick, thanks so much for coming to emmet belknap today and gave your depressing story. Right now im in a great struggle to stop my mom to quit smoking. My mom, dad,brother,sister,and all my cousins smoke and thats ho much second hand smoke i am to exposed...
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nicl
rick,
today at emmet i was soooo touched by your story and tries to keep a dry eye as well as i could, but it was very hard, you are truuly an insperation and helped me make the decision to never smoke in my life.
p.s thanks for th...
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erin
rick today you precented at north park middle school my papa has been ussing chew since for 20 22 years now . im really worried cause it really is bringing me down cause i dont whant to see him gone im a major papas girl so i really love him allot i whant...
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alex
hi rick. thanks for coming to emmet belknap today. i lost my grnadma and one of my dads bestfriends from lung cancer caused by smoking. the whoile time i was thinking about how much i missed them and what i could gave done to help them quit smoking. but n...
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Gianna (G-fizzle)
Rick you made me think about my life and how my parents smoke...so today 5-22-08 i straight up told my mom to please quit, and she said that she will try er hardest for my sake... if it wasnt for you this probally would have never happend, so thanx, and g...
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Angela
Rick thanks for coming to Emmet 5/22/08 my aunt died of cancer a few years ago, and a few months later my Grandma died.I thought that all the facts were amazing.When you played the music two people behind me started crying and when i heard them i started ...
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Jak
hey rick thanks for coming to emmet to talk to the students.your story's are great,they motovate people.thanks....
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John
Dear rick, Thanks for the presentation you gave to us at emmet belknap. i Enjoyed it alot and when u started to play the music i almost cried but i held it in. My grandfather died just last november he was a heavy smoker but he had heart disease he smoked...
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Nathan
Rick,
Thank you so much for coming to speak to the students at Amherst Middle School on
May 22, 2008. You've definately made a tremendous impace on the 6th graders. Today during class, the students shared their comments freely about how you have chan...
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Gerald
Rick, your story has touched my heart. I am one of the students you came to talk to on 5/22/08. Your song "Who you'd be today" helped me remeber what I have went through in the past. I am sorry for your family. I started crying when i found my grandmother...
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kevin
Rick thank you for helping me to stay stong. I have tryed to stop soming for a long time. I am 13 years old and i have been smoking for 3 years now. I have not somked in 3 days. Two eeks ago I was clean for a week....
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Mr. B (teacher)
I love your honesty and presentation style. It made me think of my own grandfather who died before the cancer got him.
He was a chain smoker and drinker until emphysema and liver problems made him stop. During the last 10 years of his life he had b...
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Henry
rick thanks for comming to my school because u helped me and im going to talk to my parents about your story and how bad it is for you u made me take a look at my life and im not going to ruin it also thank you for comming to my school...
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Lisa
dear rick, our whole 6th grade feel really upset about what happend to your wife. the story you told today really made people cry i even started crying and so did my friends. especially when you looked at your wife in the picture and played the music. tha...
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Camille
Hey, this is Camille from FHS, you touched me so much today (5/21), all of my friends were talking about how they were going to quit smoking, or never even try it. Im so glad your doing what you do, and i know it has effected so many kids. Thank you so mu...
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Lisa
hey rick thank you so much for comming to amherst middle. You have really changed a lot of our minds about smoking. a lot of my friends were crying. i talked to all my friends and we feel really bad that you lost your wife.thanks again for a great experia...
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Kaitie
Rick came to my school today, 5/21/08, and your whole presentation will stick with me forever. I think that it was very touching. I am so happy that i got to hear you speak. Thank you so much for coming to Frontier High School!!...
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christina
rick i know i just wrote to you but thank you again for all of what you tought me. i knew someone who smoked and died of lung cancer,bone cancer and one that i dont remember. i was sitting in the front row and i was crying remebering what happened to my n...
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Lauren
As you know im from AMS you talked to us on may 21, 2008 you really touched my heart i wanted to cry and while im writing this i am crying . You really made me think about that and now im talkin to my loved ones to stop smoking and i hope i can see u soon...
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lauren
I know will never think about smoking @ all i am very young and he came to my school and touched my heart to tell the thruth i wanted to cry so badly because his story was so sad. I felt his pain and i know how it fells when u loose a loved one or someone...
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Rick, I am from Amherst Middle School and me and my friend were so touched by your story and this has encouraged me to make a change in my life. I will stand up for your cause and stay smoke-free for life! We love you!!!
...
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You made some very good points from the things you have said. You made a big impact on me thank you. You have touched many people fromt he things that you have said. One of my friends have stopped smoking becasue of your presentatiion. And alot of them ar...
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tyler
hey rick im so sry about your wife from that lesson it made me tell my grandma not to smoke well i hope you have a good life and a good trip around the world booya! im from middle skool and thais in amhust the present tation that u did today...
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tony
i am a amherst middle skool student and thank u for the tip and story i will never smoke. i am soory about you wife :-[...
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Lisa
Rick when you came to Amherst Middle today you really made me think about smoking and why its bad for you. i hope you come back to give another speach next year....
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.....
rick i wanted to let you no that i was so glad you came and talked to my school it ment alot to me.you probably opened my eyes so much when you told us about Marie. thank you alot for that. i know for a fact I\'m not doing anything lik that ever. and also...
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christina
dear rick,
you have influenced my life so much on that presentation you gave my school.......Anherst Middle School.i know people who smoke who are trying to quiet but cant because of the addiction. Second hand smoking is hard on me necause i get at least...
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Jaime
Rick, I go to Frontier High School in NY, and your story is deffinately something I can relate to. The day you came to talk to us, I was in the second row, and I couldn't help but cry. In October of 2007, my dad recently passed away from lung cancer, and ...
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rachel
hey rick. my name is rachel and i go to northtowns academy. u were amazing. u touched my life in so many ways. i know what you mean. my dad who lives north carolina is dying from cancer from smoking ever since he ws like 14. he is really ill and everythin...
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Brian
Hey rick i thought you were amazing.... i go to casey middle school.....I just wanted to say hats off to you.... or should i say hair..... Thank you, and i just wanted to let you know that one of my friends has stopped smoking because of your story ...
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...
Hey rick thanks for coming to frontier today your story really spoke to me i will never smoke because of you this was a great expierence for me but very sad...
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Erica
Dear Rick Stoddard,
The presentation that you gave in our school was a very powerful message. You made some of us cry LOL. Thank you so much for visiting our school, Tonawanda Middle School...I am going to never give up trying to get my Aunt to quit sm...
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Max
Dear Rick,
your story made me realize the stupidity in tobacco. I also remember you saying that our letters helped you, well these are the least we can do for you you really changed many of our opinons on smoking i cant thank you enough. Keep it up....
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Cara
Dear Rick,
I just wanted to let you know thank you for the presentation that you gave at my school, Sweet Home Middle School. You have inspired me never to smoke in my whole life time. And try to get other people to stop or quit. Thank You...
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Andrea
Dear Rick,
You visited my school, Frontier Middle School, on May 20. I just wanted to thank you so much for the presentation you gave us It meant a lot to me, for there are quite a few people in my family who smoke:grandparents, uncles, aunts, co...
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Windy
I am so glad u came 2 frontier middle school. Ur story made me cry. I have a grandpa that died just last year of lung cancer and he had colen cancer. When he went I just cried so much! Even during ur storie and how u discribed ur wife's condition it made ...
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Mark
Hi Rick, you were at my school today,5/20, and all that you did at my school was a heart touching experience. When you were talking about your wife and you played that music that you said sounded like your wife, i started crying inside. You are such a big...
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kelly
you came to my school today and it affected me a lot because my dad smokes and it hurts me to know that he could die very soon so i talked to him and because of what you said he is on his way to quitting...
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Alex
Hi Rick, you probably dont remember me but u came to my school [Sweet Home Middle School] I just want to thank you for coming to school and telling us about your story about Marie. Im very upset for you and your story. I felt very touched by your story an...
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XXX
Hi, today you came to my school. I wanted to tell you how angry I am at the tobacco companies. They don't have the right to cut someone else's life short. And them advertising to young kids? I have 2 younger brothers and a younger sister. We may always fi...
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Novica
Hey rick you came to my school today (sweet home middle school) you where amazing and im going to try to tell my parents to quit smoking so there life can be better.!...
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derek
Hi, you came to my school (sweethome middle school) I enjoyed the presentation and now i am trying to get someone to stop
Thank you,...
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zach
rick,you were awsome at hews today we loved haven you and that really got to me...
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Nicole
Rick,
Your presentation at Shen High School was phenomonal. You have reached so many people by just sharing your story. My grandmother died of lung cancer when I was 10. I have been an enormous advocate for Anti-Tobacco ever since. Thank you for sharin...
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Joe
Rick thank you for visting shenendehowa high school and I wanted to tell you that your efforts are aprieciated. Dont give up spreading your message it truly does touch people. I know i will never start smoking thanks to your presentation. Keep on spr...
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Roy
When you talk about cigarettes you are dealing with the real weapons of mass destruction. It would be nice if you would put the slide on integrity from your presentation that you used today at Shenendehowa somewhere on your website. Great Job....
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Kimberly
Rick, You recently visited the school I work in and my daughter attends; Broadalbin-Perth Intermediate School in Broadalbin, NY. I want to thank you SO much for your humility in what and how you shared. You truly have and will change the minds of many. Ke...
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Deanna
I know I have already written to you, but still, I cannot thank you enough for what you have done. I have encouraged my sister to stop smoking and my parents are starting to quit because of the inspiration that drove me to stop tobacco. That inspiration c...
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Stormie
I have alot of respect for Rick for going all over the country and have to constantly relive his wife\'s death. I imagine that that\'s really hard for him. It takes a really strong person to go through something like that and to try inspire other people. ...
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After seeing your presentation it made me want to more research about tobacco and smoking. So i took out a book from the library. It's an old book. Copyrighted in '64. "Young People and Smoking" by Arthur Cain
but in the first chapter the first thing i...
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Taylor
rick you had done a good thing to our school at madrid waddington central school. you opened my eyes more about tobacco. just thinck you will not see me smoking. im sorry about what had to happen to you it is a big loss. i asked my parents to stop and my ...
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Taylor
that was a wonderful thing you did to tell everyone what hapend to your wife. it would of took me a lot of guts to do what you did. i asked my mom and dad if they can stop smoking and they said no. so every day i have to worry if they are going to be ok. ...
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Taylor
rick you did a nice presenttation to the school maddrid waddington central school and i hope someday that everyone will stop smoking and just through it all away and tell all of the people who smoke just to give it up. you opened my eyes to that. and i t...
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Tina
Rick,
I was always so touched by your commercials. They started appearing this year in Louisiana. I am so sorry for the loss of your lovely wife, Maria. Keep sharing your story and may God bless you. Tina...
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Hey rick i just wanted to tell you that you really helped me and i wanted to theank you for ceoming to TEA South Dakota and talk to us you were great adn by the way i heard your song that you played when you were speching and i thought about you and your ...
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Ashley
Hey Rick,
You were at my school a couple days ago. (Gouverneur Central) and i really thought your presentation was very touching. i came right home and got on your website. I also showed my parents your PSA's. My dad is a smoker (sometimes i think he is ...
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Bobbiesue
you came to my school Madrid Waddington
your presentation made me think about my father. he smokes and i dont know how to tell him that i dont want him to and that he shouldnt. your presentation affected me alot. it made me think that any moment of any ...
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kelli sue
Read This!
From ksobrien on 5/3/2008 2:18:55 PM
From Marie Stoddard on 12/13/1996 1:06:08 PM
For those of you, who like me, are on the roller coaster right now, and for everyone who needs reinforcement or motivation, read the following. I copied it...
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Shelby
Rick I think you put an inspirational move to those who attended the assembly at Madrid Waddington May 2. You opened my eyes to the up most dangerous risks of smoking. Marie seemed like a wonderful person and I am sorry that her life was ended so soon. I...
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Lauren
Rick
i want to thank you for coming to our school at madrid waddington.you have effected so many people. what you do takes a lot of strenght, talking about your wife to all of the schools.
I lost my mom and little brother in a car accident. It is real...
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Natalia & Sam !!!!
You had came to our school (lisbon central) and this was very nice of you to come. I thought that your presentation was wonderful. My grandmother smokes to and sometimes i just get worried about how she is going to do in the future and i am really scared...
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Matthew
Mr.Stoddard I go to Madrid-Waddington and you were at our school today.. and only grades 6-8 could go so I wasn't allowed to attend. The thing was, my girlfriend is an 8th grader so she was at the assembly, and she told me she got the chance to talk to yo...
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Carrie
Dear Rick,
you have visted my school today [April 2,2008] I hope you remember me..i was the girl sistting in the front row and i bit the other girls hand and you said i scared you..haha..but the reason i am writing is becuase in your presentation you sai...
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amanda
rick, u have affected me in so many ways i cant put into words its just soo unbelievible that u have made i this far, i had lost my grandpa 2 years ago, he died the day after my mom and brother got out of the hospital,(she had just had him),he said that h...
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Tyler
Rick you came to my school and talked about tobacco and how it takes life and yes it takes people in america but you should speak to the army almost everone in the army smokes...
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Deanna
Dear Rick,
You have been to my school twice and given a presentation on smoking and the tobacco industry, both times, were inspirational. People cannot imagine, the trouble, the pain, the suffering that one can go through losing someone they love. I ha...
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brooke
you just came to my school and i thought you did a good. my grandfather and uncle had died in the last 4 years. i wish i can talk to my mom into quiting but it is not my responssiblility to. i am sorry about you loss. i will take your advise and take it w...
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Heather
Hey, Thanks for comming to our school. I know you touched a few people today. The person next to me was crying. I think what you do is a great idea and I hope people will get the idea....
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Dear Rick, Your presentation was incredible. It touched many people here a MW. Alot of people cried and everyone loved it. Thank you so much and i hope to see you again at our school. Sincerely, The 7th and 8th graders of MW....
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kayla
Rick, thank you for coming to our school (Norwood-Norfolk central) I really liked your prsentation. it was sad but i liked it. Thank you again....
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Kirstin
Hi Rick. You just came to my school in Gouverneur yesterday. That is the second time I have listened to your story and I still cried! I think it is great that you go and talk to kids because I am sure it changes a lot of peoples minds about smoking!! I ha...
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Sierra
I have learned a lot from you and I know a little more than i did before thank you so much!!...
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joshua
thank you for coming to my school at madrid wattington school. you told me some things about smoking that effected me because my mom smokes and you told me some good things that i never herd like that im going to tell my mom to stop smoking thank you rick...
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Morgan
Rick i just wanted to say thank you soo much for coming to my school at Madrid-Waddington in New York. Your story has really touched me. My dad smokes and it really opened my eyes to how much he is at risk of dieing. He means a lot to me and if i were to ...
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Kristine
Rick, you have helped me understand the dangers of tobacco products are very, very dangerous. Your story about Marie was an insparation. I know now to never, ever smoke and to help people understand what would happen. Thankyou for your speech, it was trul...
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Colin
Rick has affected me because realize how bad tabaco really is. I didn't realize how much tabaco killed until the presentation with Rick. I never would of known all of the things that were in tabaco. ...
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Randy
He has made me realize the horrible truth about tobacco and how many lives it truly kills....
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Courtney
On May 1, 2008, you really changed a lot of lives at Heuvelton Central School. Including mine. I would really like to thank you for your presentation, and I know that Marie really appreciates it. Thank you again and take care. ...
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kenneth
rick,thank you for coming to my school at gouvernuer ny middle school i wil try to get my mom and dad to quit smoking I hope to see you again...
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Lizzy
Hey Rick!
Well I think you are an sent from heaven! You came to my parents restaurant today on May 1st. They were the first restaurant in our county and beyond to go smoke free a year or longer before it became a law . We took alot of heat from costumers...
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Rick, thank you for your advice and about how smoking effects so many people! You where at my school today (5/1/08) and really convinced me not to try and/or smoke.
THANK YOU!!!...
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Ray
Rick I saw you yesterday at my school (Lisbon Central) and I was the kid right in front of you in the front row. I just wanted to tell you that my dad quit smoking two years ago after you came to my school for the first time. I know that you gave me the c...
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mackenzie shady rachael and brooklyn
thank you for comming to gouverneur middle school we had a very very good time with you!
thanks for talking to us.i like the part when you said \\\\\\\'if you are smoke around me you better be on fire..\\\\\\\'! haha that was funny. thanks for comming! =...
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Rick,
I can't even imagine what you've gone through. What your doing is simply amazing, I can't imagine the horror or having to retell that nightmare over and over again. You came to my school two years ago and you came yesterday and just like you did ...
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Bridget
Rick, your story touched me rite where it counts, my heart.I am so happy that you are doing this for kids like me just because I don\'t want to get adicted to stuff like cigerettes. To be truthful I don\'t want to ruin my life OR die a a young age like yo...
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shania
Rick has affected me because he has tought me a valuable lesson because if i smoke i could get lots of types of cancer. Also i could die. Also because of all of the nasty stuff inside of the cigerettes. ...
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i wanted to let u know that your story about Marie was very sad if i was in your place i would have been balling my eyes out. but u r so stong bc u probably have told the story so many times that u found no tears to cry anymore. my mom smoked for a whil...
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jennifer
Rick you have affected me in many was. Both of my parents smoke, I can't stand it. I just got done watching your presentation on April 30 at Lisbon Central School and thats when it hit me I need to ask my parents to stop smoking before it killes them. you...
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Taylor
Rick,
You just were at my school about 5 minutes ago your assembly really touchd me. i dont know how you feel cause i cant possibly relate to what youve been through but keep doing what your doing cause i know it is working. Marie is so thankful for wha...
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Racael
Where to begin......Rick you are my hero! You had came to my school in 2007(Edmeston Central) and just recently I heard you speak at Great Escape lodges. Every time I here your story of Marie it reminds me of my dad and how he has been smoking sense he wa...
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Sammy
Hey Rick!
Just thought you might want to check this sight out. I'm doing an english project on Reality Check, and I found this sight. It reminded me of you.
And I never got to say bye to you at the summit =[
http://www.tobaccofreekids.org/reports...
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Anonymous
Dear Rick,
I recently saw you speak for Reality Check in New York. I just want to let you know how much your story affected me. Many people close to me have died from tobacco related illnesses and my parents quit a long time ago, and I am so thankful for...
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Illyanna
Rick, you have affected me by you emotional story. I am very sorry about your loss. It must take alot of courage to travel around the U.S. and share your emotional story. I really have been touched by your story when you came to the Corn Palace and share...
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Lee
Dear Rick,
I've Been in Reality Check for along time its been 5 years now. Everytime i hear you speak it make me more angry at the tobacco industry for 2 reason 1 your wonderful wife Marie and 2 My family that passed away. I think you made an impact on p...
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Nicholas
Dear Rick,
I see that you have not posted my past comment but have posted others. Saturday you said you would post everyone's if they did not include a swear word. Apparently by disagreeing with you, I am an exception to that rule. After my first ...
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Nick
1. Yes, Tobacco is deadly. But anything and everything can be deadly. Water for instance. If you drink to much water in a given time your kidney's can shut down. Now granted, you need water to live. Potato chips on the other hand. You don't need them to l...
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Rick Stoddard
In the message posted below by "Nick" I would like to point out that Nick never gives any recognition to the true facts. The tobacco industry has succeeded to popularize and normalize tobacco for generations with manipulative marketing practices targeted ...
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Nick
Dear Rick,
Just today during a Reality Check "retreat" at Six Flags, I heard you speak, and it was moving to say the least; however, I disagree with you on a major point. You blame the Tobacco Industry for the death of people, includin...
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Michelle
He made me realize that the tobacco idustry is a nasty minlipualtive comapny that will do anything in their own power to get people to smoke. His story made very emotional just to think that they know that 12 hundred people die each day of smoking and the...
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ruby
hey i was at ur one of ur new york stops and u really affected me and my family when i told them they thought u were a great man and my mom and dad even started quitting thatk u so very much for this...
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Kayleen
so today you came to are school and well i think that you made a lot of people think about what that can do to you. i have a lot of freinds that smoke and i have tried it to and really im happy i stopped b/c my grandmpa died from it and i aways think abou...
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Brianna
Dear rick thank you for coming to Tantasqua Jr High me and my friends enjoyed meeting you...
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brook
thank you so much for coming to our school. i can tell that it ment alot to everyone to here you talk. your story has touched so many people and i hope that you continue to share it with other yong adults. i am so sorry about your loss but i am happy that...
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Darien
I am so glad you came to talk to us about your wife! I know it must have been very hard for you! When you showed her picture and played the music I started to cry! She must have been a great women! I deeply thank you and I hope you are going to be able to...
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tyler
my mom skoked for about 12 to 13 years but one day i tolde her that she was killing me and my family so than about a week later she stop..........plz email me back. so i can talk to you i go to tea sd you came to my school on april 22 2008...
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Chase
Rick! I hope all is well with you! I wish you would come back to Indiana soon. State Fair is coming up very soon and I know VOICE would love to have you. Please let me know how you are doing!
Chase...
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Jamie
Hi, i am glad that u came to our school!! if u haddent then nobady would have it hurts to know that people are dieing from smoking. i wouldnt know how u feel or any thing because because i cant. i wonder if the smoking industry even cares how many people ...
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christian
hey rick, well my dad is smoking even more than before and hate it he is such a jerk im so glad u came to this school and opened up 4 discussion about wat happened in ur life so once agin thanks...
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luis
Rick my father smokes and he has an alsur in his stomach. I relly dont nkow what to do. can you help me ...
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daisy
well i felt sad really sad because my dad was about too die and when i heard that i got soo mad and i couldnt even look at my mom but i know it wasnt here fault soo i started too call him alot and he asked to see us and i went for like about half an hour ...
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nick
rick,
you visited my school a little while ago, cherry valley, were you reached 1000000 students talked too, thinking back i noticed a flaw, its trivial, but i just thought id tell you, in the 101 dalmatians, cruella de ville does smoke, but its portraye...
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Michael
His story affected me because I have been telling people to stop smoking.He was right smoking does get you tired and it kills you....
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Samantha
When you came to my school you said right before you started that your story would hurt for you to tell and it would hurt for some people to here it and i was one it hurt to tell people can call me a "cry baby" or whatever they want but i crie a couple of...
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Julia
Thankyou Rick so much. I was really bored on the computer so I went to your website and when I saw a picture of your wife, a tear ran down my face because it\\\'s so sad to lose someone that you really care about for your whole life. You made a difference...
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Shawna
Hey Rick you came to my school Monadnock on April 15th. And i just wanted to tell you that i have stuck with that whole talk that you gave. i just cant stop thinking about my great aunt that just died of lung cancer she smoked for a long time the only peo...
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Courtney
Hi Rick,
you spoke at my school a few weeks ago and what you said has really stuck with me. I'm sure you hear all the time that you are a hero and that you change people's lives, but I want you to know that that is especially true for me. I have not know...
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a monadnock Husky
Rick affected mebecause my dad died the day before mothers day 2005. He died because he smoked and drank for as long as i can remember. we didn\'t even know he was in the hospital. We found out only after he died....
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Brianna
Rick has effected my life because my uncle died of cancer so I know how it is. ...
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Jenna
Hi Rick, you came to my school(Monadnock Middle School) on April 15, 2008 and your presentation was amazing. I know someone who has lung cancer right now and they used to smoke. So when you were giving your presentation all i could think about was her and...
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Alixa
heey rick you came too my Keene High School today 4-15-2008. i would like to tell you that i know how you feel my brother is 22 and his baby girl was just born on October 29, 2007 he was just diagnosed with DSRCT a month ago its a very rare and highly agg...
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Amber
rick, i told you today that i appreciate everything that you do. like i told you today my grandmother died just a week and a half before you came and everything you said were all things that i will never want to relive in my entire life, and i really hope...
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Felicia
well i just wanted to let u know that your presentation today at Monadnock high school was amazing and it really hit me because on january 4 of this year my grandfather died from smoking and we were very close!!!!!! the part that hit me the most was when ...
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Sara
april 15,2008
Hi Rick ! you just came to my highschool today ! and i just got home ! wow you are a hero. my uncle has lung cancer from smoking. and my dad used to smoke n i finaly got him to quit. you are a really strong person. i was crying the whole ...
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danajah
well he hasent come 2 my school yet but what i have heard of him is positive feed back and i can consider him as one of my heros in the anti-smoking unit!!!!!!...
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Felicia
well ive talked to my dad and thankyou 4 coming 2 my school i learned alot from u my dad still smokes and im really sad...
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Kate
Dear Rick,
You recently visited my high school. My boyfriend's father smokes... a lot. He has taken the habit up with his dad and told him how bad it is. For his new year's resolution, his dad decided to quit. A few weeks later i noticed he was smoking a...
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felicia
he has because my dad smoked and stil does but he gave me the courage to talk2 him...
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Paul
Hi Rick,
Just a note to say that since you were mobbed after the Rural Three for Tobacco Free Communities presentation in Oneonta last night, I couldn't get close enough to say "Good night."
My wife has been pondering pieces of your talk all day long....
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Melissa
Rick,
you are such a wonderful speaker and advocate for not smoking. even for hearing your story for the second time, I still cried. You touch so many, many people it is unbelieveable. What you do is I believe the most wonderful thing in this whole wo...
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Angie
Dear Rick,
I went to the SADD ceremony tonight..where for the first time I met you and heard of you!
Your story was very touching and made me actually cry.
My cousin is now living with us because both of his parents died. His father died on his birth...
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Jordan
Hi, I'm a senior at Cherry Valley-Springfield, where you spoke today to your one millionth student. I lost my father to cancer just four months ago, so I appreciate your speech so much. You moved so many students, even some of my friends who use tobacco...
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Amber
Hi Rick,
You just visited my school Tantasqua Regional Junior High School yesterday April 9. Any how that is really sad. If people dont know about the stuff that is involved in this this then they shouldnt put it in their body. Luckily neither one ...
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taylor
hi you impacted cherry valley springfield central school geatly. I think we took it to heart. iknow i did because I lost my grandma and aunt to it so i know how u feel....
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Andie
Rick has spoken to both of my schools and his story and information has really affected me. He\'s been such an inspiration and I\'m glad I\'ce had the opportunity ot hearhim twice....
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Gaby
Rick you are the best!! I hope you are doing well!! You recently viseted my school in broadalbin ny. I was crying when i hear your story but it awsome how you have everything so calm an collected. My dad actually die recentley from smoking, he died of l...
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Angela
Thank you for sharing your story with the kids around the nation. You are a true hero and you have touch many hearts. My son heard your story at his school in Berlin, NH and it truly made quit an impression on him. Thank you for sharing your story......
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Jessica
hey Rick, you just recently came to my school in Berlin. Your story had a huge impact on me and i wanted to say thank you so much for your wonderful story. ...
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Keith
Rick, I was really touched by your visit to my school in Berlin. My father and both my grand parents smoke and my grandfather only has about 4 months to live because he has bone and liver cancer. I am really irritated by thier 2nd hand smoke. I am going t...
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Hey Rick,
Today you just visited my school Berlin Junior High. I told my mom your story cause she is a smoker and she told me she will try to stop smoking for me! but she is going to take it one step at a time! hey at least it is a working progress. Than...
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Dear Rick,
You just recently visited my Middle School and what you said really hit home. My Dad is a really big smoker and as SOON as I get the chance I'm going to tell him your story and I'm sure it's going to help him to quit smoking. Thank you so...
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Jon
Hey Rick i think u were the best when you came to my school on april 4 2008 you really touched alot of kids and i really think your right you made me think i think im going to ask my counciler if me and my friend can start a program that we can do every ...
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A devoted listener.
Rick, you had recently appeared at Millbury Jr./Sr. High School. It was hard to sit there and listen to your story. I know what it is like, to loose a loved one to smoking. I am about to loose someone very dear to me. Although they have never smoked in t...
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codie
rick i very sorry what happend to u and ur wife
i think u should come to our town again this time talk to the whole town not just us kids
u visited our school today april, 8th 2008and i would like to know that song u played at the end just the name i...
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Anymous
you just did a presentation at my school and millbury. i loved it and your story is heart breaking. my bestfriends mother recently died of cancer and it's horrible. you have my sympathies and you and marie's love has inspiried me to never smoke. thank you...
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Eric
HEY RiCK. WEll iM G0 T0 S0UTHSiDE MiddlE SK00l [iN ANDERS0N iNDiANA] AND Y00H CAME ND TAWKED T0 US AB0UT MARiE. i SWEAR i WAS S0 AFFECTED AB0UT Y0UR ST0RY.. bEliEVE iT 0R N0T BUH i T0lD MY M0M THE ST0RY ND MY SiSTERS AND BRUTHERS. SH00T i T0lD EVERYB0DY.....
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Kay
Rick, I would like to start by saying im sorry about Marie, and I would like to give all my condolences to you and your family.
Your story was extremely influential to all of the students who attended your assembly. I cannot thank you enough for all th...
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Clarissa
Hi rick you came to my school,North Warren Central School. You have made a diffrence in so many of the lives in my school. I was crying part of the time and i had to leave because i was crying so hard. My dad smokes and just because of you my dad got the ...
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Jaymie
he helped me c..that life is worth cerishing...2day he went 2 my school, Millbury Memorial Jr/Sr High...and now...im trying 2 get Rick and Marie's story out and begging my friends 2 help me in Rick's quest in stoping the tobacco indestries...and ALSO stan...
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Clarissa
Well...lets just say that i am never goin to smoke when he held up that bottle of tar.....i started to cry because my dad smokes and thats all i have in my life is my father...and to think that my dad can die tommorow or the next day terrifys me. You dotn...
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kimberly
hey rick how are you you really touchech my heart when you you came to ticonderoga middle school....
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Cori
Friday, April 4, 2008 you cam to our school. I couldn't stand to listen to you. My heart broke that day. Halfway through your presentation I had to leave. I think you should continue what you're doing. I really am touched, and wish you luck in the future....
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Breanna
Hey Rick,
My Names Breanna you came to our school Friday April 4th, 2008. You made a big difference to our school. I am so sorry bout ur lost. My grandpa and my aunt smoke. And i talked to them bout it. And i made them watch your video. And they just wo...
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Amanda
You where at Glens Falls Middle School not to long ago. Your presentation was heartbreaking. Everyone of my friends cried including me. I feel so sorry for you....
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Courtney
I watched your seminar at our school and when we first got their I thought to myself oh wow another guest speaker and I'll be honest I didnt expect it to have such a large impact on me. My mother is a smoker and it made me so sad to think of how awful it...
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Ashleigh
You came to my school on April 4th 08
and you touched me that i think no other speaker for smoking has ever did
i cant imagine going through what you went through with your wife and im soo srri you had to.Mr.Rick i soo agree with wat yoiu said today abo...
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rick you came to our school today and this affected me becuz my dad smokes and i love him and if anthing ever happens to him cuz of cigs then i would so mad.My ss. clss is writing letters to school and the gvt and anywhere we can to make them stop selling...
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Kirsten
Hey Rick, you came to our school on April 5,2008. i was one of many girl that took what you said to heart. I wasnt as aware of what smokeing could cause. You have changed my opinon in so many ways. You opened my eyes to things new and that smokeing is nev...
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stashu
hi Rick, you came to my school, Broadalbin-Perth Intermediate and touched my heart. Your story almost made me cry. You have influenced me to talk to my parents and other family relitives about smoking. I appreicate what you are doing for us kids. I also ...
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Sierra
Hi Rick this is Sierra, i really enjoyed you coming to my scholl today! I dont know how you do it.. I mean I know I wouldnt be able to talk about Marie as much as you do if I was you.. I know how hard it is to lose someone that you love.. i lost my gra...
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katlyn
Hi Rick,
You cam to my school on April 5,2008. I am one of the girls who was crying i emailed to tell You how you effected me and my friends...After the program my friends and i went up to our school councelor crying and saying how we didnt want to los o...
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People from Northville reality check
Rick has affected our lives because before we weren't sure if we wanted to smoke but now we are absolutely positive that we are never going to smoke. He also affected our lives by showing that anyone can speak about anything no matter how important or not...
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Christina
Wow you have such a powerful message and thank you for coming to Glens Falls. You had a very touching story and my friend smoked and she is stopping because of you! All I can say is thank you so much for the message you have brought to our community!
...
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Craig
Hi Rick, you were just in my school on Thursday April 2, 2008. I think what you are doing by going around to many schools is GREAT. I am too against tobacco companies and their distribution of it. I am an athlete at my school and I play a sport every seas...
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Reality Check Team from Northville
Rick, we went into the auditorium thinking that it was going to be another boring assembly but we came out devistated! ...
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kari
rick you came to my school today and you touched many hearts including mine i am very glad you came it truly made me think even though I do not smoke I am sadly surrounded by it
thank you so much for coming !!! ...
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Morgan
Like all the times that i hear how smoking is so bad, and my thoughts where the same, whatever, so what. but when you came and talked at my school, i was amazed and i am so thankful, and i will definitly take smoking more seriously. i sorry about your w...
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Ryan
Rick. today i was in the gym of the fulton county alternative ed. and i listened to your story about Marie.. the first thing i would like to say is sorry for you loss.. the second thing is you have completely changed my life.. i used to smoke 1 to 1/2 pac...
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Stop Smoking
Hi Rick, I just recently saw your in my school. Your story has truly touched me and all of my friends....
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arty from northville
rick,
thanks for coming to our school. i think you influenced alot of people here. You are right that 3 people died by spinach and they made a big deal of it and 1200 die from smoking evryday but they dont do anything. smoking should be illegal. im...
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daniel
rick,
thankyou for coming to our scholl today. you were an insparation to all of us at Northville. from you i leaned not to smoke even more. i am very sorry about your wife. i think that every single person should stop smoking and drinking. i still ...
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Jessica
Ok i talked to my daddy last night cause he smokes cigars. he said that he was gonna try to quit but he said it would take a while. I also worry about my papa he smokes tooo...
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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
you opened my eyes to talk to my mom u came to glens falls middle school ive hade over four people die in my family because of lung cancer i feel 4 u . now thanks to u shes trying to Quit so thank you ...
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Mandy
Mr. Stoddard, I went into the gym thinking how lame this was going to be, but I came out with a giant new perspective! Thank you so much,...
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Garrett
Hi rick. You visited my school today and when you talked to us it opened up alot of eyes. For that I thank you so much. Im very sorry for your loss...
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heather
hey rick i just wanted to let you know that you did make alot of people think about it and cry im soo sorry about your wife.....you are so brave to talk like that in front of million kids a year good luck
great presentation i really learned alot
...
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Emily
Thank you so much Rick. I am extremely grateful for you taking the time to share your story to the Glens Falls Middle School, and I'm sure everyone else is too. Thanks so much for teaching GFMS and the world a lifelong lesson we'll never forget; DON'T SMO...
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You came to my school at the beginning of this week. 2 years ago my grandfather passed away of lung cancer. He was 66 years old. We knew he had cancer but he only told us that he had a little spot of it on his lung. He told the doctor not to tell us that ...
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Jessica
i am from glens falls middle school. i saw you today and i realized from your story that it is really dangerous to smoke. all of my family smokes except one of my aunts and uncles and one of my grand mothers who quit a while ago and the story u said reall...
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kaitlyn
hello there
im from glens falls middle school, and i was reelly moveed by your story. its sad and makes me think that this could happen if i smoke. that is sad, you see... a lot of my family smokes and i would never after what i heard today,i would bare...
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kat
i am from glens falls middle school and i wanted to say that your speech was realy toutching.i cryed!i liked how you showed us the facts about smokeing and all of the desgusting chemicals in one cigrett.you had a big list.i think the song u played at the...
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Helena
Wow. I didn't count on crying today. I saw you at GFMS and you were so amazing. It must be so hard to talk about your wife so many times a day. I know I couldn't do it. You are so strong. I met you after the show and I tried to thank you but i was crying ...
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nate
rick you are so amazing!!!! im sorry about your wife .. i saw you today at Glens Falls middle school you are an amazing person keep up the great work!!!!!...
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Stuart
Rick I think what you are doing is really great and I hope you keep telling everyone your story...
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patrick
you made me think about stop smokeing im srry about your wife i now how you feel i lost my uncle matt last yaer beacause of the same thing your wife had ...
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Taylor
see my grandma smoked untill i was like 5 but me and my cuz convinced her to stop but it was to late a year later she died:"( i was onily in 1st grade and now im 13 strange to see how muched shes missed:"(˘ľ...
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Tess
i am from Glens Falls and the speech you made to our school was heart changing. I've lived my whole life with my family smoking and it's been hard loosing people in my family from cigarettes. I am glad that you got the oppourtunity to make a speech to our...
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Karly
Thankyou so much for coming in our school and sharing your story for us. Your story really opened my eyes to see that I really have to try to help those people out there that are smoking, and sit down with them and tell them and ask them to stop because i...
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Ashley
Thank you rick! When you came to my school GFMS you have made a great diffrence in my life. I have a Uncule that the doctors said he only has 5 months to live. He has 3 young kids. So your story really impacted me. Thanks so much,
Ashley...
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christian
rick your the man u relly opened my mind im tring 2 get my mom to quit but its really hard its also hard b-cause my grandma died of cancer she had a tumor the size of a baseball . Hope u get to c ur grandchidren soon and i hope shane isn't mad at u any m...
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Lets Fight This
Thanks for coming to are school today (April 3rd,2008) you made a good point with the dog food and spinache and stuff I want to help fight these companys and stop smoking for good if u can email me back if u have any other websites i could look at thanks ...
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Lets Fight This
Hey rick I had a question maby u could post the answer in your journal HOW DO WE STOP THIS!?!?!?!?!...
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Lets Fight This
The Beginning
3/8/06
3/28/08
Your first and last journal entrys lets make the last 1 the best and finish this!...
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christian
my dasd does drugs and it makes him abusive when i was a babey and lived in the city he smashed my moms head through a door and as my mom was putting my cloths away he took it and threw it down the stairs and told my mom to pick it up or he would push her...
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Lauren
My mom smokes and i would hate for her to die at such a young age like your wife did. I can't thank you more than coming to this school and talking to us about tabacco....
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Kyle
Hi Rick im Kyle you went to my school today 4-3-08 at Glens Falls Middle school i respect you alot and u really touched me and im going to get all of my family that does smoke to stop for you Thank you Mr. Stoddard ...
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tom
hey im from glens falls ur story didnt really affect me but it affected many others so thank u...
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heather glens falls middle school
he made me relize that people dont care about how many people get sick from ciggerettes
i am sorry about your wife :(...
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lauren
hey rick.. its lauren.. i enjoyed you comming to my school [[glens falls middle school]]. You can change alot of peoles lifes but they have to help them selves before you can help them. When you talk to people you really give them emotion. When me and mi...
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Tom
hi rick,
thanks for coming to my school glens falls middle and sharing you speech.i lost my grandpa to cigaretts before my brother and i were born and my brother is 16.
once again thank you for coming to my school and sharing your amazing speech...
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Eric
hey rick.
im wrighting from gfms and i just wanted to say that u affected a lot of people today.and i just lost my uncle two days ago. thanks for comming to my school we needed your influences...
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Jason
rick you put alot to me. because of you i know what to expect. i will go to my parents and tell them to please stop smoking. i can tell them the story and they will. THANK YOU RICK YOU ARE THE BEST. have a great time going to other schools...
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Jamie
people always are sayin that smoking is bad but the really dont know that is its true they have never gone through the real experiances. But rick has and he made me really fell that smoking is not good for your house i always wondered how to get my grandp...
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Selena
Rick, you probably saw me today at North Warren. Sitting towards the back, being emotionally torn apart. I did everything I could not to cry, yet I couldn't hold it back. I lost my dad last November to cancer. He had bone, liver, and lung. He had smoked s...
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tasha
Rick, thank you so much for comeing into the Glens Falls Middle School and telling us your heartbreaking story. i am sorry to hear about your wife. after hearing it, i quit smoking.
...
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haydn
hi Rick my name is Haydn. You came to my school today (Glens Falls Middle School) and i just wanted to tell you that your story was heartbreaking. You are a great speaker and I can't imagine what it is like to tell that story over and over again. My dad ...
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kimi
you came to my school today and u said we were the best crowd u ever had and your speech touched me. it was the best advise and the saddest story i ever herd.i was in the crowd crying.i no a lot of people who were crying along with me.When you played the ...
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Lauren
Hey Rick, I would just like to tell you how much I appreciated you coming in to share your story. I could never imagine sharing such a painful story in front of thousands of strangers. I always smoke an occasional cigarette, but after hearing your speech ...
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Joe
The presentation today at Queensbury high school was great. i think you made a great impact on my peers and the people i'm surrounded by.
i just want to thank you very much for what your doing and let my voice be heard god bless you....
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Lyssa
Hey Rick.
How Have You Been Since This Went.
Well I am Sorry.
I WIsh I Could Have GOt Her Through It.
Also I Just Want Too Tell You Too Think Of
All THe Good Times!
When You Cried ANd Said THat Water Thing It Made Me Cry.
My Grandpa Went THrough T...
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Brooke
Hey Rick, I was in the group that you spoke to today, and I thought your story was really sad. I personally dont like it when people smoke, and you are right, the tobacco industries do advertise towards younger kids, and it is dissapointing. I want to hel...
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it says on the box u could get sick quite tryin to make the tobbaco companys look bad its our own choices...
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Katie
Hey Rick...I said tht i would write to tell u how it was goin...well my mom...she now quit smoking after telling her about ur story. and i think u soo much for coming to Jordan-Elbridge and helping our school understand the different things about smoking....
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Tanya
I heard ricks story at school when he came to talk about it,and my whole family smokes.it scares me that one day it could be one of my family members or friends that it could happen to.when i heard his story i just started crying.its true that cigarette c...
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Stephanie
I was moved to tears this morning when I brought my class to hear Rick speak. I did not expect the emotional impact to be so huge. The mere fact that in a standing-room-only group of teens there was silence speaks for itself. Thank you, Mr. Stoddard, for ...
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Taylor-Ann
Mr. Stoddard first off i would like to say thank you so much for opening my eyes and coming to my school. It must have been so hard to spill your emotions in front of a high school. Im truely sorry for youor loose. Thank you so much for coming to Queensbu...
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stephanie
Rick you came to my school today(liska kill) and you have moved me from your speach. Now I want to tell my brother and grandmother how they should not smoke. Thank you for teaching me about this. I promise that ill never smoke at all....
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rick has told a hericif story that i couldnt tell without crying. im glad that he hastraveled and told kids all over to never smoke. its bad for you and its just not good. thank you rick for teaching me about the dangers and what could happen to people wh...
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Tamara
rick you were amazing today! it really effected me in a way. i no a few people who smoke and this has really inspired me to help get them to stop. i think you are amazing and brave. and i just wanted to say thank you so much!...
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Amanda
Rick, I wanted to thank you once again for coming to speak to the South Colonie Middle Schools today. It was great as always to see you and fantastic seeing what an impact you have on all the young lives you touch. Thanks again, Amanda...
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Amanda
Hey Rick. I enjoyed you coming to our school and telling your life to us. I know it must take a lot of courage talking about Marie like you do. It's a very touching thing to hear about everything that happened. Thank you for what you do.Hopefully you get ...
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Nick
Dear Rick,
your speech/assembly thing really effected me, I mean, to know that a person dies every 8 seconds in the world from tobacco is just unbareable. I promise I will never smoke.
Thank you...
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Michelle
Rick I'm sorry for your loss but I'm glad you've allowed God to turn this into a good positive educational opportunity to help save lives of others.
Rick I think I went to school with you, did you attend Ohio University in the 80's? If so did you have ...
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Lori
Rick,
You were at Lisha Kill Middle School today, in Colonie, NY. Your assembly was amazing. Sad, scary and truthful. What our kids need to hear. I wish so much that I could have come up to you afterward. I was crying, and don't think I could have kept ...
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lexi
I really enjoyed listening to your story today. You know we always have people telling us how bad smoking is for you, but none of them were every really affected by it. Or at least they didn’t tell us their story. Your story really affected me. All my unc...
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Nicolette
Mr Stoddard, I just wanna say thanks. You came and spoke to my school today and I expected it to be just another assembly saying "Don't Do Drugs" But it was so much more. My mom is a smoker and doesnt want to quit. You've motivated me to try and help her....
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Nick
Mr Stoddard,
I don't know if you remember me, but today you came to my school and in the auditorium i was sitting in the second row wearing a green shirt. You affected me because my mom's side of the family has all had cancer at one time or another. Most...
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Janet
I really enjoyed listening to you at my school today. I lost my grandma and grandpa to smoking before I was 3 years-old. I never got to know them and now I have no grandparents. So I am against smoking because I do not want to be gone before I have grandc...
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Rachael
Mr. Stoddard,
I really enjoyed listening to you when you visited my high school today. You're really inspirational and i thank you for taking your time to come and telling us your story. I never really took the time to realize how tabacco advertisments a...
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Alex
Rick,
Thank you so much for coming to my school today. It really meant a lot to me and to everyone sitting in that auditorium. Your story has changed the way I look at tobacco ads, the tobacco industry, and even the kids who try to make you smoke every...
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Chris
You came into my school today and it inspired me to have a talk with my mom about quitting smoking. I finally got through to her. Thank you....
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krystie
hey rick! how is it going your story really hit home for me. i have been in reality check for almost 6 years and it is wonderful. i had also had a in the family my aunt sabrina died at 27 years old because of somking and it is very hard for my family to g...
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lyrissa
rick you changed my life my aunt died of cancer. My aunt was 27 whaen she died and i was hurt because of how young she was......
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Ashley
i just wanted to say that your story touched me in so many ways. it was a moving experience and something that i will never forget. i have many people in my life that smoke and i have tried to talk with them and get them to stop but nothing seems to work....
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syri
your story is so sad. i lost family members from smoking and its sad. my stepmother smokes, my father quit and so did my grandma. but it still kills you to think about how kids who are like... 10 years old and walking down the street and smoking a cigaret...
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randy
hey rick i am randy from fort plain jr/sr high school i just want to say that your story touched me. i also know how u feel i felt the same way when my uncle died 5 years ago of the same cause ...
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nikki
you have really touched my heart. it made think more about smoking.It sucks cause my mom smokes and i dont want you loose her because of cigarettes.i am to here about your wife(she was beautiful. i have been trying to get my mom to quit for quite sometime...
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gerricka
hay rick!
you are a great guy.you have showed me different ways to explain how to get my family members to stop smoking and that means a lot to me i guess i just wanted to write to u and just say"THANK YOU VERY MUCH" i really think of u as a roll modle a...
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Jenna
Well my mom as smoked for some years now and you almost maid me cry when you were talking about your wife i felt so bad because i love my mom soo much.So we all thank you at Fort Plain Jr/Sr high school! ...
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Chris
Rick,
Thank you so much for what you did for us at Fort Plain Jr./Sr. High School. I was devistated when you told us your story. Even though I WILL NOT smoke when I get older, you changed my life in so many ways. Everyone enjoyed you. You are such a bra...
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justin
rick,
you gave an amazing speech today at our school(fort plain). i know of alot of kids that smoke in our school and i really think you had an affect on their decisions to stop smoking. you are a great man for doing what you do and im glad you came ...
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adrianna
hi rick you came to the southern cayuga school and showed some pictures that you had a hard time talking about and it must have taken a lot of corage to do that i know i wouldent have been able to do that
thankyo...
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Adam
I know that what you do takes a huge toll on you. Physically with all the transportation, and emotionally with having to re-tell the story of your wife over and over again. I couldn't imagine going through it myself. But, you gave me such a great feeli...
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Elizabeth
Well this hasn\'t been the first time that you have come to my school and I always think about the smoking industry but I can never get someone like my father to stop. It hurts a lot knowing everything that happens from cigerettes. There very disgusting,...
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Ashley
Hey Rick you came to my school today and i thought how great it is for you to talk to the kids about your wife. It was a very touching story.People that smoke is just throwing their whole life away. I have never smoked a cigarette and i NEVER will. ...
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Sam
When you came to my school(Gilboa) today i thought that i was going to be just another person preaching to us about smoking but it was different. You showed me that smoking is no joke. I have had Family die and family that is dying from smoking related il...
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melissa
i just wanted to say thank you rick i am a recovering drug addict and your story helped me so much i think that you helped me and other kids in middleburg realize that the things that we do when we are teens do affect us and other's thank you !!!!!!...
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Hailey
Hi rick im the girl from Middleburgh school..the one you kept asking if i was alright..Your story is going to go on with me forever I have not stopped crying since the assembaly.I bawled my eyes out from your story...It got to me because my father has bee...
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Harold G. ******** MD
It's good to see you are out on the road again after the Influenza. After that you had to have a complication of sinusitis. I'm glad to have had a part in your care and I hope you feel a lot better. Keep up the good work. God knows we don't need cancer or...
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caitlyn
rick has helped me see the truth bout how smoking can kill a loved one or worse it can take your own life!!!!!...
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caitlyn (petunias) haha member me
when you came to cato meridian high school i was like wow another motivational speaker but wow you were amazing and very fun and very imfluential i havent quit smoking yet but thanx to you rick i will be quiting soon you are one wonderful am nand i want y...
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tiffany
hey rick, you came to my school earlier this month. i have always been against smoking, but your story made me realize what smoking does to people. so i went home and told my parents [who have been smoking for a really long time] and my dad listened and t...
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lisa
hey rick its me lisa...from stockbridge valley...i loved having you at our school and informing people what smoking ciggarttes does to you..my grandma died of cancer when i was 2 years old..i barely knew her.. :'(
i hope you can come back to visit ...
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E-Man
Hey Rick Yours Story Was Very Impacting To Me And To Many Others, Im So Sorry For Your Lost I Hope You Reach Your Goal Of 1 Million Soon...GOOD LUCK AND STAY STRONG...
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Laney
Rick you have really made me think of what tobacco does to the human body. i have tried cigarrtes but i never got addicted to them. but my mom on the other hand, has been smoking for as long as i can remember. they thought at one point that she had the ty...
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coy
hey rick its my 1st time writting 2 u in a while. my dads trying 2 quit but its hard he\'s still smoking. when every i c him smoking i tell him to put it out. sometimes he does and somtimes he doesnt. well ttyl rick i gtg. Plz come bac to NPMS we miss u
...
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Brianne
Rick-
You came to my school-Maple Hill and told us about your story and told us about the reality of smoking. I can tell you that more than half of my school cried when you told us about your wife- thank you. You definatly opend all of our eyes. I will p...
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I just wonted to thank you for comeing to Grant Middle School.When i got home i talked to my dad about what you said and i was so scard of my dad dieing because he smoked sence he was my age 13-14 and now hes 44 and he said he would try his hardest but it...
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christin
Rick thank you so much for coming to the canteen on wedesenday. You changed alot of kids and adults lives. the song at the end brought back memory to me from my grandmother who died of lung cancer. I hope everything is ok. That was GREAT!...
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christin
Thank you for coming to the canteen you showed alot of people what smoking is about. THANK YOU VERY VERY VERY MUCH...
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Reanna
Rick I would like to thank you for coming to Grant Middle School today. I almost started crying when you played that song and held the picture of Marie. My mom is 43. She smoked for 27 years and hasnt touched a ciggarette in 2 years. I loved your presenta...
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Jenna
Hi Rick
I just wanted to Thank you for coming to the CanTeen on Wednesday. I hope you know how many people you are changing and forcing to look at life and smoking in a different way. I promise to do my part in trying to help Teens quit and not start s...
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Rebecca
rick has helped me alot because my mother is a smoker and she is 40 i dont want her to die thats how rick affected me ...
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Marisa
Hey Rick,
You came to my school yesterday. You really inspired me to never smoke and to keep it that way. no matter what people tell me. I\'ve had a couple of people in my family die from smoking too. i know how it feels and there\'s nothing you can do a...
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damian
he has showed me what really happens and i was shocked by his story...
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Caitlin
Rick, I would really like to thank you for what you do. Also, for coming to Corcoran. Yours and Maries story is one that will stay with me until the day i die. I want to let you know that you really made a point to me and my 3 friends at Corcoran High Sch...
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rebecca
rick im so sorry for what happend to your wife when you played that song today it really touched me i cried i feel so bad for you my mother is the same way she smokes about a half a pack a day i dont want my mother to die she has 3 kids and she has 3 gra...
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Nicole
Hi, Rick. I saw you at the CanTeen yesterday and i would like to tell you that i was SO INSPIRED BY YOU! You have changed my life dramatically. That is why i showed you a picture of my cousin and asked you to pray for him due to his father and other famil...
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Dylan
Hey Rick
you came to my school today
and you really inspired me a lot to help stop smoking
your story really touched me
its shown me never to touch a cigarette again im sorry about you losing your wife.
your a brave man to be able to stand up infron...
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Katie
Hi Rick. I'm from Jordan-Elbridge High School. Well when you came into our school today, I was so glad. You have inspired me and alot of my friends not to smoke. I don't like smoking anyways...and I don't think that I would ever try it. I am very sorry ab...
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Ben
I Love cigarretes, they are fun and cool. They are good for you and i will continue to smoke until the day i die. LONG LIVE MARLBORO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!...
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Angela
hello rock,
you came to averill park high school and few days ago and i wanted to let you know that your story touched my heart and even made me cry a little and i actually came to a decision of my own to quit smoking, and i know your going to say im ve...
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Kayla
Hey Rick, i'm from Cato-Meridian High School. Rick I thought i'd let you know that your story really touched me. I can really relate because my aunt just passed away a little over a year ago from many different things, but she smoked up until the day she ...
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corissa
you came to my school in union springs new york i never knew that ciggarets had urin in them. my soon to be step mom smokes i keep telling her that she should probably quit.but then she always tells me that she doesnt think that god will take her before h...
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Shelby!
I just wanted to say thank you for speaking to our school. I have never smoked and never will but your story just makes me want to reach out to other kids and adults and help them realize how harmful tobacco is to you, and not only does it affect them but...
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Angela
hey rick!
thank you for coming to Maple Hill High School. Meegan says hi. i wanted to thank you and let you know that when you were telling ur story the entire time i was thinking about my grandfather...he died of smoking too. i was 6 years old...i dont ...
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Ryanne
Hi Rick.This is Ryanne from the Canteen.Today,at the Canteen,that was really great for what you did.You did a phenomenal job.I never thought of smoking and now I will never smoke .This is shown me that no matter what you are smoking you will die and you c...
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Megan
Hey Rick,
Its Megan from Hoosick Falls High School. and i just wanted to say thank you for comming to my school and sharing your story with us. It really was inspiring and did help. It made me realize i dont want that to be me so i have decided to quit ...
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Amberlynn
Rick opened my eyes alot about smokeing and other stuff but i need to know how to get the person you love to stop smokeing be for they die. Because when i was little i always told my aunt to stop smokeing but she didn't and i was always telling her that s...
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Megan
rick you inspired me in so many ways and i read alot of your comments and it looks like youve helped alot of people. thank you for sharing your story about marie with me and my school. your story brought me to tears especially when you played that song bu...
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adrianna
i just wanted to say that it must have taken a lot of curage to do what you did and that it will affect my future moves.some day you will see your addvice being used thankyou rick...
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peter
hey rick
you gave a touching story . everybody that i see i will tell them about your story. i real sorry that this has happened to you. but im glad you have pulled outv of it and now educating our school.i have always wanted to make a group of drug aw...
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Daniel
I havent ever smoked in my life but i know that this program i had just witnessed at Maple Hill High School was vary touching and moving. I really liked it. Thank you so much for coming Rick.
Thank again
Daniel...
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Hey Rick,
Me and my friend go to Averill Park High School. You came Here today [03-17-08]. You had a big affect on us both. We want to thank you for coming and for all the hard work you are doing to help people quit smoking and to prevent from anyone to...
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stacy
hi Rick,
hellow in from the hoosick falls centeral school.I thought it was a good thing that you came to talk to us about drugs. see im one of many at our school that has that habbit and you woke me up. befoure you came to our school to me life didnt...
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Lauren
wow. that was pretty much the first thing that came to mind after seeing your presentation today. i always knew smoking was a bad thing and i always planned on never smoking. but real life stories always scare me. you inspired me to take action against ta...
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Jenn
Hey it's Jenn from Maple Hill High School. I just wanted to thank you for coming in today and let you know that your story has touched me. You have possitively affected me greatly. Thanks! =]...
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Nate
rick my friend aaron and I have a webpage dedicated to you. at NPMS we both are raising our voice against tabacoo companies.i've had a hard time too. on wednesday march 15 my house burnt down. it was devistating. but we all got out safe and so did our ani...
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Bethany
Hi rick its Bethany again from North Putnam Middle School. (I'm in 7th) Well, I'm so happy because my grandma hasn't smoked in like 2 weeks!!! YAY!!! Well, i just wanted to say thanks because you helped me tell her that she might not make it if she doesn'...
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jessica
my dad is a smoker, i was sad when i found out that he could die from smoking. he has 4 kids me ,nick and my 2 sisters. at first i thought it was a joke,now i know better. thank-you....
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Tara
Hi Rick! You came to Riverview Elementary in Tonawanda NY a little over 2 years ago. I had a desire to quit for myself, my husband and my kids. More importantly we were trying to conceive and I didnt want to have another baby that had to live through my d...
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jarrett
Dear Rick, Rick you have affected me alot. I thought that my mom would never die of cancer. Thank the lord she has not died of it. Everybody I know smokes or dipes tobacco. That mad me mad when you said that we were EastMcdowell jr.high school when we are...
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Mrs. Christison
I do not know how you do it Rick. I am widowed myself and still have "good and bad " days. My Rick has been gone almost 4 years and I 'm not sure I would have the personal strength to miss Marie with every presentation as you do.You have my admiration bec...
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alisha
hi i really liked your speech at east burke high school. i think that you really made an impact in my life.
if there are anyway you coukd sent me some info on lung cancer thats what im doing my senior paper on that. thanks alisha...
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Sarah
hey rick i hope you get to feelin better soon i was sad that you could\'nt come to riverton [due to illness] but i know how your feeling too so i hope you get to feeling better soon. best wishes -Sarah Carty- [(Riverton Parke) Parke County Voice]...
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Bethany
Rick,
I'm sorry you couldn't make it to my schools' (Rockville Jr/Sr High) convocation on Tuesday.
But I hope you feel better soon.
Your friend,
Bethany
P.S.
I'm with Voice....
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Cassie
hey rick wats up...well u came to Nrth Putnam middle school a while ago and i juss wanted to tell u that everyone is still tlkin about u...we have this school newspaper that we are going to put out i think on firday well we are putting a whole article abo...
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Bree
I can\\\\\\\'t even begin to express the gratitude I feel for you coming to speak to my school, South Vermillion High School. Your story touched my heart so deeply that it nearly brought me to tears. Both my father and my closest grandmother (who practica...
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Kaila
Rick you affected me in many ways I am so glad you came to South side middle school ...
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My mom smokes 3 packs a day. Or she did until i told her what you told me. THANK YOU!!!...
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Kaila
Rick I am still so glad you came to South Side Middle School. I loved your speech about smoking. I would Hate to see anyone die because of smoking. You are really strong to talk to a whole school about something so personal. I will never start smoking. I ...
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Kelsey & Bethany
Rick, Here at North Putnam Middle School we still have the picture of you & your wife. When we look at your picture we want to cry. We have made a choice. Guess What our choice is? NOT TO DO DRUGS!! Why? Guess what it does to you..Kilks you like crazy. Kn...
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Karah
Hi Rick. You came to my school last week on Friday at SSMS, South Side Middle School. Even though I never met her, my great-Grandmother died from smoking also. I heard she smoked for ten yaers. Your story inspired me to acually do something about smoking ...
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bethany
Rick I have heard so many people talk about you in north putnam middle school nobody in my family smoks i am very luky i hope your idea does come true that they take those drugs off the counter nobody needs those i dont really understand why they dont ta...
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Bethany
Rick---- I wrote you a couple of days ago! I\'m so proud of myself!! I finally talked to my Grandma about smoking and she quit!!!! Thanks so much for inspiring me to do so with Marie\'s story! I made her go her website and read Marie\'s story and shes bee...
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Nate
rick i loved your speach it really touched me.i\\\'m really sorry about your wife.everyone is still talking about you at North Putnam Middle School.you do look kinda like Stone Cold Steve Austin.i\\\'m going to mail a letter to you.i\\\'ve had a tragedy m...
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Emma
Hey Rick i am still think about the story u told me about you and ur wife.. it still makes me sad to think about it..i have told my family all about it because some smoke and i dont want to go through any deaths..it hurts me to much.. well i am so glad yo...
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saiti
hey rick u changed my whole outlook on smoking my dad smokes and every time i ask him to stop he just says that it's his money and when i start 2 pay the bills he'll stop smoking...i WANT 2 pay the bills....
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stephanie
i just wanted to thank you again for so much and this is my second time emailing you and i love the song you guys have i have listened too it bye...
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Darby
Hi Rick, you just talked to us today at north vermillion jr/senior high school. (2-25-08) and i just wanted to tell you that you really affected us all with your story. thank you...
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Rebecca
Well he made me think to not smoke! My dad smoked since he was 11. He\'s 35 know and he still does. I wonder if he has cancer yet.I\'m not suprised that he doesnt already. I really hope he doesn\'t.I go to north vermillion ...
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Brett
Rick you talked at North Vermillion Jr/Sr high school on 2/25/08 and I was sitting there listening to you talk and I felt like I lived exactly what you did. I've had two of my uncles die. the first died from lung cancer from being a chain smoker for abou...
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lee
My mom smokes and my dad smokes and my sister and my brother smokes u gave me hope I hate hat people dont care that they kill others but its my family I cant stand it my girl friend told me about u one day she said u came to her school one day u rember g...
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A
Hi, Rick. You spoke at our school yesterday (2/25/08) and I think you're doing a great job. What you're doing is really cool and you've made me look at smoking in a different way with all the ways the media tries to make it look enticing to the youth of...
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Audrey
I was really touched at the story that you told us at North Vermillion. My dad smokes and I can't stand the smell of the smoke. I want to tell him to stop but I'm afraid that he will get mad at me. I don't have a good relationship with my dad anyway. So t...
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Brittany
well my dad smokes and i love him with all my heart so the next time i see him i'm going to tell him what advice you gave us cause he really means alot to me and i don't want to lose him. Thank you for coming to our school and talking to us your story rea...
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Heather
One other time when you came down to south vermillion I was in the middle school and i used to smoke. I didn't quit at first but the more i thought about and thought about the words you said i decided to quit....
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Heather
I just wrote but i didn\'t get to say what i really wanted to say. Well January 30,2007 my best friend dies of cancer she didn\'t smoke. She had collan cancer and it spread to her brain. She was 34 years Old and she was like my sister. It took away my bes...
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Michelle
Rick,
Thank you so much for coming into the Vermillion County Schools, I know you had an impact on several students, some came to the "Open Mic Nite" that VOICE sponsored that eve, some signed up for VOICE to help in the fight against Big Tobacco! Than...
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cassie
hey rick...i rote to u the other day...well i juss wanted to tell u that i showed that card to some more of my family about u and Marie\'s story and they cried...well i got my 2 aunts and my uncle to quit smoking...they sed that they will never even think...
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Taylor
when u talked at ESMS on friday 2/22/08 u really made me want to talk to my grandma about stopping smoking
i really loved that song but cant remember the name...
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krystal
dear rick, you really touched me with your story i from south side middle school and i cried over your story it was really sad i wouldnt have the guts to tell people my stories like that thats amazing that you can i talked my mom and my step dad and my br...
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stephanie
i know that you do not know me but i have to tell you something i know how you feel i feel the same my gramnpa died of canser i cried i love him so much but once you left that speach i know now i need to move on thank you ,stephanie ...
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Cassie
You have reallly change my life ! Thank you for coming to Lapel School . I hav gotten my mom to start thinking about to stop smoking i showed this web site and she said she will quit....
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Joanna
hey rick.thanks for coming to ESMS! on Friday. it really made me think to tell all my family that smokes to tell them to stop. cause i dont want anyone in my family go through this cause it already happen on 2006. and it really hurt my uncle go away. i go...
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Deena
Hi Rick! I was the one who came up to you and had explained to you that my grandma had passed away...you came to Elwood Middle School in Indiana.I just wanted to let you know how much you inspired me,the strength it must take to tell Marie's story every s...
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Miranda
Hi Rick you came to my school Friday (East Side Middle School)But Thank you for coming i know that your speech really meant a lot to the kids at my school......
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Logan
thank you for coming to my school north side middle school we all were sad that your wife had to go like that my mom had cancer and she is still here today she was a smoker and she has not had one for 2 years i am so sorry for your wife and thank you for ...
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romero
he tought me not to smoke and the harmfull affects of smoking,and also i have a simalar story to his but it is about my aunt...
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romero
hey rick , today 2/22/08 you came to east side middle school and tought me that the most things in life can go by realy realy fast ...and to respect the smokers opinoins but then try to tell them to stop. ALSO i have an story simalr to yours and here i...
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Shelby
Right now my dad is going through the tough stage of quiting smoking. I am so releived he is finally starting the long long proccess. But it is gonna be a very long process. and thats whats hard about it. Two weeks ago i was @ his house and i had made ...
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Shelby
hey rick this is my 2nd time writing. thank u 4 coming to ESMS yesterday you really made an impact! THANKS! thank you for going through that story every signle day! it would be much easier to just 4get, but to help save lives ypu go through grief everyd...
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sydney
you came to the middle schol in alexandria u touched me because my aunt is smoking and she had to go to the hostptal because of her smoking and my uncle crews tobacco and he is out of shape
see ya...
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Alex
Hey! Rick that talk that you did at my school really moved me. It made me want to live a healthier so I talked to my mom and she took a tiny step towards quiting. She has smoked for years and she was smoking mediums. Now she is smoking lights and I told a...
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Cameron
Thanks again for everything you do. I wrote to you yesterday, and even still i have been thinking about everything you said. It just makes me want to go out there and do somthing to prevent these tobacco companies from doing anymore harm to the world than...
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erika
hey rick this is erika from south side middle u cametomyshcool 2/22/08.and you tuch my heart and half of my family smoke's and i don`t no if they will stop if we talk to them they will not stop and what happen to your wife should teach them a laeson but t...
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autumn
hey rick i am really sorry that your wife had died at 46 that is really a young age she just like slina the singer but the only thing between the to that slina got shot at 26 years and your wife was 46 but our wife and that is really sad so like i am real...
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Emma
Rick is an awesome guy i am so glad he shared this with Lapel Middle School.. It is really sad that his wife died by that i am very sorry thats how my grandpa died.. It is really stupid that people sell that stuff it is just to kill people who want to liv...
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coy
hey rick this is my 4th time writting u. i think u really made an impact at Nort Putnam. People r still talking about u. especilly me. i just loved ur speech. im still thinking about every thing u said. and im still thinking about that huge list of chemic...
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ciara
hey rick! i loved your presentation. on my dads side of the family almost everyone smokes. it kinda scares me just to think about. thanx for presenting to north putnam middle school!...
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stephanie
Thank you for coming to Elwood Community High School.
We thank you for talking to us about your story it was very touching to know about this.
...
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cassie
hey rick...hows it going...well thanks for coming to NPMS the other day...i think that u affected alot of ppl. it was rly hard to listen to your story because rite now i have a g-ma thats going through the same exact thing. well wen u passed out those car...
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brandon
rick your story helped me to think about how tobacco is addictave and how bsd it is to be around it plz come back to north putnam middel school. thank you rick...
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Ariel
hello You were at my school today.(2-22-08)
Im sorry about what happened to your wife. I will never smoke. But I do second hand smoke. I try not to but its just there. I Know how you feel. I hope you have a wonderful life.
I really do. Your a great pers...
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D.
As we left the East Side Middle School gymnasium, I overheard many students talking about how they were emotionally impacted by your presentation. The information you shared about the harmful chemicals cigarettes put into the body is information we all n...
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hey u were at my school on 2/22/08. u made me think alot of my family. only a few of them smoke i told them the story about your wife.. it was sooooo sad. im sorry. the convo really convienced me to not smoke..thanks alot...
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edward
rick u were at our school today esms 2/22/07 u gave me the best expirence of my life.I mean i was touch i never sit n a confoe n listen to some one like dat .I no how it feels i lost my grand mother like dat .every one dave you and your wife respect well ...
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Austin
Dear Rick,
You have opened my eyes about how the tabacco company lied and how they advertize to young children just makes me SICK!!!!! However I still worry about my grandma whom I fear has lung cancer it makes me worry because she's been smoking si...
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vanessa marie
i need help my mom and my aunt is smoking and all of us needs help ...
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Taylor
he played a song and it it reminded me a lot of my grandma and I miss her a lot. She died in 2003. I miss her a lot but I know its just a part of life she was only 48 and she had tumors on her brain. and she started having ceizures. I guess her...
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Dana
To tell my family to quit will probarly work thanks for the clues to people to stop smoking...
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kassy
hey Rick you came to our school on 2-22-08 and i understand how hard it is for you and i just wanted to let you know that she will always be with you no matter what anybody tells you and your friend did the right thing about stop smokeing and you made an ...
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Sierra
hey rick,
thanks 4 comming to eastside middle school today.i didn't know smokeing was that bad until i heard what happened to ur wife.(sorry to bring back memos!) in my life i now know that smoking is VERY bad 4 u. my mom still has thoughts about qu...
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MEGAN
HEY RICK YOU CAME TO OUR SCHOOL SOUTH SINDE MIDDEL SVHOOL,2-22-08.AND MOST OF THE PROGRAMS I HAVE BEEN TO AT MY SCHOOL ARE BORING , BUT YOU WERE AMAZING TO ME ,NOT JUST ME EVEY ONE AT MY SCHOOL IN JOYED YOU.I AM SO SORRY WHAT HAPPEN TO YOU BWIFE,MY UNCHL ...
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Tyler
Rick you visited my school today south side middle school 2-23-08 and what you said about you and your wife made me think i will never in my life smoke im trying to get the people im around to quit smoking but they said its to hard to quit your speech was...
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Mariah
Well ,Rick, you were at my school today (2*22*08) and you moved me. I'm sorry about Marie, I mean REALLY sorry. I bet most of the kids at the convo walked out of school and forgot, but I didn't. And I won't. You made a good point. The government recalled ...
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adrian
Hey Rick thanks for comming to Northside! Hers a poem!!! That I made!
Having sex and doing drugs and being influenced by gangs and thugs. No help just pain it wont go away but nothing ever seems to change bulliing little kids everyday ripping their poo...
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Cameron
Hi, you came to my school today 2-22-08. I am so glad you came. Everything you said ment a lot to me. And it was very touching. I have parents that smoke and it scares me to know that i could lose them any day now. And to know that at the same time they ...
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Dylan
Hey my names is Dylan.I go to South Side Middle School the school you visited today on 2-22-08.Thanks to you I feel like i change the world.Iam beging to write the president a letter about how i feel.Thanks for all you do...
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Bethany
Rick--- I apprietate you so much! Thank you so much for coming to North Putnam Middle school!!! Your the best guy for doing this for Marie!! My grandma and Grandpa smoke and i can't hardly be around my grandma anymore because of it. I can't get up enough ...
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kaylob
he has touched me in alot of ways so many that i cant even begin to explain....
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libbeh'
rick when you came too my school in indiana on february 22, 2008 you seriously touched me. my grandma died from lung cancer and she was my best friend. i realized all of those tobacco companys took her away from me. yeah, she was the one that started smok...
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kaylob
hey rick was up just wanted to tell u that your story is sad but it also made alot of people quit smokin. and all of those people are stupid for even starting any way. i am going to try to help u in your dream to destroy the smoking inderstry and i dont e...
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blake
Rick thank you so much for spending your own personal time and telling us about the devistating story about your wife. I'm truely sorry. But you made me think even more how bad smoking is for you and i am glad you came to our schoool on 2-22-08 in anderso...
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taylor
You have inspired me 2 talk, to my dad grandma and my grandpa and everybody in my famley i got my dad 2 try 2 stop now and i thank you i showed him your vidio ,and i let him read ur story and ur jornaland i let him lison 2 your song,i think i got 2 him.i ...
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luke & linc
Dear Rick,
When you came to our school Alexandria Middle School on 2/21/08. You inspired us to not smoke when we get older. We told our parents our moms and I think that it effected them alot. Linc's mom started to stop smoking after we told her.L...
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Katlyn
Hey you came to my school 2-21-08 and that story was really sad. And now I no that smoking is REALLY REALLY bad now. And I wont ever do it. And sorry bout your wife. Thanks for coming in our school and giving that speach....
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Regan
Hey Rick,
You were at my school 2-22-08. Eastside Middle School. You made me feel what it's like to speak your mind, in front of about 300 kids. On my myspace i posted a bulletin about the convo and if the message got throught their head. So far it's...
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Dalton
Rick you made me think twice about smoking. You talked to our school today and I went through the same thing i know how you feel. My dad smokes and I just wish he would quite but he has tried and he cant but i keep on telling him that he is better than th...
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Haley
Hi Rick. I know things are not easy for you.
And people say "Time will make it heal."
Time does not make it heal. What you would say is" But it will never be the same. I'll never have Marie again. It won't change." I was very toched when you shared you ...
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kaira
i feel so sorry for you because you watched your wifr die on the bed. thank you so much for coming to our school which was east side on 2-22-08 now i can tel people that when they smoke that they are only killing them selfs and the people around them whe...
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Joe
hey, you were at my school at 2-22-08, i had seen your comercial a long time ago and never realy thought that i would see that guy in person, you have a great impact on people and its hard to think of loving someone for 20-sum years and just have it slowl...
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oteisha
rick i am a girl from eastside middle school you came and talked to us on 2-22-08. I really enjoyed you coming and sharing your story with us. i am sooooooo extremely sorry that happened to your wife marie. I was really toutched by your story and now you...
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jessica
hey you were at my school 2-21-08 and you made me think about how dangerous smoking is. And that presention was the best one and i know that it impacted alot of people...
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Allee
My dad smoked and the storie about your wife made me think do I really want to wast my life on sigarets?Sure they dont soud bad but when you shoed that list it made me think twice! THANK YOU SO MUCH! What you said about the F.B.I. was crazy! they jump on ...
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sydney
u made me think of wen alot of my familey smoke or chew tobacco and they still do my aunt was in the hostpital because her vanes were cloged up because of smoking...
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adrian
Ricks story and his words hit me!!! They meant a lot to me!! And they touched me!! He really inspired me and encouraged me not to smoke!! And what could possibly happen if you do start smoking. I really have to say Rick you touched me sooo bad.. And every...
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Felicia
He has made me realize that tabacco use is more serious than what i had thought....
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Madison
He has taught me not to smoke when i grow up because it can kill you....
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Madison
I have 2 uncles in Florida and they both smoke.Ihave a 28 year old cousin that smokes.My friend,Olivia said that her grandma smokes and she wont quit.She said if her mom and grandma have to leave to go shopping her grandma tries to smoke as many cigerette...
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Felicia
Hey Rick!
I just wanted to let you know that your story touched me. I have had people i my family pass away from cancer, its not really something fun to go through. I can even begin to imagine how you got through with it all.Your wife was lucky to have a...
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kennedy
Dear Rick,
I was at the convo you did in Indiana today and you really inspiered me to make a difference in what is happening in the world today like smoking and over weight people, i could write a whole list of things but it would be too long. Ever since...
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Kelsey
Dear Rick you came to my school today,2/21/08!!!! U realy inspired me I told my mom about all the things I learned. only her first because she smokes. wich means when she smokes around me she is second hand smoking. once I told her about Marie she said ok...
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Meredith
You have affected me to try and change my grandpas live because my grandma died in 2000 and that affected everything. The way you said some things made me think of her and that made me cry and then you made me laugh a lot. So you can say i know what you...
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coy
Hey rick me again. this is my 3rd time writing u. i talked 2 my parents about smoking and they said they have been trying but its hard. last year my uncle suffered a heart attack from smoking. that just scared me 2 death. i'd really love 4 u 2 come bac 2 ...
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kelsey
Dear rick you came to my school today 2/21/08 it meant alot to me because my mom smokes and when she smokes around me it is second hand smoking. i told her your story and everything u taught us she is trying to stop she has went 5 hours with out a cigeret...
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Heather
Rick, thank you for coming back to Elwood, IN. Your story made me cry the first and the second time. Having lost my great grandmother to lung cancer and watching her die really affected my life. Seeing that caused me to stop smoking. I am trying desperate...
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terry
rick
i like what u talk about at my school i no how u feel my grandma and grandpa both died of lung cancer its a said thing to go though...
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Madison
he has taught me alot of important things that could happen to people when they smoke to much....
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Breanna
Rick you have opened up my eyes to what can happen when you take that first puff. I thought that you were really brave. I mean to get up there and talk about your personal life in front of everyone. The doctors just found a spot on my moms lung. I think i...
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hailey
rick yoyu helped me relize how many people
die in one year
from ciggerates
i hate them
your my hero and idol
i love what you are doing
to help kids
thank you!!!!
-hailey...
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Sam
Hi, just wanted to say thanks for coming to North Putnam Middle School on February 19. It was actually the first assembly I wanted to pay attention to. Keep up your good work and don't ever forget about Marie. Thank you again and come back to NPMS next ye...
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Nicole
Dear Rick,
When you came to my school yesterday and shared your story with all of the students and staff,the first thing that came to my mind was that man has guts. I thought that b/c it takes a lot for a person to get up in front of hundreds of people a...
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michael
hey rick , you really affected me cause my mom smokes an i keep talking to her to stop an yea. i hate it when people smoke, when i see someone smoke i tell them you are only killing youself an others around you. i really feel sorry about marie. i bet she ...
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Amber
Dear Rick,
Today when I heard that, we were having a convocation I must admit I reacted like every other student in my school. I did not want to go and when I read who was speaking to us I did not remember your name. One of my friends informed me that y...
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coy
hey me again just want 2 say hi and thank u 4 coming. U really made me think. plz plz plz come bac to North Putnam....
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ben
Hey Rick, i was really touched by your story today at North Putnam Middle School. My dad smokes and just cant stop. It takes a big toll on my life.
When you played that song "who you'd be today" it sounded just like Maries story. I think that song was m...
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Kelsey
Rick,
Thank You! I say thank you! Why? When you came to school I didnt know what we were doing down in the gym. When you started talking I was so touched by your story. Knowing that I have people in my family that smoke and chew i know the causes Tha...
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Sondra
Rick, I just want to thank you for all the suffering you went through just to get that message through to us today at North Putnam Middle School, I am a 13 year old girl, my name is Sondra and EVERYONE in my family smokes.
My mom, dad, even all my brothe...
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misty from east mcdowell jr high
hey rick, you have really changed my life and your story about Maire and Gerorge and you told me about your storie trusting me to respect you and well did and i just waned you to know that you are a true blessing in disguise and you will be soon getting...
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brandon
rick told me how bad it is to be around secoundhand smoke and that ciggerest is bad and peole no that is bad and they like it anyway....
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Lindsey
I just want to thank you so much for coming and talking to my school. Your story has touched me in so many ways there aren't words to explain it. It hurts to know that people, like tobacco companies, can be so cold in knowing they are killing innocents. T...
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Jason
Dear Rick, Today you came to our school and talked to us. I am in sixth grade but you really inspired me and changed my life and the way I think.My brother smokes and I went home today and talked to him about smoking he is 28 and I hope to help him quit. ...
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coy
hey rick thank u 4 coming 2 North Putnam. i am 1 of the students tht was there listening 2 u. and i want 2 tell u tht i raised my hand when u asked whos parents smoke. and i want 2 tell u tht my uncle had a heart atack because he smoked. and franckly, im ...
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dannille
hey rick, you visited my school North Clay Middle School, on Tuesday,18 2008. I think your story touched a lot of people at this school....
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Michaela
When I was five years old, my grandpa, who stood at 6\' 5\" and weighed close to 200. was diagnosed with lung cancer. He was 56. He had smoked his whole life, so I guess it was kind of inevatable, but it was still hard to except. He was put on oxygen, a...
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Amber
Thank you very much for speaking at our school today (N. Putnam Middle School). I think the kids really got your message. It really hits home for alot of these kids. Your story really touched me as well. I am 26 years old and a teacher at NPMS. I hav...
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2 moved 7th graders
We just wanted to let you know how much your story has touched us. You are different than the other speakers because you actually had a true story. Thanks again.
K.R & J.P...
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Alyssa
Hello Mr. Stoddard i tohught i would tell you that what you said really touched home with me and tell you why i started to cry during your speech today at North Putnam High. When i was 11 years old my great grandfather died because of smoking and old age....
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Jennifer
You spoke at our school today. North Putnam you probably can\'t remember which schools are which because you speak at so many but your story really touched me this morning. i don\'t smoke and i never will but i have tons of family members who do and some ...
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Dear Rick,
I really appreciated all of the time you took to come and talk to all of the North Clay Middle School students about cigarettes. It really has touched many peoples lives because when they sit down to talk to their parents the parents get mad ...
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Angela
Thank you so much for the speech today at North Clay. Your story really touched my heart and I plan to speak to my mother later on this evening about her smoking habits. I am truly sorry about all of your losses, it is very brave of you to come and speek ...
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Dylan
Rick, you were really good today, i almost creid well i did cry. I fell sorry about your wife i cant even amagine how you feel. I thought your speech was moving and touching to all especially me thank you Rick for coming and talking to us at North Clay an...
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Hayley & Kara
Hi Rick were
really glad that you came a shared your story. we were so touched on how your life has been since that happend. We thank you bunchs because if you wouldn't of put the effort to go and tell your story then we wouldn't probably care as much as...
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SHELBY
RICK HAS CHANGED MY WHOLE life i know you said you wouldnt write back but if you get the chance plese try. well my parents smoke and i dont know how to talk to them because i woulndt want to lose my parents like you lost marie i love my parents more then ...
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Desiree
Rick, you really touched my heart today at North Clay. I talked to my grandma when I got home from school because she smokes but she tried to make me think different. I really want my grandma and mom to stop smoking but they just won't listen. Thank you s...
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whitney
hey Rick you were awsome at north clay ad i am very sorry to hear abput your wife. i started to cry when you were talking about her and i have a family membor who i live with and he is 20 and we all love him and we don't want him to go through so will you...
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Jenea
WOW! that was great what you did at North Clay today. though im really sorry about what happened to your wife. i cant even discribe how i felt. your speech really hit me today, you cant even imagine, i truly want to cry, and so did my friends, although wo...
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Jessi
Hey Rick, you came to McDowell High School a few weeks ago and you really touched my heart about the story you told about Marie. I am extremely sorry for your loss. When I came home that afternoon I sat my dad and stepmom down and I told them what you had...
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Whitney
Hey Rick....Today you came to my schoool Clay City Jr/Sr High School and your story about your wife has changed my life. Which i know that you will be so honored to hear someone say that. I am so sorry about your wife! I look up to you because you are suc...
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Ryan
It was sad when Mr Stoddard came to my Middle school of North Clay, And i felt like i was 3 years ago when my aunt died of lung cancer and i was sad for 1 or 2 years then i got over it. And my whole family was sad but i was the most so i have nothing more...
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Corey
Dear Rick,
You have touched me deeply. When you talked at Norht Clay Middle school to the sixth grade, I really listened. I want to thank you for coming to my school. I support you fully in what your doing....
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Kaylie
Rick, i would just like to say THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for your time. Your story has affected me so much. If you remember me, i was the blonde girl from Clay City Middle School whos grandma and mother smoke. I can't stop thinking how awful it is tha...
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Nicholas
Hello Rick thank you for the thing you did at the mcDowell early colege some one i love very much i been trying to get her to quit for 6 and 1\2 months and the program you showed us helped her quit now she dont smoke any more but if she does i well just s...
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Monica
You came to my school the other week. your story truly touched me. On July 16th, 2007 my best friend was killed in a car crash. I felt like my world was over. A week and a half before Carrie died, her mom was diagnosed with lung cancer. Carrie's mom passe...
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Lauren
Hey Rick! I am Lauren from West McDowell Jr. High of North Carolina, and i wanted to tell you that the speach you gave to us really changed everyones life including mine. I am glad you came to talk to us about what smoking can do to us. I am truely sorry ...
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Emma
I have wrote before but I just wanted to tell you that I am doing a project on smoking and i was looking for a website that would help me so I typed in www.**************.com and it brought up this web page where you could buy cigarettes and they even had...
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Autumn
When you came to our school and talked to us it wasn't like any other speaker. It really has affected my life and my friends we have all talked to our familys. My father is a smoker and second hand smoke has started to bother me alot lately and after your...
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Taylor
Rick,
Thank You so much for coming to McDowell High. I was truly touched when i heard your story of Marie. I sat in the bleachers with tears in my eyes. You were a great husband for standing by her. I appreciate your message. I\'ll never smoke. Your a bl...
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Ciera
Rick, you were a great inspiration to me and my friends when you visited us at McDowell High School. Thanks for visiting us! I would like you to kno that your program changed atleast 2 minds about smoking. I'm sorry about your wife and i will keep you in ...
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Misty
YOu are a true blessing in disguise and well your story about Marie made me cry well you told us about Marie and you and even some about George
Well I am Praying for you and your family
Love and Prayers
Misty...
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Tori
Rick, When u had came to South Adams Jr/Sr High it was kind of amazing how everyone actually listened to what u had said....i had never seen that before. It touched me very much and i am glad that i had the opportunity to listen to what u had said...........
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Ciara
Dear Rick....
I so sorry about your wife!! Thank you for comeing to Mcdowell High School it ment alot. I belive in every thing you had to say about smoking and stuff like that. ...
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Kelci
Rick,
You have put something on my heart that has made me think twice about everything. My grandpa has been in the hospital for two heart attacs in the past two weeks. The docters have told him that there are some blockedges to his heart. And these h...
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Jill
Rick, you came to my school today and you made me realize alot of things. Your story was amazing and tragic not only to you but many others. I dont smoke and dont like to be around people that smoke. But like you said in your story most people that suffer...
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Tristan
That was a sad story but very inspirational. I go to East Mcdowell Junior High in North Carolina. My Great Grandpa died from Lung Cancer caused by smoking. My pawpaw used to smoke all the time and now my mom can't stand resturants that have smoking sectio...
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anonymous
dear mr. stoddard, i go to McDowell High School, and when you visited my school, i almost cried when you started telling me about your wife. you have my deppest sympathies for what happened. i would never in a million years be able to go around like you d...
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Dalton
Hello, Rick.
*panting* Let's see, I've spent the last two hours trying to remember your last name so I could type this comment. The two D's kinda helped.
I was at the East McDowell Junior High today when you spoke to us about your wife and about you...
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VANESSA @ (Apple Valley Middle School)
Hi Rick. You came to our school today and your story really touched my heart!! It`s amazing of what smoking amd all those other nasty products can do to us. My aunt smokes, usually she stops for like 1 month and then she starts back. Im really scared for ...
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Samantha
Mr.Rick, Recently you visited East McDowell Jr. High. You really inspirered me! Me and my friend were sitiing in the audience and your story really touched us. It really made us stop and think of how bad smoking is. After all was said and done i promised ...
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Casey
It affected me majorly when he came to school. I'm not saying I know your pain Rick but I understand. I lost my uncle to cigarettes. He smoked like a train for 30 years. He died at age 42. He had a massive heartattack and was pronounced dead on the scene....
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Jesse
Rick You went to mcdowell high school today and that was the best assembly i have ever sat thru. What you do is amazing. I hope that the tobacco companys get shut down....
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Miranda
Wow! You were at my school today east mcdowell jr high in mcdowell county and i was crying my eyes out. Im sorry for your loss marie seemed really nice. But anyway i wasn't there for the whole thing but of what i saw it was so awsome. I liked how you did ...
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Hannah
Mr. Rick,
I really want to thank you for all you do. I go to West McDowell Jr. High in McDowell County, North Carolina, and today you gave the most amazing performance I think I've ever seen. You encouraged me and now I think I'm fully equipped to talk t...
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hay rick i just wanted to say that what your doin is so awsome u came to my school on feb 6th and u really touched my heart i was crying the whole time you see my dads been smokin since he was 16 and hes now in his 40s i REALLY DONT WANT TO LOOSE HIM !!!!...
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Andee
you just told your story at hendersonville middle school. right now i am in tears and i loved and honnard your story. and rip Marie.. may God gve u many blessings...
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Julia
You recently visited Patton High and you are a very courageous person. I can't imagine what it is like to re-live and re-tell your emotions and thoughts from that experience. Thank you so much for everything you are doing, and you will make a difference...
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Selena
Hi Rick. You recently visited my school, Apple Valley Middle in Hendersonville. Your words were strong and hit my heart. I loved it! I know many of the kids at my school didn't really care but i did. They don't take a life taking drug like cigaretts serio...
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Miranda
Dear Rick, It has been almost a year since u have visited Covington Middle School. I have really thought long and hard about what u said. I have a best friend who mom smokes. She has asked her to stop many times, but she won't.
Right now, we ar...
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Kyle
Hi rick you were just at my school hendersonville middle school..... i wanted to let you know that my granpa died last may of smoking.... it\'s the worst day i ever went through just watching him lay there and suffer... i remember the exact date the exact...
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Jordan
wow. thats one word to describe your accomplishments and your braveness for sticking it to the man, metaphor for the companies that lie to millions of people about what they're actually taking in. My parents smoke. Almost everyone in my family smokes. Bu...
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Kaitlyn
Mr. Stoddard,
Today you visited West McDowell Jr. High, and I would just like to make sure you know what a wonderful thing you are doing. Sure, we, as students, have all seen a million videos that say "don't smoke, it's bad." But it doesn't hit home till...
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Carmen
you just recently visited my school, hendersonville middle school i just wanted you to know that i loved your... i dont know what to call it your preformence i guese but i almost cryed it was amazing! i sent your site to both my aunt that smoke i realy c...
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Suzan
he has taught me not to smoke.that u could be dinosed with cancer and it could kill u...
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Frances
Hi Rick,
You came to Freedom High School in Febuary 2008 and you were a blessing to myself and many. Please don't stop your campaign against tobacco. My Mother died from lung cancer and I have two sons that do the smokeless tabacco and they have high b...
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Emma
Hi Rick,
I just wanted to say your story really hit home to alot of 8th graders at West Mcdowell Jr. High and I wanted you to know that it is so cool what you are doing for your wife and I am sure she is happy for what your doing!!!
I am sure glad y...
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Sarah
Hey rick u came to our school, North henderson High and i think u touched alot of hearts that day. that advice u gave us about talking with our family members who smoke or whatever, well guess what i tried it and my uncle stoped dippin tobacco. thank u so...
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Anthony
Hey Rick this is Anthony and i jsut wanted to thank you for coming to our school here at Mcdowell technical community college on 2/7/08, your story has really opened up my eyes to what we face in this world and as i told you my dad now has a DNR on the fr...
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Mike
Thanks for what you are doing! I lost my mother, much like you did Marie, when she was only 49. Keep up the good work!...
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Coralina
I would like to thank u for everything. You have inspired me not to try no tobacco products. Thank u and u deserve so much and i just dont know what to say. You handle everything so well. Im sorry for your loss i know how that feels i know i cant compare ...
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Olivia & Brandy
Dear Rick....
we've met you a few times at different schools with the Voice program in Boone County Indiana. we always love your story and all the effort you put into teaching children about the effects of smoking. although we have heard you speak...
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Marissa
Well today came and had spoken to us and it really got to me and my mom smokes and well i try to make her stop and i cant help every single day i think she is goin to get cancer or something else worse that she can get. And i feel really bad for what had ...
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Philip
Dear Rick,
I would just say thank you for everything, but you deserve more than that. I just don't know what to say. Your presentation was truely amazing. ...
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Tyler
Hey rick my name is tyler and you visted my school balfour and you had a super inpact on my life i have been diping snuff for 3 years and im trying to quit. i also think that all these kids who have lost their family members to tobacco products could help...
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Jessica.
I really wanted to thank Rick. I know a lot of people who smokes. I talked to them and they are going to quit. I just wanted to say thank you. alos i am very sorry about what happened. ...
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Courtney
Dear Rick, I'm in the 6th grade at Hendersonville Middle School. You came to my school on February 6. Thank you so much for coming. You set a great example for a lot of people. I also think it is so great that you go out of your way to tell kids what can ...
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Clare
hello rick, you came to our school not too long ago but unfortunatley i wasnt there to see your presentation, my friends had told me all about it, and i just wanted to say that your a real hero, its great that your helping kids understand the dangers of s...
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natosha
hey rick my mom started smoking at the age of 15 she started by lighting one for somone and i really want her to stop when she was prengant with my little sister she hide from me and kept smoking she as even been uncounsious 1 time i really dont want to l...
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Heather
Hi Rick I just wanted to say thank you for coming to my school North Henderson. What you said really hit me and my friends we were all crying by the end. It reminded me of my dying grandmother....she also has lung cancer and I just wanted to say thank you...
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Colby
Hi Rick.
I think that your anti-tobacco/smoking speaking is absolutely phenomenal. I have a grandmother who is alive but has been smoking since she was 16 years old. I am afraid of what will happen to her if she does not stop smoking. I dont want to lose...
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missy
hey rick.im from North Henderson High, and i just want to tell you thank you for coming to my school and talking. i know that alot of people took your message and used it, and others just really didnt care! but i did! i have been talking to my aunt and u...
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Hi RiCK! TOdAY:FEB.5.08 YOU CAME TO SPEEk TO MY SkOOl EAST HENdERSON HiGH! i THiNk iT WUZ GREAT WUT YOU HAd TO SAY! i dONT SMOkE BUT YOUR STORY GOT TO ME ANd i THiNK iF i did i WUd STOP! i THiNK YOUR STORY HElPEd A lOT TO GET TO PEOPLEZ HEAd! i dECidED i ...
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Vanessa
Hi Rick. You came to our school today at Apple Valley Middle School and I just want to let you know that my aunt is addicted to cigarettes. It`s amazing to what these small things can do to us. People just dont understand that they`re risking their own li...
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Hey Rick, thanks for coming to my school today ur speech was great.i wish my mom could have seen it.shes 40 and shees ben smokin all of her life. well ever since she was 12.and if u could.its totally fine if u dont.to send all the ingredients that u showe...
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josh
hey rick i am very glad i was able to hear your story cuz i lost my father to cancer in 03 i was only 13 and he was only 47 ...only 47...i just wanted to let u know i thank what ur doing is one of the best thing i have ever heard coming out of losin someo...
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Tiffany
You came to East Henderson High today. My name is Tiffany I was there! I listened to your story. My dad is hooked on Tobbacco now, and has been since he was 16. My grandfather did cigarettes just as your wife did. Hes now up there with your wife in heaven...
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Sierra
Hey Rick! You really inspired me to talk more about smoking to my friends and family. You made a big impact on my life and made me realize how bad tobacco really is. I had no idea there was a chemical from urine in cigarettes. That blew my mind. I have ne...
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Crystal
Thanks so much for coming to are school (North Henderson High School) My grandfather died of lung cancer. I went to see him in the hospital and it was so sad seeing him there trying so hard trying to move.You have influneced my life I am going to talk to ...
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1st Lieutenant Ledford USMC Auxilary
You came to my school and told us your story. I do not smoke or dip. The kid that sat next me however does. Your story has changed his mind. It's been 3 weeks and he no longer dips. I have shown your video to my whole platoon. Three of them smoked a...
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Justin
Hey Rick. You came & presented to my school today, EBHS. About 3-4 years ago my Grandpa died of cancer from smoking. All i remember about my Grandfather is the funeral. My family and I have been tabacco free for a couple days. I have been having second th...
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Kayla
I know you asked us who has had someone close to us die from cancer or die of smoking. Well I have never had anyone really that close to me were it really affected me, but I do know there are millions out there that have lost a loved one to smoking & canc...
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sammy
I really enjoyed your speech today at my school. I recently lost my grandfather from lung cancer. It didn't get as bad as what your wife went through. The morphine stopped his heart in his sleep. I really miss him. He kept on warning people that smok...
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Ashley
Rick I heared you speak at East Burke High School today. And it was so so amazing to hear you spaek today. I had an uncle to died with lung cancer almost 2 years ago. It will be 2 years in July I miss him so much. He finded out he had cancer in March of 2...
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anissa
I know that you visited a while back but i am always busy and could'nt get around to it.....but here i am. and anyways i want to start of by saying thank you and you taught me more than Stacy Middle School could ever teach me about smoking. Well....unfort...
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Michelle
January 9th 2008 was the third anniversay of my father's death. He died suddenly at 57.
I was already emotional that morning when I saw Rick and Marie's story. I cried. I could not stop thinking that my father's middle age was 28 and my mother's was...
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Emerald[ssms]
Hey.
Thx for coming to our school...
im really sorry about Marie....
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kimberly
Hi Rick how are you came to my school called ticonderoga middle school my grandfather just died 1/16/08 because of cancer in the liver and the lung. when you came to my school you really touched my heart....
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Shauna
Hi Rick how r u. You came to our school and talked about how you\'re wife died. I\'m sorry about your wife. My grandmother has no legs she has cancer and she still continues to smoke. I really don\'t want her to die. I showed her a video of a person that...
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Cheyanne
Rick after you came to my school i was inspired by your speech so i painted a picture in art class, and i would like to send it to you but through this comment thing i cant so i was wondering if there was any other way to send it to you....
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Danielle
rick you inspired me and my parents. they smoke and till this day it will be one month and a week that they have not smoked. jan. 15.08 i am so proud of them. but if it wasnt for you none of us kids would know the true affects of smoking thank you ver...
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kristal
u have taught me the true meaning of wat smoking can do 2 all these people that have no clue wat is does 2 them. mi parents smoke all the time and its hurting all of us. ive tried telling them everything u have taught us but it didnt work. mi dad just lau...
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Mallory
I met Rick 6 years ago, actually January 29,2002 in Indianapolis, IN where I watched him become an "Honorary Hooiser" while talking at the American Cancer Society Lobby Days. I don't know if he will remember who I am, but his ads are the reason why my mot...
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wyatt
hey rick thanks for coming to NAC to talk about your loss.if your speeches don't teach kids and teens the harmful affects of smoking, i dont know what will....
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Quanisha
you have affected me because my mom used to smoke then i told her and she said she gonna try not to i go to {oak hill middle school}Evansville,Indiana im srry n thank you for the story and sharing your story to us ...
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Kiana
Thank you for telling us about your wife and i know that hurt your felling and i have felling for that....
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Danielle
Hey Rick.
I just wanted to say thank you.
When you came to my school, you changed many lives, including mine.
I look up to you alot.
And think what you do is an amazing and difficult thing.
My dad smokes and I talked to him about it and showed him ev...
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Desi
hey rick
you have came to my school
i go to adirondack high school
you have changed my life and have inspired me.
your one of my heros
i have talked to my parents about it and at first they didnt care actually they laughed at me i started crying bu...
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Jaime and Jerry
My husband and I decided to quit for our new years resolution. It's been over a week for me and 3 days for him. I just recently read your story and it motivated me further. I'm 22. I don't want to think I'm middle aged. God bless you and yours....
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anahi
my aunt died of lung cancer becaause she smoked too. also im sorry about your wife i like your program too. so thanks...
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Dear Rick Stoddard,
My grandpa has cancer to and everyday i think about how your wife had it and how she died so i jst wanted to tell you that i know how it might feel to lose a loved one ...
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Tom
His touching love story that has left him without the love of his life. It was just so honest and he was so deeply hurt. I was there on the screen. How could such a story not affect another human being. Yes, it affected me. He just sounded like such a goo...
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Megan
thanks for coming to our school(stacy middle school) a couple of weeks ago. Although many of the students didn't cry we all new that everyone in our 7th grade had been touched. My bst friend's mom had cancer(she lived) and is was really hard on her. But i...
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Emily :):):)
thank you for coming to our school (hf middle school). i feel soooooo bad for you. i would be crushed if something like that happened to anyone eles in the world! thank you again! (my mom is thinking about quiting)!!! :):):)...
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nick
hey rick im nick you came to my school tri county you enspired me to show this to my parents i want them to quit and hopefuly from showing your video they will stop and thanks so much for going to my school have a great life ...
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marsha
Dear rick, you came to my school if you remember me my name is marsha my school is wood memorial junior high. i came to you after the program and i was crying you have made a diffrence in my life beacause i thought i was a loner that i was the only one wh...
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canader
You came to our school one day.Me and my friend have working to have our parents stop smoking. We cant stop them to though.
BYE!!!...
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lamaitis#58 from westmoreland bulldogs highschool
i have gotten four of my family members to stop from the last time you have came to my school. And right now I am trying to two more people to stop and even more. Thank you again.
Lamaitis#58
...
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Hi Rick, you came to my school today and it hit me hard to hear everything you had to say. I've lost a grandmother to lung cancer from smoking but I never really thought of trying to stop it from happening again. After hearing you today, we had to write e...
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kevin stacy middle
thank you for coming to my school. I have lost 2 family members because of smoking. Tobaco took 2 family members from me and one never even got to meet. I will try to get the rest of the people in my family to stop smoking beacause i don't want to lose th...
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ben
he made me realize that we as americans can do something to stop the tobacco industry just get afew people to stop and it kills the industry i would never ever smoke and still wont rick it must be hard for you to tell your story bout marie but im proud u ...
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Ali
Dear Rick,
You came and talked to my school today, thank you so much. I know for a fact that I am going to try to get my family members to stop smoking. I also know that some of my friends have stopped smoking hearing your story. My uncle died of lun...
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It was great having you come to our school. When I heard there was an assembaly, I though "Oh man, I'm going to miss specials" but this assembley was problably the best we had since ever. I diodn't even mind missing specials. Keep it up, don't stop yet....
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Casey
Thank's a lot Rick for coming to my school. It must be so hard to tell your story to so many people. Atleast you had the courage to do it all. I respect you and Marie a lot & I hope everything continues to be good and hopefully get better. Best wishes.
...
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~!emiyl!~
Dear Rick thank you for coming to our school and talking about your wife! (i feel bad!) When i got home i told my mom and she is thinking about quiting!! :) I can't wait when she tells me that she is going to quit!! Thanks again!! :)
...
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Karalyn
Your story was so sad and you made such a big affect on me and my school. I respect you and Marie so much.You were so strong when times were tough. And you don't sit there letting other people be clueless about tobacco. Instead you go travel, and take up ...
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Mike from Stacy Middle school
Thank you Rick for coming to my school. I have heard many speeches about what tabacco can do to you but yours had something special. You made every one feel what you were feeling. You probably won't remember me but I was the boy in front who shuok hands w...
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Alex
Hey Rick. Thank you for coming to my school, Stacy Middle School, you know my freind Nicole. I've heard a lot of performances about how smoking is bad, but yours was the most touching. I lost my grandpa to some sort of cancer from smoking. He died the day...
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~Mindy~
Your story has truely made me realize how dangerous tobacco is and that it needs to be stoped. you have opened my eyes, so i have suported my family members in trying to quit, (which they havnt had a cigarette in months now), you made me realize that i ca...
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Cayla
Rick,
thanks so much for coming to our school (TI). Well it was a little amoitianal for me because my aunt died last year from smoking and it was tradgic i know what you are going through.
Somtimes i think about her the way you talked about your wife. I...
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Kiernan
Rick, I would like first to share a happy story. A story of how my mom quit smoking over a decade ago and you know why she quit? Because my grandmother died from emphysema/seizures/other complications caused from smoking....I am grateful! I am grateful th...
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Rebecca
Your performence has really inspired me and as well as some of my friends. I'm so glad that you came and performed and told us about your wife. I can relate to you.Most of my family smokes and I really do try to talk them out of it. There just so addicted...
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Elaine
OMG! I'm so happy I've found a way to talk to you! I quit smoking in February 2005. The final PUSH was your commercial telling us the story about Marie (also my aunt's name who died from emphysema). Rick, I went to my local stop smoking clinic and threw a...
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Jon
I saw your commercial sometime in 2007 after battling smoking for five years. Your spot and a student of mine challenged me to really quit. I tried the patch, the gum, a payed study at the University of Albany. I finally quit using only sunflower seeds...
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Brittney
Losing a loved one is something that effects 1,000's of people everyday. I want to thank you for coming to Ballston Spa High and educating us on your experience along with other valuble knowledge. Every year the teachers of our school always have presenta...
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Robyn
Dear Rick,
u really touched me with the story about your wife. it made me cry but now i know how u and i feel about the tobacco industry and ur right we should put a stand to it and one day hope fully people will understand what it does to your body. i...
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Jess from Ballston Spa
Rick, I just wanted to say when you came to Ballston Spa High last week I was very glad you did. I honestly don't think anyone has ever made me cry in such a short period that you did. I also recently lost my grandma to that stuff. Its devastating but soo...
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brandon
i m 12 years old and i talk to my parents to stop smoking i say the affects that it has on people ,it hurt them and me that you for helping me and others KEEP IT UP!...
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Alyssa
Hello rick Happy Holidays I hope you will have fun with your friends and grandchildern. I\'m So sorry about what happened to your wife I really am so sorry. ...
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Devin
You have made such an impact on my life, you have made me not want to smoke EVER. Thank you for inspiring me and i will pass on you advice throughout my family! Your the best!...
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caitlin
rick you made me feel sad when you told us the story at bshs it was very sad i had to lev you probli dont remeber me but i was the one that came up to you when i told you my mom died of it they should make that **** (ciggs) so people cant buy it i called ...
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jeannette[stillwater high] yeahh!
rick have verryy happy holidays okayy i know marie is gone but make the most out of it!
your a good guy and she would appreciate that
Meryy Christmas & Happy New Year!
sincerely
Meee!...
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I know that you are not supposed to write back, but could you put some of the different ingredients that are in the cigaretts on your home page because we are doing a project for our class about teenage smoking, we would appreciate it. Thank You!...
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cortlyn
Happy holidays Rick,I hope you can still have a good one with you wife gone Sorry to hear about that, but please have a wonderful holiday with family and friends....
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Tiffany=)
Thank you very much Rick for letting our school experience your story! You are my romdle=)...... thank you soo very much for telling it to us....your friend tiff...
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Kaitly
Hey Rick I just wanted to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a happy new year ...
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Kyle
You have tought me not to smoke and to quit now while u still can so thank you for saving my life.I am sorry about Marie's death, i wish that there was sumthing i could have done. Good Luck...
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Yule
Happy Holidays Rick... i know your family has got to be happy that you are home with them... including your noisey grandson and his drums. Best of wishes and may your family have a great holiday... by the way.. i remind my father and well... its been a fe...
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Chelsea
Hi Rick. You came to my school last week (Ballston Spa High School) and your story was really helpful. My grandparents smoke a lot, and your speech really helped me to realize that I needed to help them. You have helped so many people, and really are prob...
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ryan
made me sad and heart broken i think should write a book about what had happend to you ...
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Sean
Hey rick you came to my school on the 7th (BAllston Spa)and i want to say that. your story was a real story and i was touched. my father smokes but i told him about all the bad things they do to you and he said that "that rick guy taught me a lot and i wi...
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Cassie
Rick,
Thank you for coming to Waterford Halfmoon on 12/7/07. You really inspired me to not smoke. It was very generous of you to come. I just lost my Grandmother to cancer in September. We only knew she had cancer for 2 months. I just wanted to s...
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Tiffany (Stillwater=)
Heyy Rick, Thank you so much for coming to my school to talk to stillwater.. it is such a little town we don't get many important people to it! I realy appreciate you coming to tell us us story.. know i am trying to use it to get my parents to stop smoki...
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Marisa
Hey, Rick. Your story really moved me at Ballston Spa yesterday. I lost my aunt to lung cancer when she was 53. I really miss her, and that story you told us made me cry....
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liz
Hey rick im liz from stillwater and i wanted to let u kno marie is in my heart and she has touched everybody and shes still with u in your heart and watching over you take care liz...
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Jared
Hey man your speech today at Ballston spa high school had really touched me today and i would like to thank you for your announcement. I had lost my uncle Timothy Wojtowecz on august 5th of 2007 and he also happened to be 46 only 2 months from his 47th bi...
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Lauren
Rick,
You have truly touched my heart. When you came to my school, "Waterford-Halfmoon" on 12/6/07, i realized something. Even trying smoking isint good. I have though about just TRYING it once or twice but now, after what sadley, you'r wife wen...
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Deanna
hey Rick. My name is Deanna. I want to tell you that it is very hard to lose someone because my mom's grandmother passed away before i was even thought of she died of lung cancer and ever night i pray that my father and my fiance doesn't dye from this. ...
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Yule
Rick is truely amazing! I myself have now watched him 3 times at the school i used to attend. (Ballston spa) Everytime he has made me feel more strongly about getting my family and friends to quit using tabacco products because he teaches and reminds you ...
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Jeannette[Stillwater High]=]
Heyy Rick i already wrote to you so yahh i just wanted to let you know how everything went kayy so here it is.. I went hyome and talkted to my dad because i am [daddy's girl] i love him with all of my heart! I NEED him in my life i need him to be there fo...
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Collin
Rick...today at Mechanicville Middle School you did the Burning Truth presentation and I was extremely impressed. Because of this presentation my mom is now going to quit smoking and I would like to thank you. I konw that you are thinking that it was not ...
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jared
Thanks Rick for coming in today on 12/7/07 in Ballston Spa High School and sharing some interesting thinks facts about smoking. You have inspired me to stop smoking i think you might have just changed my life forever thank you very much you are a big ins...
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Leah
You really touched me and my friend some of my friends smoke and but i hope you can come back..... LOVED YOUR STORY ...
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Deanna from Stillwater
Hi! Thankyou sooo much. Even though I have never cried that much in my life but i know now how much worse smoking is than i thought! I could never tell a story like yours so you are very brave and i will never forget it and support anti-smoking. thankyou ...
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jessica t from stillwater
Heyy Rick. I like that you came to are school. You inspired me and so many people.....Well i hope your doing ok and keep inspirering more people !!!!!!!!! THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ...
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chris
rick i cried when u told me about ur wife and i am very sorry. u really got 2 me and i thank u ...
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sydney
hey, rick you realy inspired me and i will nerver smoke marie is in all of our prayers...
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emily
rick im emily from stillwater middle school and
and my mom died from the same exact thing your wife died from. i was 3 years old and like life isnt the same i totally feel your pain and im supporting you 100%..your a really great guy and its good to see ...
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Kasey
THANKYOU! You inspired me so much I KNOW that i will never smoke. I am from Stillwater Middle school and i loved your presentation. hope you come back again and i'd love to see you again thankyou....
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Anastacia
Rick i am so sorry that happend to your vvife.
The same thing that happend to my grandpa.
I started to cry in the audience.From what you told us i will never smoke for yours and my sake. thank you so much Rick!!!...
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Aaron
io feel really bad for you i just had a grandmother go though the same thing your wife did but she is still with us for now you made me believe that im not alone for what im going though with my grandmother thank you for coming to my school im at ballston...
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cody
thank u for comin to our school (stillwater middle school) didnt relize how many things they put in ciggerates, until u said what they put in them.what got me was thatall thos ciggerate buds are the most known thing of litterling . ...
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Rissy
Rick yesterday you spoke at my school hf middle. and you had so meny people crying. your storying is truly amazing, and i hope you get threw this. ...
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Vanessa
HI Rick.
Your story really affected me and it made me cry.I want to say thank you for coming to my school in stillwater. I wannt to say i will never smoke EVER and if anyone in my family starts
i will try to make them stop. So thank you you really touch...
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Courtney
HI Rick,
Thank you so so much for coming to my school. I know what I feels like to lose someone very close to you. Both my grandfathers died. I felt so bad when I heard about you and your wife and when I told my parents they both said that they agreed wi...
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Jackie
Hi Rick, Thank You for coming to my school! I will take your wife's story with me and tell everyone about it. I have already told my parents and they were very interested in the whole assembly. Ever since you told me that you do comercials I keep seeing t...
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KassieLee
he has been an inspiration to see what smoking does to us and the people around us. it doesnt care about what happens people who make ciggaretes are evil and only care about making a profit. rick has showed us the real reason not to smoke and stay away fr...
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Bender
Rick,
I just want to thank you for coming to Ballston Spa High School. I really appriciated you talking to our school and many other schools. It must be so hard for you but I just want to let you know that I will never forget the story that you have tol...
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Amanda
Hey Rick my names Amanda you came to my school today 12/7/07 Ballston Spa High School i just wanted to tell you that i didnt walk out of that
room and forgot what you were saying that really touched my heart knowing how much you loved Marie , i was cryin...
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Some student from Sidney Middle {sam}
Rick My friend that I had told you about. Well when I told my mom she said That i wasn't aloud up there any more. I can see why, but the more i think about I don't know if she still smokes. She hasn't said anything. I hope what you said did convince h...
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Sabrina from Stillwater
Wow!!!!!You really touched me rick...I was literally crying...I am so sorry about your wife....My uncle also died from cancer....It was so brave what you did goin from school to school talking about your wife..I wouldnt have the courage to do what you did...
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kasey
The story that you told really got to me. It made me worried about the people that I love that smoke in my family. When you told that story about your freind and he stoped smoking because of Dr.Fhil. Im telling my family would you die for your kids if you...
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Nikole
He's very courageous! Rick, you touched my heart today. Everything you said today was true!...
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Nikole
Rick, I'm a junior @ Waterford-Halfmoon High. You came to my school today(12/6/07) & made an effort to tell the other students & i about smoking. My mom used to smoke. She'd smoke in the car with us in it, i always told her to quit & then she finally did ...
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Stephanie
Hey rick its me Stephanie from Water ford- Half moon- School District middle School. When you Came to our school the first thing that caught my eye was the beginning sign that said that "Every 8 Seconds someone in the world dies from tobacco smoking". I r...
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dominick
hi rick i am from waterford middle school and i saw u last year at cohoes middle school and i just wanted to say sorry for what happened to marie. i know how it feels to lose someone important in life. my grandfather had cancer from smoking but he survive...
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Tiffani
hi rick this is Tiffani from hudson falls middle school. thankyou for telling us your story it really inspired me to never smoke your story was really sad and i cant beleive that happend to your wife im really sorry and i think she would be really happy t...
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Julia
Hi Rick! I'm from Waterford Middle School and I just want to say thankyou very much for telling us young students about how bad smoking and tabacco is. Because of you, when I got home I told my mom about what you taught me and every student in the room, a...
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Ashley
Rick thank you so much for visiting Thousand Islands Middle School. I hope your visit will change the way the kids at my school think about smoking I hope they start thinking smoking is bad after what it did to your wife. I hope your wife is happy with ...
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Daryn
This is Samantha's little brother and she told me a lot about you. ...
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Samantha
Rick has affected me by he told us how his wife died of smoking and my grandfather died of smoking....
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Samantha
I hope you can come back to my school when my little brother come in the middle schooll!!!!!
So he can find out all about it....
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Brianna
Rick i have family members who have died from cancer all because of tabacco indusries and they took their lives from me and now all because of them i will never see them again and after your speach at my school (waterford-halfmoon i will carry through my ...
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Dan
Hi Rick I wrote you you before. I am from stilwater. I didnt mention this in the other letter but im gonna say it now. You are really brave to do what you do. That had to be the best assembly about not smoking that I have ever been to.Your assembly ma...
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victoria and krisy
rick you came to our school waterford halfmoon on december 6,07. you have taught us a very valuable lesson about not to smoke cigerettes. we just want you to know you are an inspiration to us. you are awesome!!!!!!!! your awesome because you came up there...
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Kristen
Rick came to my school in Stillwater on December 5th. I always thought that the tobacco industry could never get me. His story yesterday opened up my eyes to all of the dangers. Thank you so much for taking the time to talk to us about this subject and yo...
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Nicole
Thank You, for coming to my school (stillwater) Your story touched me because because my mom use to smoke and my friends do to... I am happy you came to my school. Maybe you can come again. I feel so sad and I hope you can touch other people as you touche...
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Jeffrey
Rick you touched all of us at Waterford-Halfmoon School. I am so sarry about your wife. I learned a lot about smoking. My mom smokes and i really want her to quic. Thank you for coming to are school. ...
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Ang
Rick you are a very strong man u lost your wife. My grandfathers died from tabcco and i would never start to smoke chew or anything like that. I understand that it is a very terrible thing to start. I never knew any of them because of tabacco. You really ...
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Caleb
Dear Rick,
At the assemblyat Waterford you really told us how dangerous smoking really is, and how smoking can affect your hole life....
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Amanda
Hey Rick,
you juss visited my school in Waterford.What you said really affected me.I have parents that smoke and i know its not good for them and now that i know the things you taught us today i may find a way to help them.I am very sorry for your loss a...
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cortlyn
Rick has affected me by tell the school what happens to people and how to let oter people know what happens....
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Billy
Rick has really inspired me. I swear that I will never smoke, chew, or drink. I really thought that your speech was great. I really didn't know that over 4,000 poison's were put in 1 cigarette. Thank's for teaching, and inspiring me....
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Maegan
Hi wow Rick you really affected me i was like literally crying in the inside. I am from Hudson Falls Middle School! Your speech was really great and i know it was really hard for you to do wat you did. I lost my grandpa to cancer because of smoking and i ...
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Marissa
Hey Rick! Thank you so much for coming [Stillwater Middle School]. You and your wife's story really touched me. I knew that i wasn't going to smoke when i grew up but, now not only i know i am not going to smoke but when I see someone else smoking I am...
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Shane from Stillwater N.Y.
Rick, thank you for coming to my school it really tought me alot on smoking .I hope my friends mom would take that advice....
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billy from stillwater
i no wat he went to because my grandfather is going through the same thing your wife is and i live with him and hes like my father so i can realate to u and my grandfather is 61 and hes had 9 heart attack and a oppen heart serjery and nd he has a ton of m...
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Brandon
Rick,after the presentation you gave at my school @ stillwater middle school.after you presentaiton i told my mom about the facts that happens when you smoke.she said shewill try to stop for me and my sister and any1 else in my family.i then looked up a l...
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Hannah
Rick im so sorry for you. I lost someone i n my life to but from alcohol not somking. I know how you fell. I think someone from my school (stillwater) will really listen to you and not somke or talk. That someone will be me.You really told us what would h...
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Tori from Stillwater
Your story really effected me about your wife. I have a aunt that has smoked for as long as i can remember. She has one 11 year old son and just had a baby. I cried after your story because she could have cancer and not know it. ...
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Victoria
Rick, You came to our school yesterday (Stillwater) and I thought your story was very sad. I looked over at my friends and they were all bawling. I was thought the list of what was in the cigarettes was extremely long. It didn't surprise me though. I know...
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Samantha
Thank you so much for coming to our school. It really affected me, because I know someone who smokes. I really hope he quits. I am never going to smoke or do drugs. It is really bad and now i know the real damage that it can do....
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jeremy
Rick thank you for coming to our school(stillwater) I thought that the assembly was going to be boring just like the other ones,but you made it wayyyyyyyy better than the other ones........ thank you rick. ooooo ya by the way you definately look like ston...
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Shawn
Wat up rick ur assembly was awsome and im sorry about ur wife. I wish people would stop smoking thanx for coming to stillwater...
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South Glens Falls
Your speech today in our gym was heartwarming. I almost cried because my grandma died from smoking and mt friends parents smoke. You touched me in a way noone else could. Thank you!...
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Jared
Your speech made me sad because almost all the adults in my family smoke and I care about them alot. I plan on reading your book soon....
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Tina (from Stillwater CSD)
Hey Rick, Your story really touched me. When you asked if any family members died from smoking i raised my hand and...almost cried. I hardly knew her she always smoked and... when I was like 2 she died. I didn't know what was going on at the time. My gran...
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Jessica from the best skool stillwater
hey wutz up you really touched me with your story and i was really affected on wut happen yes i used too smoke i thought nothin could really happen but when i heard wut happen i got really scared that it was gunna happen to me and i didn`t want this but n...
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Sandra
I cant believe that 1200 people died everyday. What is bad is is that my aunt and uncle were one of thoso people. It hurt so bad to lose them. Thank you for coming to Waterford and speaking with us. That was very emotional and to the point. It affected ev...
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ashley @ HF middle school
rick i am srry for your lost ....u are a good guy i hate to see people in pain...i just want u to know that she is looking down on u and proble miss u as much as u miss her ...u change my friends thxs so much ...u are a though guy to stick through to pain...
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*********family
Rick may your wife R.I.P and we know how you feel because are grandmother died form smoking so i know how hard it was for you. I hope they do stop selling cigaettes because both of my parnets smoke and it is just so hard becuase my mom has diabetes which ...
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Cheyanne
I hope that your inspirring words will help me convince my mom to quit smoking i mean she tried before and i thank her for that if she does i will have you to thank for turning my and my moms life around thank you for your inspirring words this world need...
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Samantha
I will never ever smok any thing !!!!!!!!
Thank you so much for coming to my schooll!!!!...
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Bill
In the talk you gave at our school today the figure that struck me most was 1,200. 1,200 people die each day from smoking. Fewer than 3,000 people died on 9/11 and yet this country has spent nearly $500 billion fighting terror. Over the last 35 years we h...
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mckenzy
hey rick!
you came to my school today.[stillwater]
and your story touched me.
in the beginning, i said to my friend, im gonna cry by the end of this, and i did.
your story was soo sad.
everyone thoguht that it was going to be some stupid assembly, an...
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Kate
yur speech today @ GHS was amazing. i cried. i give yu many props for being able to talk about yur wife everyday to hundreds of teenagers across the country who yu will never meet.
all three of my grandmothers used to smoke. my one grandmother smoked un...
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Dan
Hi Rick, today you came to my school in stillwater and the presentation you made was great.I plan on reading your book....
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Dale
Hey, Rick. You probably don\'t remember many of the people at the schools you visit, but I was there, watching you and everything. Everytime you asked if someone I knew died or someone was smoking near me (second-hand smoke,) I raised my hand. I am ashame...
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Tim
Today's assembly really affected me because both of my parents died and one of th things i wont forget is the Dr.Phil thing "would you die for your kids? Then why not live for them"Today's asse,bly meant a lot to me and it really got to my heart because y...
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Daniel
Rick, you really touched me today at the assembly, after it was over I cried. I will never ever smoke or anything bad like that and I will try my best to put the tobbacco companies out of business! Thank you for all you have done....
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david from stillwater
Rick you are amazing i cant believe that you came 2 our school.I cant believe your story and that you do this everyday.It was such an expirence you coming to our school.I am really sorry about your wife i really took that to heart b/c both my mom and dad ...
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erin
Rick has effected many people in my school not only me. after your program at our school i heard some of the kids who do pot and smoke iknow its horrible at our age saying stuff like wow maybe i shouldn\'t do it if thats whats going to happen to me. so i ...
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Shelby
I really wanted to thank rick to coming to our school. I have been talking with my fellow classmates and the program affected us all in a good way. I have talked to people in my family about ricks program and now they are trying to stop smoking. My grandm...
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Niko
Rick,you came to my school today i am in middle school,and your story truly touched me.I started bolling my eyes out,i was so sad because my dad is the same exact age as your wife when she died and my dad does the same thing and i really care about him i ...
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Tiffany
rick has effect me because my parents smoke and they have tried to quit once..but then started again after 4 months.. i dont know what happened... i really appreaciate rick coming to talk to our school.. not many people come to such a small school like ou...
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alisha frome sillwater school
he really effected me because myt grandpa died 3 months ago from lung cancer and that is why i would never smoke!!! and i was really sad to hear how many people die from smoking and it is a huge number and i don\'t think anyone should smoke!...
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Dylan
hey, rick i just recently listened to you talk at galway school about 3 hrs ago...i just wanted to let you know that you did a great job of telling us about your lovely wife and the dangers of smoking, i'm sure you got through to alot of kids all over the...
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Danielle
i enjoyed the presentation that you had for me. it was really touching to me because i watched my great grandmother take her last breath and it hurt me and i am very sorry for your loss and there is hope. And i am in the reality chech program and i am go...
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south glens falls toen
well rick came to oliver w winch middle school and talked to everyone about his wifes marie story it was very sad and alot of people were crying to this sad story i shared this information with my parents and the are quiting smoking thank you rick for com...
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Britt
Rick, I'm glad there is someone like you speaking out to students like us about the hazards of tabacco use. Your story is very touching, and I plan on purchasing your book. Rick, you are an amazing person. You travel around spreading the facts about how t...
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Ryan From Stillwater
The assembly you gave at our school today is something I, nor many people in my school, will ever forget. It was very deep, but it made a lasting impression. When we got back to class and everybody began talking again - we confessed that almost all of us ...
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from stillwater
You are the greatest and bravest man i have ever met.I hope i can be as strong as you. I want to stand against tobbaco also. I never thought about tobbaco until you came thank you....
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From Stillwater
Rick. thank you for everything that you do. you are an amazing guy and a very brave one at that. recently on of the girls at our school lost her mother to lung cancer so it hit home for most of us. your story is truley touching and will never be forgotten...
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Sarah
This really affected me. I dont smoke and neither do my parents. But now I'm very thankful that they don't. I learned that its wrong to smoke and its not worth it. Thanks for everything. You made a tremendous impact on our school. =]...
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Lawrence
Rick,
I'm glad there is someone like you speaking out to students like us about the hazards of tabacco use. Your story is very touching, and I plan on purchasing your book. Two years ago I lost my grandmother to lung cancer that spread to her bones and l...
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Rick, you are an amazing person. You travel around spreading the facts about how terrible tabacco can be for you. you were at my school today (stillwater) and you touched all of us with your story. as i was walking out of the assembly the kid infront of m...
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Jeannette
Rick you came to my school on December 5th and you really touched me with your story it was so sad and touching. Both of my parents smoke and i wish they hadn't because my grandfather goerge died because of lung cancer.=[ And i never really got to meet hi...
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Amber
i think your speech was really helpful. i knew about two girls that smoked. they had no idea about that stuff. im think it will affect them.
...
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Jackie
Rick, you haven't just affected me, but rather my entire school district. I'm a Senior in Galway, and even though it may seem like a small school, in the middle of nowhere, it makes what you do that much more importanat. You take the time to come to small...
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Jim from Adirondack
Thank you so much for coming and telling us about Marie's and your story, it was touching. I know how you feel to lose someone that was very close to you and that you love because my grandpa died on August 10th from Emphysema from smoking. He stoped smoki...
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Olivia
rick, your speech today at OWMS was awsome. i know someone who smokes, and i've spent everyday with her since kindergarten, and my mom is scared i'll develop cancer. and the fact that my family has a history of lung and throat cancer, as well as heart dis...
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Rick,
I am a teacher at Oliver Winch MS, and I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for coming to speak to our students today. You kept saying that you are not a speaker, but you did a fantastic job.
I am so sorry for all you've been through...
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Rachel
dear rick
I was at you assembaly today at the oliver w which middle school in south glens falls. And i just wanted to tell you that your story really did make a difference in my life! Personaly i have never had to deal with the death from lung canc...
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Chandler
Rick you are a very great spearked and probalay have touvhed many lives at OWMS....
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i'm an 8th grader at oliver winch middle school, and i know that today i wasnt the only one truly touched by your story. i cant ever imagine going through everything you and your family went through and i commend and thank you for being able to come and s...
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Chan
Rick thank you so much for coming to my school Oliver.w. Winch middle school. Both my parents used to smoke but i found out about the dangers that it causes so i made them quit. (guilt trip) ect. But thank you for coming and touching our lives. ...
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Chase
Rick, you came to my school today. (oliver winch) Your story truley touched me. I have a parent that Smokes. And my grandmother use to. She quit last year. My mother still does though. And i really dont like it. Especially when she smokes in the house. Bu...
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Jonna
I go to Oliver Winch and i just want to thank you so much for coming to talk to us about your story this week. Your story sort of opened my eyes and really touched me. My dad smokes and he has tried to quit many times but he just keeps going back. Some...
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Kayleigh
hey rick.
your speach today at oliver winch was truely amazing. you changed our lives alot. and veryone was thinking about how much you did all day.
my step mom almost died from cancer in the bottom of the tounge.her dad is a heavie smoker 2-3 packs a d...
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Shelby[Thousand Islands]
Hi rick im shelby and i go to thousand islands high school. i just want to thank you dearly for coming to our school, you really are a good speaker im very glad you came. your story was very sad and touching. Smoking is a bad habit;my grandparents smoke a...
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Courtney
hey Mr. Stoddard, it is Courtney thank you so much for going to Harrisville Central's School to talk!! It changed almost everyone's lives! My sister doesn't smoke any more after your speech!! It inspired a lot of people!!!
...
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Sara
Hey Mr. Stoddard. I just want to thank you for coming to our school on the 29th, it meant a lot to us. :) I tried to talk my mother into quitting, (she's a very heavy and addicted smoker); and so far nothing has worked, but I will continue to keep trying....
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Tom
Dear Rick: I am form oriskany. I showed my mother your video and she had agreed ot quit for this i would like to thank you. Im working on others in my family i will always treasure your story and respect what you do for communities. I Have great respect f...
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Thank you Rick & may God Bless you & your work. I was an adult in the audience at Adirondack Central on Fri. The only thing I want to ask is that you explain what a 'seizure' is because I heard many of the kids whispering, "What's a seizure?" I told them ...
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thank u for coming to my school some of ur story about u and ur wife reminded me a bout my grandfather a few years back and thank u for talking to us it moved many people and we are thankful for u coming to our school thank your vary much for coming and t...
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Angel
Dear Rick,
You affected my life a lot by telling me what could happen to my family if they didn't stop smoking soon. I am sorry to hear about what happened to your mother. I hope that she feels better and that the surgery makes her feel better. Than...
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Mindy
i just want to say that this story will be with me emotionally for the rest of my life. i didnt know how bad this was until i heard your story! my heart is with marie!! ...
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Michelle
Thank you so much for coming to our school. I really appreciated it. I learned so much on what happens because I'm around my mother who smokes. ...
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kari
I just want to say thank you for everything.You touched a lot of peoples hearts,including mine.Your story was amazing,and Ive learned a lot from it.Your inspiring and I have to say your one of my heroes.Thank you....
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missing her grandpa
hey Rick,
you came to my school a while ago, and i've left u a few other messages already but today i just really wanted to leave another because this is a very hard day for me. 8 years ago my grandpa/best friend passed away due to throat cancer caused b...
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janna. from adirondack.
i just wanted to say thank you sooooo much for coming and talking to us today. thanks for helping me personally too. you had such an impact on my life. and i know you did on my friends too. it must be tough being away from your family so much. but what yo...
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lamaitis #58 from Westmoreland Highschool
Thank you for coming in to our school and talkin to use about your wife. I am very sad to hear about it and it actully made me cry. My grandmother died last mounth from smoking.When you came into day it was a big I opener, I will never smoke or do drugs e...
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Elizabeth ( Adironadack )
Rick made me realize that it isn't great to lose a loved one over something so simply formed but so complexly made, as a cigarette....
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nathan
Rick, your speech's message was very strong. you affected so many people and put it into people's heads. I really appreciate you taking time out of your day to come and talk to us. it must be hard for you to keep that feeling inside you and hold that memo...
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Marie
I am from Westmoreland School and just wanted to thank you for coming to our school. I am very sorry about your wife. Your story was very inspiring and touching. I know that it changed the views of many people. I appreciate you coming to our school and te...
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Liz < adirondack >
Rick thank you so much for taking the time away from your family to tell my high school about the dangers of chewing tobacco, and smoking. I can't stand it when someone around me lights up, it makes me want to rip that cigarette right out of their hand an...
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Tessa {westmoreland}
dear Rick, I was so glad that you came to my school today.I have always known that smoking could kill you but I never knew that it is killing over 400,000 people a year.when I heard that I started to cry. I can't stand smoking or tobacco,or chew, I hope t...
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Miranda
He really spoke to me and i learned somthing new when ever he said a word....
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Miranda
I was from Oriskany and you really touched me. My friend has ahsma and she has second hand smoke at the age of 11 and i am so close to her and i dont want her to die. Her mother and sister smoke and her mother is taking pills to quit. it's not working i a...
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Devon
Hi Rick, thank you so much for coming to ou school! I am from Thousand Islands High School, and your program really got to me. When you asked us to raise our hands if we have had anyone in our families that have died from lung cancer or disease from smoki...
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Morgan and Trevor
Hey Rick thanks for coming to TI. We are brother and sister. We have tons of people on our dads side who smoke and our dad chews. We are going to talk to them about this thanks again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!...
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Alex
Hey Rick!,
today (11/29/07), you were in oriskany. You really touched a lot of people. You definantley affected the smokers in the audience because as I'm sure you know there were plenty of them. Your story was touching and i am really sorry about your w...
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Morgan and Trevor
Hey rick thanks for coming to TI i am so sad about what happen to your wife i hope that nobody in our family dies from that cause my dad chews and my dads family either smokes or chews it is scary and sad at the same time i have talked to my dad about it ...
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Cory
Hi Rick. When you came to Westmoreland today, you touched every person. Thank you for coming to our school and telling the tragic story of your wife. I am real sorry and that story will stay in my heart forever....
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Kaitlyn
I'm very sorry to hear about what happened to your wife, but by sharing your story you truly are changing and preventing the deaths of many people’s lives I believe. Thank you so much for coming to Westmoreland today and sharing your story with all of us....
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Shayna [[WestMoreland High]]
your story today really has affected many of us and encouraged us to help others get help. your story was sad and truly amazing. i really appreciated your story,&& advice. i hope you reached out to many young teens and some adults. thank you again and ill...
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Andrew
Hey Rick. As most other people have already posted, you were at Westmoreland today and you touched everyone here deeply. My father smokes and i have been trying to make him quit for years. Hopefully your knowledge and understanding will convince him to a ...
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Alicia
Hi rick i was sorry to hear of your wife. Your story is so true smoking is bad i have gotten my mom to stop but not my dad im still trying. I will always treasure your story. im from thousand islands and i will always respect you and marie. thank you for ...
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Samantha
You came to westmoreland today and i was very inspired by your story, im sorry about your lose. i lost 2 people in my family for lung cancer last year thay just dont get in when people tell them to stop because its going to hust them in the long run. just...
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Cody
he showed me how bad smoking really is and how if ur thinking bout starting dont its not worth putting your life on the line for something as ridiculas as that... And my mother smokes and my father used to for many years and i dont want to lose either of ...
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Tyler
hey rick, im from westmoreland, thank you for coming to our school and showing us all how serious and stupid smoking is. Im really sorry to hear your story about your wife. You were such a great speaker and you made our point about the tabacco use. My gra...
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Alex
Hey thanks for coming to westmoreland today. My grandma died in 2004 from lung cancer. She smoked about a pack a day. Both my mom and my dad are smokers along with my brother. My sister used to smoke but she quit. i wish my parents would quit. You said th...
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Christian
He had a strong way of giving advice and putting it into a real life situation....
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Lea
Hi Rick, Im from Westmoreland. I'm very sorry to hear about what happened to your wife I'm sure it must have been hard.Your story will always stay with me. But I would like to thank your for coming to our school today and speaking. Your story really touch...
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Christian
Hey Rick, You were in westmoreland, NY today.I do have to say that out of all the speakers ive listened to yours was the best. It was on a strong topic that as everybody saw was among everyone, You had an AMAZING way of giving advice and putting it into a...
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Mike
You were at Westmoreland, NY today, (Thursday Nov. 29th). Just wanted to thank you for your assembly and I hope that someone has changed their mind about tobacco and its use. I'm a teacher at Westmoreland and at times students need to hear from someone wh...
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westmoreland.
Today during the assembly i was truly affected by your story and by what you had to say. I was sitting in the stands listening and all i could think about was the people in my family who are suffering form being addicted to tabbacco and who have died fro...
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Kristin
I am from TI middle school, tahnk you for coming to our school and teaching us about what cancer can do to you!!! your story did make me cry but it brought back memories!!
Thank you...
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Troy
Hey Rick, Im From TI middle school. Im really sorry about your wife. Your story really touched me. Well rick keep doing what your doing I think it will make a huge diffrence in peoples life.. Keep on lovin TI!...
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Tyler from Westmoreland
Rick today when you came to our school you really opened up my eyes for the first time of how people die every do from smoking and second hand smoke.I was the kid in the jersey who asked you about your father. When I heard he and you smoked I thought what...
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allyson
Hi Rick,
This is one of the 6th grade computer classes from TI school. We wanted to tell you that we are really happy to write to you and are really happy that you came to share your story with us. As you can see from the postings many people from T...
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Brandon
You affected me sooooo much. The video the stories the song it just touched me. To tell you the truth my mom smokes but her lungs havent changed yet and she is 33 years old. She started @ the age 14 and she tells me that she will never stop and it kills m...
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westmoreland class
Rick you affected us in so many ways. the way you can tell us your life story is just completly amazing. you didn't even crack. we appreciate you coming to our school to make us aware of the effects of smoking. when we saw the picture of your grandchildre...
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Sherry
Hey Mr. Stoddard. You came to Westmo today, and I just want to let you know how much your presentation has affected me. Currently, my Aunt has bladder cancer because of smoking. She has smoked since she was a teenager. I remember at one point, you lis...
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Tim
dear rick im form westmoreland school you, you spoke 2day at my school n i wanted 2 say i enjoyed it very much that had to be the best asembly we've ever had at are school i think u touched alot of kids at are school and everyone really enjoyed having you...
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Ashley
Your story made me cry. People in my family have past away from lung cancer and it is very sad. I am from Case Middle School and it was a pleasure to have you there. Also this is something that you would like to here. My dad, aunt , and uncle just quit sm...
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hey Rick you came to TI this morning the school you love so much haha anyway. going back to when you came to our school the first time. when i was in 6th grade i believe the one thing that stuck out in my mind was the list of chemicals in cigarette's that...
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Timmy
Dear Rick,
I wanted to thank you for dedicating you time to speak at Thousand Islands High School today. You speech was powerful and I'm sorry for your loss. You made me realize how fortunate I am not to not be affected by people smoking in my family.
...
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Lauryn
You have made me see that smoking should be put to an end now and forever. Tobacco, chew, and all tobacco should be outlawed. And I think that some schools should take a day off from school to help clean up all over from Cape to Clayton. By the way I'm fr...
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yanina again
okay im really happy to say that i thought alot about my life and how its been going i am in the childrens home and ive been smoking since i was seven years old and thats 7 and a half years and its amazing and i hate it and i am trying to quit thanks to y...
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kay-La
rick has told me alot i have seen his presentation over 4 times.in little falls middle school and at case. i got caught smoking this morning....with another girl...in school and that afternoon i came to an assembly rick was at and he opened my eyes to see...
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Misty
rick i just want you to know that you really have made a difference in my life with what you said today. i really have a lot of respect for you. my grandmother had cancer and she has to get her head clamped down....now she has no voice because of smoking...
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yanina marie
hey rick,i really think your story is amazing and its really heart warming that you go and tell yours and maries story to the youth of our country it makes me sad the thought of knowing that i am a smoker who got caught smoking in school bathrooms and tha...
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Alexis
hi rick. I am from T.I.M.S. I know what it is like to have a loved one who has lung cancer. My uncle Tom Styles has it from smoking. My uncle Dick has had 4 heartattacks and 2 strokes from smoking and he is still alive. LUCKILY!!! Also my uncle tom jones...
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Natalie of Thousand Island Central School
You have very touching story. My family and I have one of our own. Last year in October my grandma Joyce was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer, She died in June. It hurt us all to hear the bad news. Your story is so similar to ours that it was really ...
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Evan
Hi rick i am a Thousand island 6th grader and i was very moved by your story. My gandma just quit smoking after she got done with breast cancer. My aunt is reapededly tried to quit and i think i am going to share ur experience and story i extremely hope...
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Thousand Islands Senior
you came to our school this morning, and althogh i am aware of the dangers and harm of smoking, my life is not greatly impacted by cigarettes. None of my family members smoke and i am thankfull for that, i would not have been able to sit them down and as...
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Danielle
Mr. Stoddard,
i am from thousand islands middle school. my mother and my nanny (grandmother) are both smokers. my mother has tried to quit many times but she never succeeded. my grandma (not my nanny) smoked early in her life but quit early also, ...
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Victoria
Hi I'm from Thousand Islands, the school you love, my grandpa had to go to the hospital becasue of lung cancer from smoking. Keep loving TI!...
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trevor
i'm sorry about what happened to your wife. you are right about the tabacco industy....
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Karly, Brianna and Morgan
Rick you affected our lives by helping us understand why we should not smoke we both have someone that does smoke.
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!...
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Christina
Rick I need help! My mom has smoked longer then i can remember! she promised me she would quit when i was in KINDERGARTEN!!!!Now I am in 6th grade and she still smokes. I try to talk to her but i dont know howemail me back @ ***********...
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jacob
hey rick. I am from thousand island middle school. I feel really sorry for your lost.
my mom died , I don't know how but think should died because she had smoke for 10 YEARS. But I still pray for her and know that she has a great time in heaven ....
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Gretta Marie
Hey Rick. Thank You for coming to Sidney High School! you really inspired me ALOT! i have a person i love very much(my boyfriend) and he smokes. I told him what i felt after you came and talked to us and he ended up seeing the assembly too, after he undse...
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Adam
You have effected me by trying to get my grndmother to stop smoking....
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Grace
Dear Rick,
Today at the assembly in ,Thousand Islands, was really moving for me. I may not have anyone in my faimly who smokes, but it's horrible about what the companies who sell drugs are doing. If people go to jail for murders I don't understan...
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Haley
Dear Mr. Stodderard
i was very moved by your capitating story. i really think that by you showing us all of the pictures because i know that they most of hurt. i know wht its like to lose someone that is such a big part of your life. my godbroth...
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Sarah
Thank you so much for coming to our school. What you said about your wife brought back memories of my uncle and family. My whole family smokes, all my young cousins and their parents. My uncle died of severe lung cancer at age 48. He lived with us for...
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stephanie
rick made me understand how hard it is to lose someone. my grandma right now is dieing of cancer.she is geting better every day but i still fell like she want be here with me very long
thank you rick...
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yanina
you were at my school yesterday and it was said because i just got caught smoking that morning and it made me said to know about it i want to know if you can get it when your 14 im trying to quit though really hard...
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Dyanne - MVPS
I wanted to wish you well before you left MVPS today but John whisked you away before I could. I could listen to you speak all day. You inspire so many people with your unassuming manner. You are just a great guy!! I hope John has you coming back our way ...
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Brenna
Rick,
You visited Thousand Islands High school today. And to let you know that your presntation went above and beyond what most assemblies are like. Yor story touched me. And it made me think about ciggarettes and that the tobbaco companies NEED to be s...
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Ben
Dear Rick,
When you told us at school all about tobacco it made me think about my family and how many of my family members smoke. It also made me think about how much I love my girlfriend. I want you to know how much I thank you for making me realize ...
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Kylie
Rick, You came to my school today (Thousand Islands Middle school) and it was one of the best days of my life!!!!! You taught me so much and i loved it..... My aunt (not really just close friend) who lives in FL. has mouth cancer now i am going to show he...
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Brooke
hi Rick i am from thousand island middle school what you told to us about your wife was really said my parents smoke and after i told them about your story i think they changed ther mind about smoking.but your story tought me alot about smoking i did not ...
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Kaitlyn
Rick you helped me out alot. My uncle smokes and it makes me scared to think of all the stuff he has been taking into his body over the years. I would talk to him about it but my dad says he might not like me anymore and I don't know what to do. I wish yo...
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Laura
Rick
My i wanted to thank you for speaking at my school. You helped me realize that i wasnt the only one that went through a lose due to smoking. My grandma was diagnosed with lung caner in October of 2006. It was very hard on the family because she w...
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Mina
Dear Rick,
You've read this so many times, but I want you to know that your story has been remembered by so many people. I actually have been thinking about it every single day since the assembly. You are a great man, who diserves every award you recieve...
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Sambam Mullineaux
THat's my nick name. but also as i read all the letters that you get from people. I hope all the people there listen to you and DON'T EVER SMOKE. I am sorry about your lose. I thank you agian for telling us about it. You know how you said smart people...
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Rick im so glad that you came to mah school and shared that story with us. My uncle has lung cancer from smoking and my aunt has aids from drugs. I dont know what I would do if I had to be with them all time witnessing stuff like that. When I go and see t...
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matthew
he told me not to smoke a ciggarete and that i had smoke in the past and i had took alot of advise frome him...
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tyler
hi i am from case middle school and i have to thank you because you have opened my eyes and you have made me see that smoking is bad for your health my grandfather died from lung cancer he fouth for 4 years....
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brooke
rick;today you came to my school.(case middle school) i really liked hearing what you had to say.you made some very good points about smoking and how dumb it is.your story was very sad i dont know how you go to all these diffrent schools and share that sa...
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Lindsey
Dear Rick,
thank you so much for coming to Sidney..
I think that if i even tried doing your job it would be so hard for me cause im an emotional person.. but you are a really strong person.
I know that in my future i wont smoke because of the things yo...
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Sam and Lindsey
Thanks for coming to Sidney High. You being here has touched us greatly. We are greatful for what your doing and hope that because of you being here that people will hear and take your message and help stop their family and friends from smoking. We feel ...
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Andrea
Rick, I am not gonna lie about this. But I am 13 years old and I have experienced smoking at the age of 11. But what I really wanted to share with you was this story about my grandfather. He smoked his whole life. And his wife smoked her whole life too. S...
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Samantha
Ricks Thanks for coming to Sidney Scool. You were brave to tell us about your wife. When you were sharing it reminded me of Poppy he was a smoker and he died from heart problems that may have been caused by smokeing. I felt your pian when you were sharing...
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leigha
you have no idea how you effected me, you were at my school today sidney high, you were truley amazing. my friend brian and i came and watched you twice. im very sorry about your wife, just remember only the good die young. ...
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Anonymous Student
Dear Rick,
Thank you for coming to the Sidney School District today and telling us about your terrible experience. I found your presentation very informing and I definitely learned never to put a tobacco based product in my mouth. It must be hard to ta...
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vallen
thanks rick for coming toour school.i think it gave a big impact on us. You are so brave to talk about it everyday im so proud of you keep up the good work. i showed my mom your website and she said keep up the good work. Everybody thought you did a great...
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Darrien & Karley
Rick we were very touched by the assembly today. We get your message an we don't want to just understand it we want to DO something about it. We wanted to get something together in our school and other schools around us to organize our thoughts an ideas a...
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Shay
You know how you told us Sidney Middle School kids today, that we can either walk out of there and forget your story, or carry it with us? Well I'm definatly carrying it with me.
Even though they wont admit it, you affected alot of people today. I kno...
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Katina
Rick you affected me in so many ways. First I would like to thank you for coming to my school, Central Park Middle School. I have learned so much from you. I know what it's like to loose someone too from smoking. Lots of my family members smoke and its ha...
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Brynn
Rick, thanks so much for coming to my school today. I definitely cried when you played the song for Marie. When you gave an example of ecoli and bad dog food coming off shelves because they killed 3 people or 3 dogs, but cigarettes kill 1200 every day, th...
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Christopher
We should have pickit sign can go to the goverment and walk around the bulding and we say stop making cigrattes because it is killing alot of people and sorry about your wife ...
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Christopher
Thanks for coming to to sms (sidney middle school) I promise never i will put a cirggate in my mouth ...
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Jonathan
Rick i am feeling so sorry for u. U came to the Sidney High School Auditorium to talk to the Sidney and High school students.i feel sorry for u because u are always on the road.i also feel sorry for u because u are all alone at home.i hope youre mom is ok...
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Amanda CC@S
he affected me by telling me that it is bad to smoke and showed us all the things that were in the tabbaco! i lost my 3 grandparents from cancer and afaird that i will lose my mom and my dad from cancer to because they smoke and i am afaird that i will lo...
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Mandy
I wanted to thank you for coming to my school 2 weeks ago! i cried listenign to your story and thinking of all the great times i had with my grandparents that i lost due to cancer! you are a strong person i would not be able to go home and sit in a house...
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melany
hey rick you inspired me. I told so many people about your talk. And your website.You rock....
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Isaac
Rick you are a very helpful person because of you i got my mom and dad to stop smoking. We realy appreciate what you did for us. Keep doing what your doing!!!...
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cody marcus jesse and tanner
we feel really bad about your situation we give u our sympothy we think u look like stone cold steve austin so stay witg the baldness man u should play call of duty 4 with us on xbox 360...
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Norm -teacher
Rick--
Thanks for an excellent program at Sidney High School. I try to teach media literacy in English and was thrilled to see the decoding of tabacco ads as part of your presentation.
I would be extremely greateful if you could tell me where I ca...
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Shelby
I will never forget when Rick came to Sidney High School. His story will stay with me forever. I am so thankful that he was able to come and speak to my school and inform us.
I could feel his pain and at some points during his speech i felt that i was go...
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nicole
Rick,
Thank you for coming to my school ( KMS ) the other day you inspiered everyone to help stop smoking and i will try hard in every way not just sit and watch people give into smoking . Also i have a huge feeling that your speaches and everyones help...
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Brad
Hey Rick.
I thought your program you shared with us today was quite Insperational and i enjoyed it. Though it was tough and must take alot to share your story everytime you do this. Im very sorry about your loss. But this is the only way to stop other p...
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Cassidy
Your speech to Sidney High was amazing I cant tell you how i felt during your presetation i cried lets put it that way. I know someone in my life who smokes and because of you I am going to try to help them quit because i would really like that person see...
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hey i think that you coming to our school made a huge diffrence..... i am so glade..... i have been smoking from the age of 7 and i am now 15.... and listing to you in our school today made me think...... i am trying to quit but most of my family smokes.....
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Cora
Dear Rick, I greatlly appricate you coming to my school today.(sidney) I am really sorry for you and Marie. You know how you said that you hoped that you at least impacted one child\'s life. Well I know that you have impacted mine. I will never ever e...
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Jessica
Thank you for sharing the story about Marie. Im sure it made a huge impact on peoples life, like it did mine.I will never think about picking up a cigarette for the rest of my days.I appreciate coming out to our school(sidney) today.
Keep Fighting for wh...
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Scott
Rick, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing the story of you and your precious Marie. i have quit smoking and when times get tough I read the \"Burning Truth\" for inspiration. I am sorry you lost Marie and I admire the work you do to keep...
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Ashley
I wanted to thank you for coming to Lansingburgh. Your speech was powerful and let everyone know how things can really happen. It shows us how things happen to the people you think it would never happen to. What you said effected me so much I cried throug...
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dontneed toknoww
smoking is a bad thing.
peOple are thinking very wrOng when you smOke cigarettes and do drugs.all drugs are wrong besides medicine.but i go to central park middle school which rick visited last week,and i like the presentation.thanks <3...
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Kaylene
Wow when you came to my school and had the whole assemblies, I was shocked! I am sorry for your loss, but your word and all that you said has inspired me to try to get my parents to quit! I have tried and been unsuccessful before but there is no harm in t...
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Olivia
Rick, u came to my school & told us your very realistic & very possible devastating story. My mom smokes & has since she was a teenage girl i've always tried to convince her to stop but nothing ever worked. When i heard your story i cried because so many ...
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Elizabeth
Dear Rick,
Your story inspired me. You came to Central Park Middle School as a insperational speaker and left as a hero. My grandmother died at the age of 53 from an anyarism from smoking. She died when my mom was 19 years old. My mom doesn\\\'t smo...
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Nick
Thank You RIck for coming to Schenectady High School to speak. Your Presntation was the best i have ever seen and i am happy i dont smoke. I happy i dont smoke because of all the stuff you showed us that is in the ciggerats and all the things nobody can s...
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shane and colin
i liked the presentation very much. thankyou. i liked it a lot.thanks...
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Ashleigh
Rick has affected me so much I cant really tell you why because i dont yet why but i know he did and i know he always will i will keep him in my hearts fiorever is assembly at my school change my life i wish he could come back soon i cried cause my mother...
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Sabrina
Dear Rick,
Today Nov 15th 07 you came to my school and i just wanted to say that your story and your words, truly mean a lot to me. I cried listening to your story and what youve been through, it was real yet amazing. Thank you So much for coming here =]...
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caitlyn
hi i\'m caitlyn u came to my school yesterday(kms) and i just wanted to thank u for all u r doing. and i hope we can get everybody to stop smoking!...
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mandy
hey rick was just talk to my dad and grandmother about u wa talking about yesterday at my school...
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lexy
Well i thought for a while i was only one that lost someone very close, to smoking.My mom died because of smoking and having cancer of the lungs.I try hard for my brothers and sisters to stay strong but now because of Mr.Stoddard i dont have to just know ...
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Robyn
Rick, i am so sorry about you wife...
i feel so bad =( and i think your doing a great thing by doin these trips to the schools and talking to kids about tabacco products. It wont affect everyone but it will affect some and that is better than none. I can...
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Desirae
Rick, i want to thank you for coming to my school, in my opinion you made a huge affect on many of our lives here at Lansingburgh High, i've decided to quit smoking considering your story brought tears to my eyes. thank you again, you have a very big hea...
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BRI
RICK YOU MADE ME SO HAPPY. THANKS TO YOU MY MOM QUITE YESTURDAY. SHE DAD HER LAST SMOKE AND SHE IS GOING TO MAKE SURE SHE DOES NOT HAVE CANCER AND I AM 100% WITH YOU ON ANYTHING YOU DO FOR STOPPING PEOPLE FROM SMOKING....
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henri
Heyy rick you inspired me to try to quite smoking.because I got to get built for football and if I keep smoking then im not gonna be able to play so you really inspired me to quite thank you so much ...
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ashley
rick you have affected me because of you'r over powering speach when you came to our school to tell you the truth i have alot of family that smokes and sometimes, i cry because eventually i know in my heart that soon they might die from it. I want you to ...
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Bria
Rick has affected me a lot i had to hold baack my tears. I am so glad that he could take his time out to come and talk to us about smoking....
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Sidra
Hi, my name is Sidra.I am from Knickerbacker Middle School. When you were telling about your wife i was about to cry. I have never smoked and i promise i will never not like the other people who promise not to smoke but guess what...they DO!!! Whenever i ...
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nina
Hi, Rick has affected me today bye telling me that people die every day from smoking i think if people think about it they could be the next one diagnosed with lung canncer...
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Joe
I think when he talked about his wife an how he lost her 2 smoking that it's time c2 fight back...
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N@ecie
Hi Rick this N@ecie from (kms)u where here yesturday telling about what the sad news that happend with ur wife.i so sorry that god took her away from u so soon.but right now i know that u are doing well and that right now shes in a very safe place now.she...
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Tanasia
Hi Rick my name is Tanasia Im in {Kms} middle school. Im in the 8th grade. I just wanted to come bye and say im sorry about your wife. When you told me the story I wanted to cry because my aunt died from smoking alot. Im glad you came to my school and tol...
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jake
hey rick thx for comin to my school u really affected me. i never really new if i would smoke but i never will now. u came to my school[[KMS]]on nov 13(yesterday but anyways thank you and i hope you can find peace someday....
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Vinny
Rick, you had a huge influence on our school (Knickerbacker Middle school) yesturday(11-14-07). We all feel sympathy for you and i will, and i promise to talk to my family and friends about the information you gave us...
Thank you again Rick, i appricia...
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steven
rick this was a big influnce on me and i beliveeveryone around me to this has to be the sadiest story i ever heard no one i my family died from cigs but my nana did stop after i think my mom talked to her about it so thank you rick alot....
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Michael
I have never liked smoking because i am a athlete and i hope to make it to the NFL so i do not smoke and this shows me even more reason not to smoke....
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Richard
rick i know how you feel about your wife marie,cause i lost something very special of me it was my great grandmother that alway take care of me when my mom went to work but she die by cancer from smoking lots of cigarettes and she was 86yrs old.........an...
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nicole <3
Rick came and talked to us at our school
It was so powerful and i wanted to cry but i couldnt , it was so sad. His wife smoked and when she was told she had cancer she smoked more. I couldnt belive his powerful words and his sad expression it takes a...
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randy
hey Mr. Stoddard you have really showed me how bad tobacco is from your speech that you shared with us at Knickerbacker middle school and i want to thank you
sincerly,
randy...
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Arden
its good to have someone around who realizes just how bad the tabacco companies are! thanks for doing what you do!...
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Caleb
I\'m from kms i wont to thank you for comeing to our school. My uncol and grandma and my grandpa smoke to. but my grandpa is dieing from smokeing and it is makeing his dieabedes worse....
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Ephraim
i am from lansingburgh and i know someone who smokes cigars. i dont think they have as many chemicals in them but i'm sure the tabacco and nicotine is still as bad. thanks for your speech....
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mike
Rick has effected me because I know how it feels to lose someone from lung cancer.I also feel sorry for Rick because he lost his wife and it hurts because you can't replace that person.Plus he has reminded me on the horrors of smoking and drinking...
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Eric
Hey RICK I am from Lansingburgh. The thing I found that was most interesting was the list that you had about all the chemicals in the cigarettes. Your presention raised the roof off the school. It encoureged me not to smoke even more. ...
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Anthony
Yesterday u came to kms i an so sorry about wat happen to your wife. And that can be my mom that smokes.I will take to her a tell her your story and i hope that u can stop smoking in the U.S tyhank u for wat u r doing
...
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Matt
Yesterday you came to kms. You have had a great impact on me and it helps me realize how smoking can affect my life. Its horrible what happened to your wife. We have had motivational speakers on what smoke can do to you and they really didnt mean anything...
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steven
he affected me beacuse he helped me know what ciggrates really do to you. now that I know that I will never smoke.,y mom smokes and i dont know when i am going to lose her.thanks rick for makeing the world a better place for kids and adults thanx alot...
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Rick your speech was long and helpfull but I want you to know something, your wife's laisons weren't caused by cigerette smoke. My guess is she had something like MS which can go undiagonsed but it's not a product of smoking. Also, I don't really think it...
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keith
Rick thanx you for coming to are school today you taught me alot about cigarets and what they can do to you and you very brave for going out in front off all those kids and adults and speaking and telling them about your wife i couldnt do that i would jus...
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catrina
Thank you for coming to my school to talk to us about the bad effects of cigarettes. I felt depressed after your presentation.it made me think about my grandfather who went through the same thing. ...
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patricia
rick the speach you gave at my school inspierd me to get my mom and dad to quit smoking and they did so what i have to say is thank you. i also lost someone my grandfather who i was very close to ...
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krystal
rick i see how you feel 4 years ago i lost my father he shot and killed himself under the influce of alchol.....these four years of my life i feel like i have a missing puzzle piece... but i have learded to bear with it but it is hard at times....ecpecial...
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jaryed
heyy rick u really inspired me i am gonna stop smoking and i hope you are ok about ur wife it happend to mi cuz to i was gonna kill someone for taking mi cuz from me i loved her so much but yeah thats a nice thing u doing to try to help kids smoke well th...
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Dan
Hi Rick,You Came To Our School And Your Presentation Was Outstanding Your Really Quite The Guy. You Have Change Everyone's Feelings About Ciggerettes And Tabacco In My School.Its Like You Gave Us That Motivational Speech That A Coach Wit Give Their Player...
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kimmy
hi my name is kimmy i go to lansingburgh high I thank you for coming to our school today your story helped me to have the courage to talk to my parents seriously about smoking and for the first time in 5 years that i\'ve been trying to get my parents to s...
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Sarah
You came to Lansingburgh this afternoon, and I'm more than happy you did. After everything you've been through, I feel privaledged that you would come to tell me your story and have the strength that you do. In the one hour I spent listening and crying, I...
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Tabatha
Hey, im from KMS...you were at my school today. Your story about your wife was really touching and made me think about My cousin brian. He was extremley close to me. The last thing i got to say to him and he said to me was "i love you" and then he was gon...
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Sebastian
Dear Rick,
Hey!!! Your were just at my school (Seton Catholic Knights) I Just wanted to say you did a WONDERFUL job, keep up the good work!!!!...
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Karley
Rick, im so glad you came to my school. your story really did touch me it will always be in my heart, i promise you that. i think i pretty much cried through the hole thing. it was so sad, im so sorry about your lose=[. my mom smokes, and i get alot of se...
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Jenna
Hey Rick. I just wanted to let you know that for a while now I\'ve been trying to get my dad to stop chewing tobacco. I\'ve tried everything from hiding his Skoal to threatening him. Today, after hearing you speak, I went home, sat my dad down and talke...
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Katie
Dear Rick Stoddard,
I thought your presentation today was very touching and inspirational. I believe our school was really moved by it. Just today a a group of girls decided to quit smoking and sell their cigarettes. One in particular had no services....
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Mee <3
Rick,
honestlyy you afftected me a lot today.
the day you came to my school my aunt had to go into the hospital and i believe it was due to smoking. she felt like she was goin to pass out. i really liked you presentation a lot and i know it afftected ...
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I have so much respect for you, i just lost my mom to lung cancer the first of october.you were at my school today && it yes made me cry the first five seconds of it. but i stuck it out. and its SO real. and i think youve had a HUGE impact on alot of peop...
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funk master nickey nick
rick you were at my school on november the 13 you affected me by giving me a powerful message...
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Shelbyy
I`m from lansingburgh or [[kms]] and you were just at our school today. You`ve really helped a lot of people and your doing a really great thing. Alot of those kids will go home and see their parents smoking and sit them down and talk to them. I`ve tried ...
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ashley
hi today you came to my school and i wanted to tell you again that you really have changed my life...thanks and i also wanted you to know ...i convinced some of my friends to really think about what you said today.......
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Shauna
Hey, Rick its me shauna. I\'m writing to say your presentation really changed my parents and my life. My parents are finally listening to me. My grandma has no legs and yet she still continues to smoke. The way my grandma and grandpa is now encourages me ...
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Laura
Rick you came to our school and I hate your comment. Ticonderoga new york...
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kimberly
Hey rick nobody ever opened my eyes before like you did. I had two family members die because of caner and they smoke to. I will tell my other family members that they dont know what they are smoking. I am so very very sorry what you had to go throught. i...
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Erika
Rick, words cannot express how much you have impacted my life just by listening to the words that you said. You visited my school today at Lansingburgh High, and I still cannot get everything you said about Marie about of my head. You are a real genuine p...
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Rebecca
You have no idea how much you have changed what I feel. I understand that you cannot write back and I am fine with that. I only want you to know that you have most definitly changed my life. By good friend's father died from lung cancer and I stupidly beg...
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brittany
i know how it feels to lose a family member i lost my great grandfather from lung cancer from smoking. You made a big influence on our school and i am so so sorry about your wife well thank you for the help...
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Mark
Today you came to my school Lansingburgh High School.Rick you message was sooo powerful. i hope marie and everyone killed by smoking can rest in peace knowing you are going around telling her story....
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shane and jason
We are students at holy family junior high. we jsut wanted to say thankyou for comming to our school.It made us more aware of the real dangours of smoking....
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CAITLIN
Hello Rick, you were a wonderful influence on our school last week. You affected all of us, and everyone could not stop talking about how you made them think. Thanks!...
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Rachel and Laura
You were at our school today, Holy Family Junior High, and you were an inspirtation to us. We have smokers in both of our families and we want you to know we took your story to heart. We really wanted to cry durning your presentation. The information you ...
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Kaitlin
Hi Rick,
You came to our school (Seton Catholic) the other day and I just wanted to let you know you were an inspiration for me. I now go up to everyone I see with a cigarette and brief them with some of the informtation you gave me. I know your road ...
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chris
hay rick u spoke at my school last year and i was just wondering where was still selling your book... i would like to buy it. please message back... thanks...
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Amanda
You came to my school yesterday(Willsboro Central). We started crying 4 times. I know a lot of people who smoke and now I'm scared more than ever!!! Marie's story made me cry. i am so sorry about your wife. ...
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billy
hi rick its billy you came to my school (moriah) the other day you made a good point to all of the kids the not smoke thank you so much...
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john
dear rick, thank you for coming to ower school
i now it is hard for you just keep going .you open my eyes more than what they were .i will never smoke in my life time because of yuor words of wizdom and cines . i know what you are going thorw i lost 3 p...
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steph
Dear Rick,
Thank you so much for comming to our school today. Your story was seriously the greatest story I have ever heard. All i could think about was how other people that do smoke could have felt...
I'm not a smoker, and i dislike the fact that peop...
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thomas
you were just at my school on november 11th and your story was very powerful you were a great influence on me and hopefully my fellow students you did an exellent job explaining all the risks and effects of smoking. you are a great role model...
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I am a teacher who attended your presentation. It was very powerful. My husband has "chewed" tobacco for all of his adult life. When we were first together we often fought over this habit. However, over the years, I found it easier to just ignore it. You...
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Sabreena
Rick you have inspired me and I am sorry for your loss. I new that they cirgarettes could kill you but I didn\\\\\\\'t know they would destroy other peoples lives. I really took it to heart when you talked about it. I cried a little bit but that was only ...
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Shauna
Rick you have made me realize that my parents are loosing a part of their life every time they light a cigarette. I didn't realize how much tar they were putting in there body everyday. You made a real difference in my life Rick. Thank you for making me...
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Sandie
I was at your seminar at Seton Catholic, in Plattsburgh, NY...You could hear a pin drop in that gym...Every eye was focused, not at the clock on the wall, not at what was happening outside the window, but was focused on you and every word you were saying....
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Rachel
Rick, You came to PHS the other day, and you had a presentation to show everyone. At first i thought, here we go again, another presentation telling us that if we smoke we're going to die. I've been smoking since i was in in about 7th grade, and to know n...
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Karlea
When we were told in Ausable High School that we were having an assembly on smoking, many people moaned and groaned. Almost everytime that we have an assembly, it is someone coming in to tell us not to do something or that we should do this or that and to...
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Cj
I saw your presentation today and I have never had my eyes opened more than they were today.The way you presented everything and just knowing that this was a true story hit me hard, I had brought my aunt to one of your night shows and on the ride home she...
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Alishia
I just want to thank you Rick for coming to my school to talk to us about your experience. You and your wife remind me of my parents. They go camping all the time, like you said you and your wife did. When i found out that you were going to PHS for a p...
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Kaitlin
Your story made a difference in my life. i had a family member that died because of lung cancer too so i know how you feel.you are an inspiration rick...
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kady
Hey rick when you first came to my school when you told us your stroy it brook my heart i brooke in to tears and my gram died at 55 because of smoking she died on my 10 birth day and it was hard to be happy and sad at the same time your story touched me s...
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Sarah
Hey Rick. I saw you today at PHS, and your story broke my heart. I was sitting with my friends, and we were all crying. my mom, and dad both smoke. I tell them every time they light a cigarette how much harm they are doing to me, and to themselves but the...
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rebecca
Rick you have touched many hearts at the asembly the other day.And I think after that I don't even want to think about smoking. ...
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McKenna
dear rick,
your story almost mad me cry.My mom smoked sense she was 15 years old. I dont want anything to happen to her shes been allergic to everything shes tried its just so hard for me to handdle it knowing that she might die at the same age as your w...
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Deanna
he helped me to understand that smoking causes deaths and the only way to stop it is to
stop smoking yourself.he made my sister stop
and think about not smoking i told my dad the story he thought about quitting.rick you cae to NAC the other day and yo...
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Sarah
Rick hi this is sarah and you came to our school the other day and what you said maid the biggest point ever it would stink to go threw what you went threw i hate reall talking about that my aunt died a couple of weeks ago and i cried so much and that was...
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Anthony
hey Rick,
i saw you at Plattsburgh High School today and your messege hit me like a brick. I have lost very close family members myself and it was not until today that everything came together. I never truly thought about how my smoking could hurt thos...
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Hannah
Hi Rick! You came to NAC yesterday, and I wanted to say thanks becaues now I know that I'm not alone.My grandma died in January due to emphzema.She'd smoked ever since she first got married. At first, I blamed myself because I never tried to stop her, but...
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Dianne
HI RICK I DON'T KNOW IF YOU REMEMBER ME 30 YEARS AGO YOU WERE IN GROVER HILLS AND WE PALED AROUND AND THERE WAS A BUNCH OF US...IN CRAZYIER TIMES THAT HELD NO HEART ACHE .YOU CAME TO MORIAH CENRAL SCHOOL THIS WEEK AND BOTH OF MY GRANDDAUGHTERS WERE AT YOU...
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Colleen
One night i was out at the mall with my older sister and my mom. We were there because I needed an opropriate out-fit for my Uncle and Aunts funeral. It was late and i was realy ready to go back home. We exited the mall and my mom said:"let me have a smok...
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Heather
Rick, when you came to NAC today.and talked about lung cancer, it made me think about my grandpa. You see, between 2002 and 2003, my grandpa was sent to the hospital. We (my family) all thought that he was going to die from it. But thankfully he didn\...
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Emilee
When my grandpa died of smiking....he had liver cancer and died 3 weeks later. I still blame myself because i couldnt stop him. Even though I was only 4 years old. When you came to our school it brought back memories and I thank you for that....
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Joselyn
I just have to say thank you for coming to NAC today. You are an inspiration and you did affect many people. Our Reality Check group is growing in members because of your visit. Thank you soooooo very much! Our group will be sending letters to the edi...
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Jessica
I just wanted to say thank you ever so much for comming to CCRS today, you were very inspirational. I know I have been to those kind of assemblies before, but yours really affected me! I must admit that I cried, and I am very very sorry for Marie....
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Heather
Rick just got done his presentation at my school, NAC. I know he affected a lot of people at my school because a lot of kids at the end asked me how to get in contact with the help lines. after the presentation i had a chance to talk to him and i told him...
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megan
Rick thanks your speech today at nac on
11-07-07 you made me cry alot i think its great that you go around telling people your story so they can "learn from your mistake!" well i just wanted to let you know that i really did appreciate having yuo and i ...
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Jimmy
Thanx So much for coming to my school the other day at avcs. You were so informational....
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logan
Rick and his wifes story was very sad. I felt the same way when my uncle "tuffy" Richard died of lung cancer. It touched me when he came to my school,ticonderoga middle school. I felt so bad for him. ...
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gage
rick had my think about a love in my life that is smoker so I will try to get then to stop smokeing.Thanking you rick...
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mickael
RICK you came to my school 11/6/07 and i'd like to say thank you.RICK you made my desison clear.I apreasate you coming to our school and RICK i hope you have a good life. Once again I thank you....
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Bianca
Rick, You have helped me a lot my uncle clifford of Virginya has just been diagnosed with lung canser and the docters have told him that he onley has 1 year to live ,on my oppinoun i think docters shouldnt do that because it could frighnten the family .
...
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Megan
Rick you may here this a lot, but your story really got to me! I have someone in my life who smokes and she dosnt want to quit, but i may have convinsed her with the tips you gave me. I just want to thank you so much for giving me all the courage to say "...
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Sara
You came to my school today rick. [11-5-07]
[Ticonderoga] I am surprised your father had grown up here! your story was very touching to me and my fellow classmates. We all think you inspired us. If only every school had a chance like us to meet you, Hea...
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Cody
Rick when you came to Moriah today it was amazing, you speech hit me hard and it
made me realize that this has to be stopped!!!!! i thank you so much for coming to my school you idolize me, and you are truly a great person. I never will smoke because af...
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Adam
Rick i really appericiate your visit to my school today(Ticonderoga) it was eye opening and im sorry about your wife bestof wishes
Adam...
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Ben
Rick, I know you dont respond to emails, but I would really appreciate it if you could respond to this. I am 19 years old and I am in a college speech class. The reason I am writing you is to get a certain fact about smoking for my persuasive speech. I...
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Jellisa
RICK,
I have been smoking for 7 years but after you came to my school ausable valley today i realized i neded to stop people in my life have been telling me that but i guess i just had to see what has happened to another person to realize life is very sh...
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cal
rick you were really great at ausable valley today i always thought about smoking when i was oloder but now i never want to because i know what it can do to you i feel really sad for you that your wife died.sincerly cal...
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Kara
Hello Rick...
You came to our school today (Ausable Valley) for an assembly about smoking. It was amazing. You said you weren\'t a public speaker but you could have fooled me. Your story about you and your wife was amazing. i didnt know what to do....
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Cassie-Lynn
rick taught me today at ausable valley that smoking doesnt just kill you it kills everyone involved in their life. rick taught us that not only does losing a love one hurt but seeing that millions of people die everyday and people dont care. people often ...
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Robin
Rick has been quite an inspiration to all of us across this country. I have personally watched in Porter County Indiana the tears and determination of the youth effected by his story. He has changed the life of so many, but also has helped me on a persona...
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My son who is in high school wrote a essay for a club at school and I happened to find it on my computer. It moved me to tears, as his dad is a smoker. I had no idea how much your speech would have such a huge impact on him. I have always told my kids...
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Shayne
you came to Zionsville Middle School and i now know never to smoke thank you for filling me in...
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Suzan
He has moved me deeply. I feel that Marie's story is one of the saddest I've ever heard. When you came to my school (WCS) I was on the verge of tears. I almost cried when I heard the song by Kenny Chesney and I love that song. I wish people more would be ...
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Sabrina
Mr. Stoddard
Hi How are you? If memory serves me correctly I heard you speak in Boston, Ma. Quite a few years ago now. We have a mutual friend. In fact I got your site from his. His name is TJ Sweeney. I smoked for about 24 years and finally q...
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Dear Rick,
Last week you gave a presentation at SACD ( School of Academic and Career Development) and it truly touched me. Your story of helping your wife battle cancer and then dealing with the pain and grief of losing her was very mov...
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Evan School of Academic Career and Developmen
Dear Rick,
First off, im very sorry to hear of your wifes death. I myself am a smoker at the age of 17, and i have been smoking for 2 years. It is not something i am proud of, nor do i like others to know. After reading and hearing of the tragity of w...
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Kylie
Hey Rick, you visited my school last Friday. SACD in Evansville, and I wanted to say thank you so much for doing so. It had a real strong impact on me. I myself am trying to quit smoking cigarettes. You made me realize alot about the use of tobacco, and m...
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lucretia
hey i wont to tell u thank u for ur time to come to mii school and teach us about how bad smoking is i relley found out how bad it was when u came here and told mii this has mad mii perpper to tell mii dad about his smoking and mii mom to i am gon to use ...
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Hogg wild from SACD
hi rick i know u hear this alot but i will say it anyway, your story has changed my opinion on tobacco, my father dipps, he has ever since i was 7. i thought it was cool until i was put through the D.A.R.E. program and then i hated it untill i started see...
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im am very sorry for youre loss and now that you have told me your story i think it is only fair for me to tell you mine i have went moved from school to school hoping know one knows my sercret when i was barely 16 i was somewhat of a good kid i had never...
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Lydia (SACD)
Dear Rick, It was a really nice change hearing someone talk about the dangers of smoking. Most of the people I know around here smoke, but usually people who smoke don't really talk about it being so bad, because that would mean that they have to face the...
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Nicole
Hi Rick I just wanted to say thanks for coming to (SACD,Evansville,IN) on Friday.You are an amazing speaker you have really brought a sense of knowledge to my life. I myself do not smoke, but a lot of my family does and I worry. My grandma and aunt smoke ...
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Danielle
Rick thank you for the time you take out of your life to go around and talk to kids about the dangers and effects on smoking. You know we always hear the same stuff over and over but you really dont hear it unless your hearing it from someone that has ex...
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Cassie
Hey Rick! My name is Cassie and I go to SACD in Evansville, You came and seen us on Friday October 26th.. I was the girl with the pink hair.. yeah, that’s me.. Well I just wanted to let you know how much Marie\\\'s story touched me. I am the only non-smok...
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Brandon
Hey wazz up Rick you are a great speaker I think you touch a lot of people because your speech is really deep it did not do much for me because I don’t smoke I think it is really nasty and the second hand smoke stink really bad I don’t even know why peopl...
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Matthew
He was very inspirational. Can I recieve your mailing address so I can send you a invitation to my Eagle Scout Court of Honor. Thank You...
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smokey the bear.....
i fight fires....including the ones who light up their lungs....i am in the same boat as you, my grandfather recently was just disscharged from the hospital. he recieved a quadrouple bypass himself, he is now doing very well. although, he smokes an amazin...
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Jen
Hey Rick, my name is Jen and last week you visited my school in Evansville. Your story really inspired me and really made me realize how much I want to quit smoking myself. I have had many attempts to quit such as, the prescription medicine you mentioned,...
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B-RYCE!!
Rick you have affected me by being more cautious of cigarette smoke, either straight from the cigarette or 2nd hand smoke. Thanks a lot for coming to my school and talking to us about it. I think you have affected a lot of my school if not all about smo...
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Marlon
Ive been alcohol and drug free my whole life. I never sucked into peer pressure or other influences. I see now what "Cigs" can do to people. I will be talking with my dad for a couple weeks trying to get the messege across that he needs to stop smoking. ...
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Rick I was really touched by your speach last Friday. I had been smoking since i was 8 years old. And this passed weekend i quit and hopefuly i quit for the last time. I just wanted to tell you thank you....
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Jesse JameZ
I am glad that you took your time to come and tell us your story in Evansville, IN. I am the smartest kid at SACD. I have been procrastinating quiting smoking for months. I guess i just had no motivation. I quit smoking cigarettes friday. It is now monda...
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Sam
I am glad Rick came to Holy Spriit school. He taught us how cigarettes can be harmful to us and can cause cancer. ...
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Andy aka. All White Chef..SACD
Mr. Stoddard, I thank you so much for coming to our school I really like what your doing and the type of goals you have. What I saw today was nothing short of amazing. You know, Im supposed to be the leader of that school and Im supposed to be the stronge...
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aj
hey rick its aj again i just wanted to tell you if you would please contact the east gibson school corp. and talk to them about you doing a show at francisco for the kids there they are in k-6th and if you talk to the younger ones first they will probbaly...
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School of Academic and Career Development
Thank you for spending your day with us! Our students and staff were truly touched by your passionate representation of Marie's challenge with lung cancer. Your purpose in life has touched our institution, and we hope to also spread awareness on the dange...
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arizona
rick has affected me greatly and encouraged me to not smoke or do any other stuff and thank rick so much for sharing his story ...
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Gabriella
At age 13 I was prescribed many medications for anxiety and mood swings. Soon after i turned 15 i started taking over 28 pills a day, then when i wanted money for alcohol or cigarettes i would sell my prescribed pills to anyone i could. Finally in 2006, i...
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megan
Hey Rick. Thank you so much for coming to our school today. Thanks to you I better understand the effects smoking can have on us. I couldn't agree with you more about how the companies over advertise and even though people know what can happen to them, t...
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zach
Rick you were at heritage hills high school recently. i was smoking about 1 pack a , but since you came to my school i am trying to quit. i know it is not good for me to smoke, it is not good for my wallet either. when i had an oppurtuniry to shake your h...
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Brandy
Rick I can\'t wait to see you next year!!! Our voice program can\'t say enough about you! All the kids that i have talked to say that they loved your story and that it really changed thier pospective of all the big Tobacco companies and their lies. It was...
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jessica
thanks for coming to my school . ive lost 2 family members fro smoking!...
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ashley
hi thank you for coming to our school and teaching us every thing that you taught us today.
...
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Kane
Hey Rick, I loved the fact that you came to our school. That stuff you told us blew my mind. I couldn't believe how long the list of chemicals in cigarretes was. The story about your wife was very sad. I wish that stuff like that would never happen. I do...
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ayrin!
hey rick we saw u today 10-24-07! and u said that i looked kinda liked ur duaghter or sumone named Jess and i just wanted to support u and let u kno that ur presentation really meant alot 2 me and mi friends! so yeh thanks!!!! and im really sorry for what...
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hey rick you visited my school today, october 24, 2007.
i realy enjoyed you showing up to our school, && taken your time to talk to us. i now it struck me. ive never smoked and i never plain to. besides that i have bronkites, from 2nd hand smoke. im exp...
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aj
hi rick this is the kid who helped you in francisco indiana, i helped you set up and take down your ecupipment. I think you are a very moving man and will take us youth very far. my parents smoke and it has effected my life a lot in your honnor when you p...
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Sara from SSMS
Hello rick agian. Your story was a insporation to me, and my friends. Im so sorry about everything you have gone through. Do you remember when you said go home and ask your parents if they would die for me, and when they say yes ask them then why wont the...
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Natalie (Zionsville Middle School)
The presentation you gave last week was AMAZING. It really touched me and all of my friends. Keep doing what you're doing. You're touching thousands of people's hearts. I read your journal and I will be praying for your mom! I will also keep Marie's story...
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Tony
South Adams Rick thank you so much for your presentation. It was overwhelming to hear your story of how Marie died. Your story will stay whit me forever. I cannot beleive how so myck stuff they put in cigarettes. I know its hard for people to quit smoking...
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Hannah H.
I wrote a poem for you and Marie, for you taking the time out of your life and making a difference in so many people's lives. Thank you.
If I could take a single star
For all the times you made me smile
The whole nighttime sky would be in my hand
L...
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Gretchen Thank-you
South Spencer, Rick you have just touched my heart so much. I thank-you for taking the time out of your life to try to make a differents in alot of school's. My dad smokes but my other mothers dosen't smoke see she too. but my dad smokes so that means I g...
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hailee/south spencer middle
Rick you have told your story, and it will stay with me forever!!! My nana died from lung cnacer and i know how u feel!! im so srry! i went home today and cried to my mom about everything u said............... she said " I WILL QUIT FOR YOU BABY" i was li...
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hunter
rick you have changed a lot of people at are school and all I wanted to say is thanks for the wonderful speech at are school...
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Autumn from South Spencer Middle School
Hey rick, I would like to start out by saying thanks for coming to our school to talk to us today. I really appreciate it. I didn't know who was coming, the only thing I knew what that we got out of class, I really enjoy guess speakers. I seen you, and I ...
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Gretchen Thank-you
He just touched my heart that he would take the time and try to make a different in the world , schools...
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Ashlee
Today (10/23/07)at South Spencer Middle School, you came to our school to tell us about the smoking and tobacco causes that can destroy your life. That was a great speech that you told us about. Thanks to you I will never smoke in my life.
You have mad...
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kelly
rick stoddard has affected me by opening my eyes and telling me that ciggeretts are addictive in so many ways.i am only a young girl and i know 90%of americans smoke or chew tobbaco.like rick told me that on a calender that had a picture of jesus and mary...
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mandie from south spencer
hey.rick i just thought i would thank u and tell u how sorry i am for your loss of marie i had a grandma my dads mom and i was really close to her and when i was in 3rd grade she was diagnosed with lung cancer and like u said i was thinking why her why di...
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Morgan
Rick reall has opened my eyes. Last year is when it started Rick came to my scholl and just talked to us. my vision had been cleared to the horrible addictions people can get into.
That is when I wanted it to stop! My whole family is addicted to tobacco ...
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south spencer middle school!!!
hey rick,
you came to my school today..and u really touched my heart!!your story has been very inspiring to me.....but i just wanted to let u no tht i feel for u and your family and ill never ever smoke because thanks to you ...you showed me wht smokein ...
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Haley
You visited our school just today, and I walked into the gym with a groan. Don't get me wrong, I always enjoy the assemblies, and I respect the people who can stand up in front of a ton of obnoxious kids and speak.
Well, when you started, I already knew...
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Heather from South Spencer Middle
Rick thankyou soooo much. I never new all that information. As soon as i got home i called my aunt Sharon and told her what all you said. I know what is't like to lose someone from smoking. I lost my grandfather. But we weren't really that close. wee, bac...
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Austen (western boon)
Rick thank you so much for sharing your story with us. i couldnt imagine what it would be like if someone i love died from smoking. I'm so sorry about Marie. i think what touched everyone the most is when you played that song towards the end. ive been try...
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hannah4196
dear mr rick i was soo sad when you gave us that speach thank you for visting my school(zionsville indiana) i cant beleive josh sounded out that big word it was like asdhfadshfluadhsfpiuapdfad ya kinda scary that they put all of thaat stuff in cigarrets m...
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Ashley Heritage Hills High School
Wow....your speech really got my attetion....i started thinking about what you said...the way you said everything really made sence to me...im trying to get my mom to stop smoking but she says if she dies she wants to die doing sometihng she loves...i jus...
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Caleb
Hey Rick! I have to say that speach you gave was pretty good! That word you made the teacher say was pretty confusing and I have nevcer heard of it before. I agree if you can't say the contents it contains then don't put it in your body. I know a lot of p...
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Kayla
Thank you so much for coming to our school(western Boone) and sharing your story. Me and all of my friends cried. We never relized how bad smoking is for you. yea we caught smoking and our parents tried to tell us us how bad smoking is but we never listen...
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Shayla
Rick you really inspiered my. When you can to south adams you really made me think my boyfriend smokes an i would not want to go through what you did. I just coukd not do it i give you props 4 wat you u you have to be really brave to do something like tha...
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Molly
I enjoyed hearing you speak about your experience with your wife Marie and the tobacco industries. Your words are always powerful and they always move me. Marie would be so proud of you for speaking at all the schools on her behalf, she is watching you ea...
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Brian ZMS
You really have an impact on a lot of those kids. You showed us how bad smoking is, and what is can do to a person.Your a great man, and you do a great thing. I bet Marie would be very proud of you. Keep up the great work. ...
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Kaitlyn Granville Wells
I have always known that smoking is bad for you. But I have never heard some ones actual story until know. I am planning on joining voice.
Thank you Rick ...
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Shelby- Benton Central
Thank you Rick, when I got home after you talked to us, I read a magazine. I threw it down just like you did and the same thing happened. I saw a cigeratte ad. It had those colors that look so cool. They only appeal to younger ages, you're right. I have ...
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Maddie from ZMS
OMG Rick you rock! I was amazed at everything you've gone through, and everything you told us (in a good way.) I feel sad about Marie. I hope she can see what you are doing to support her. She would be very proud. Your story really moved me. I hope ...
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Audrey
Dear Rick,
I'm so glad you spoke at our school on health & safety day. Your stories really affected my opinions about smoking. I promise I will always remember Marie's story. Thank you so much!
...
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Meagan
Rick has taught me so much, but the main thing that gets me every time is that if our generation doesn't do something about all these drugs, who will? I know for sure that I'm going to be in Voice.So I'm going to take charge and do something about it. NO ...
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Mackenzie @ ZMS
Rick you really have changed alot of people from that speech. I know the school was amazed by your speech. The second I got home there was an email from some of my friends saying that was an amazing speech better then any speaker in the past. My friend wa...
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Rick,
You have such a powerful message. I know that you reached many kids. God Bless you in this walk of your life! You are doing such a great job!!...
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Amanda
Hey Rick-
i know i have already wrote you and thanked you once, but i just wanted to write again and say thanks! i also just wanted to say that i saw your journal about your mom, and i'm very sorry to hear about that and i'll pray for her. i really reall...
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K at zms
Rick, keep doing what you are doing! GO!!!!You rock. You make the world go round! YEAH!!!!!! You will always inspire someone. You can stop the world! You are learning from your mistakes that nobody has ever made, and everyone else's. That makes YOU a geni...
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jacob & steven (Granville Wells)
Rick thanks so much for teaching us so much about smoking. It really made us talk to our parents. I feel really bad for your loss. It really informed us about the bad stuff when you smoke. Thanks for all you do....
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Killian
Thank you Rick for coming to my school (Fishers High School). When I heard you talk to us about Marie it just got me. It made me think of my dad who is 42 and how he has smoked since he was young. It doesn't help that he also has a heart problem called su...
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casandra
rick i think it was a wonderful story it was so good I cried I am going to try my best to pass on Maries story because it was so wondreful thank you for sharing it with us! thats all I can think about thank you so much!!!!...
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Kasie
Rick is a hero he has tought me to know the risks about smoking and what is in cigarettes and that the tobacco industries only want your money. I think that they don't care if our family members die or that we die and I am really glad that he came to our ...
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Tanner
Wow! Rick you are a great person. It must take a lot of courage to stand up in front of us and talk about your wife. It is great to know that there are still people out there who really care. My dad just recently quit smoking because he and I had a heart ...
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tia
im srry about yuor wife my grandma smokes but i bet i can stop it if i show her this video and what you said your wife is pretty and i bet she is really proud of what your doing but we knows she loves you and the girl sandi who typed to you says srry and ...
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Courteney
Dear Mr. Rick Stoddard,
Mr. Stoddard came to my school for Red Ribbon Week. I really want to join Voice and I'm turning 12 in November! My grandpa on my mom's side died when she 15, so I never got to meet him. My other grandpa smokes, and I don't want hi...
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ZMS
Rick, thanks for teaching us. You have changed thousands of lives throughout the world. Come back next year!...
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lizzy
rick! thank you sooo much for coming and talking to our school (zionsville). your speech made me cry. it was so touching and im very sorry for your loss you will stay in my prayers forever! you also are a great speaker even though you said you werent. you...
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Jaclyn
Rick, I just wanted to let you know that you and Marie have changed my life. I will never smoke in my life because of what you said at our school. Also, I've seen your comercial on T.V. like 3 times. It's the one when you say something about 23 being midd...
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Stephanie
I thought Rick was very courageous to tell his story in front of my school, and I respect him so much for that. I cried and cried when he was telling his story at my school...thank you Rick your story will always be in my heart, and hopefully carried thro...
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Thnx soooo much for talking to us!!!!
You have no idea how much it helped!!!!
I hope so that no one EVER smokes.
Thnx again Rick!!!!
(Western Boone)...
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brittany (adams central)
rick thanks so much for coming and talking to our school that had to take a lot of courage my dad and step dad smoke and i want them to quit but they never listen it would just make my day if they would quit i will never smoke and that is a promise it is...
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Paige
Rick has been a great experiance to me. I learned a lot today and that made me feel more caring about my family and i will give a bunch of respect to Marie. And i will keep her in my heart. I will also be praying for rick to get through his hard times. an...
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Austin (Benton Central)
thanks for coming to our school, u affected me and i hope and think that u affected my friends. My mom used to smoke and i used to ask her everyday to stop when i was young and she finally did and i was really happy and i'm glad she did because it would b...
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Summer
Rick is a true hero. I respect him so much and will never forget his tragic story. It takes so much for him to get up in front of hundreds of kids and tell his story. I am sure that he has convinced many people not to smoke, including me. After hearing hi...
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Summer
Rick has affected me because it takes so much for him to come and tell us his story about his tradegy. That takes a lot of guts. I am sure that he has convinced many people not to smoke and he has me convinced. I will never smoke. And that's a promise....
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brianna(benton central)
hey rick,
thanks so much for coming to our school!!! i cried at the end it hurt to found out that ur wife died because of ciggertes! my aunts are all smokers and i always tell them to stop unless u want to die but thats their decision i guess but ...
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Jessie
That is so sad. Alot of people don't realize that there are so many people who die. Frankly, I don't see how the cigarette companies can live with themselves. I would rather go jobless for a short time instead of having that kind of guilt on my back. I re...
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sandi
hi u just came to my school hamilton south eastern junior high and i am sorry about your wife i really was about to cry thanks for that covencation i know never to do drugs or smoke ...
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veronica
he helped me relise how bad my mom is hurting us and herself.i am going to do something about it and convince her to stop smoking thank you so much and you really changed my mind and life...
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*paige * (adams central)
hey rick. thanx for coming to my school and telling us your story. it was touching. maybe you can come again. PLEASEEEE. that was my favorite convocation ever. =] thanxxx
*paigeee*...
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~kayla ~
rick you taught me so much and both of my parents smoke but i cant get them to stop so i am doing the docter phil guilt trip i hope it works smoking is bad for your health and i love how you teach kids that smoking is bad so people who think you need to g...
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Paige
Rick came to our school Tuesday and made a very powerful speach. I'm glad that he is able to go around to schools and tell his story. He's visited my dad's work and talked too and it made my dad quit after 16 years of smoking. I admit that i have tried ch...
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I think you need to get a real job instead of trying to make a living by brainwashing kids who have the right to make informed decisions on their own. You need to accept the past for what it is and quit whinin'........ Get a life! Get a real job! ...
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Sarah(from South Adams High School)
my mom smokes to......and i lost a grandfather from lung cancer too.....so i know how you feel.........
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Brittany (From Parkwood Middle School)
He really taught me something about how we need to stop people from smoking so our population doesnt die down so quick. If everyone cared about the lives that were lost and the people who were scared for life from smoking the world would be so much healt...
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Ashleigh
Rick really made me think today, he came to our school and made a very powerful speech. I never once have thought about smoking, for the fact that i am highly allergic to smoke, but i am around second hand smoke daily. That is just as bad as smoking yours...
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Rachel
Well he affected me too the extent that I will never ever forget this tear jerking story! It will stay with me until I die....
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Jamie
rick you were just at out school today you have convined me to not smoke. your story is so amazing and i know the effects...my grandfather was just diagnosed with lung cancer, stomach cancer, and prostate cancer...most likley due to smoking. then over the...
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austin
thinks rick for comeing to bellmont i know it my brother died of the same thing so my paryes r with u at all time god bless
...
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Sarah
Rick, i go to south adams and i really appritiate you coming.......i know ur probly on the road all the time making america to b arware of what tobacco is doing to our youth and elders, but one school i know needs a blessing like you to come is Carroll Mi...
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Briona, Makayla, Brittney Adams Central
hey, rick these are the people that you just visited 10| 15|07. briona writing, I told my dad what you said and he said he knew you from the tv and he said he was going to quit. makayla writing, i told my mom but she said ya i know. Brittney writing, whe...
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Marie
Rick-
I am really sorry about your wife. Your story made em think abotu everyone in my life that smokes....I yelled at my cousins becuase of you. thanx
...
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elisabeth
You have helped me mourn over the death of my uncle and grandpa. You also showed me to listen respectfully when you know someone has a situation. You are a great person and you will always inspire me not to smoke or chew. ...
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Jacob
Rick Stoddard affected me more than I ever imagined. He explained the foulness of tobacco and smoking in a different way. I always knew smoking and tobacco were terrible for your body, but I never knew 1200 people die a day from smoking. 1200! I just can'...
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moose
Thanks for coming to HSE. I'm sorry about your wife, that's really sad. My dad just recently stopped smoking! I'm so glad. Just the opposite of what all the others had to say unfortunately. Well, once again I'm so sorry. Your story was really sad. You als...
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Danielle
thank you rick for comeing to fishers high school.It means so much to me and my friends. I have been around smoking my hole life. I have recently quit smoke about 6 months ago. Almost all my friends and family smoke. For you to come out and speak out abo...
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Allison (Bellmont High School)
Hey Rick I am really sorry about your wife Marie. I am a Fresman and I plan on not to smoke because of what you told us that day at Bellmont Hig Shcool. That day you came to talk to your school really made me think about what smoking can really do to you....
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Ty
Thank you Rick for coming to our school and sharing all your knowledge to us. My parnets also smoke for a long time I have tried to make them stop they won't stop. I tried to take away their cigarettes. They even ask me to take them away! I was about to b...
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Mrs. Sharp
You are an amazing person... thanks for sharing your story with the students at South Adams Schools. I truly BELIEVE you made our students think about the affects smoking can have on a life or to your loved ones... who are left behind. Marie was the LOVE ...
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Zach
Rick i dont no how to get my parant to stop.
my parent is 40 years old and im in 7th grade and go to South Adams High School.
so i may experince in the future what you had to go through.losing somebody close. best wishes to you and your grand children a...
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Stephanie
Rick I fill really sorry about u r wife past away.My mon and my dad smoke and I try to get my mom to op but she just wont do it. I want my mom to be around for a while and not get hurt.my cousin has asthama and she smokes and her docter said that if she d...
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Amanda
Rick,
Thank you so much for coming to our school, Adams Central Middle/High School. I have an uncle that smokes, he tries to stop, but he can't. Even my little cousin and sister (both age 5) tell him that he needs to stop or he could die. Everybod...
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Alex
Hay, rick i am so sorry that u went through that.AND U DID ALL U COULD DO FOR HER AND DON'T SAY U DON'T.And i hope u and ur son come to IN to south adams and visits us again. ...
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Jazmyn (from Bellmont)
thank you sooo much for coming and talking to us...i don't smoke or anything..but if i did..you would have really made me open my eyes and see what really happens..i really appreciate that you took time out of your life because you care that much!! it's a...
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Amanda
Hey Rick,
I just wanted to thank you for coming to my school today. (South Adams Jr./Sr. High School) I really appreciate what you do. I had the privilege of hearing this story 2 times now. (once in 7th grade and now in my 10th grade year) I lost my gran...
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Rachel
Today Rick came and talked at my school. It was so cool to get to hear Rick speak and to learn more about smoking and tobacco. The story about his wife Marie really touched me and it got me thinking that we all need to help with the effort to stop smoking...
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Brittany
I guess that he has just confirmed what my mother told me...And I just wanted to say...I've been to your speck twice...once when I was like seven or eight and now again today...My friend and I made a pack after you spoke to us to never smoke or chew tabac...
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Bercot
Rick, You have a really great story. I really liked it. And it is so true. I appreciate you coming in and talking to us students. I have a story but I'm not going to go into a great detail about it. My grandmother have been in and out of the hospital just...
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Sarah
i have almost got to people in my family to stop smoking.i told them i was not going to stay with them if they were going to smoke around.so they stoped smoking and now i have seen them and stayed with them a lot. i am just so happy to be able to spind ti...
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Steph
Rick i just wanted to say thank you so much for coming to Bellmont because our school needs someone like you to come around and tell the students its bad to do these things. You really touched me and a couple of friends with the way you told your wifes st...
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Chelsea
Rick was amazing today at school..he has shown me and the rest of the kids at school what smoking can do to us and or bodies. I am sorry for what happened to Marie..she didn't deserve that..no one does!! I am glad that you have come to South Adams because...
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hi rick, i'm from south adams where you spoke today. i remember you saying that if you could get just one person to stop smoking all the troubles and hardships of being on the road would be worth it. well, today as i was walking out of our auditorium i he...
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hey. your story has affected me dramatically! i cant stop thinking about it... you are my hero. I could never go through what you did and tell people about it over and over...Thank you for coming to my school. Because of you I AM NOT GOING TO BE A SMOKER!...
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Jena
He made me realize even more how we have to stop these tobacco ads from getting out of control. ...
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Cindu
i remember when i when to the convention in Raleigh at the beginning of this year. your story had a big impact in my life because it gave me the courage to help people who
smoke. now i'm a junior in high school and i'm doing a argumentative paper on tob...
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Cassie
You were at our school Today and I felt that your message hit very close to home. About a year ago I lost an Aunt to lung cancer. She had smoked her whole life and though she wasn't as young as Marie I still feel that she had alot of life to live. Her ...
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Rodney
You came to my school today
Your presentation was excellent......i know you have reached alot of people. ty for doing what you are doing!!!! =]...
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Julie
Thanks for coming to our school! You were just here last hour. It really helped me. I dont think i will ever smoke. i about started to cry when you put the song on. I know a lot of people who smoke. I want you to come back to our school before i gra...
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Taylor and Meriah (from stockbridge)
Heyy, whats you been up too? Well you came to our school about 1 month ago and we want you to come back and share your story again......Well we hope your life is going good with out Marie.....Well g2g cuz we are supposed to be doing typingpal wich if anyo...
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Andrew
I'm glad marie died it was her fault she smoked for so long and got herself lung cancer...
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lindsay
hey :D
i remember you came to PR like a lil while ago.
i use to smoke but im trying to quit now because i hvae really bad asthma and it might turn into something like your story....
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Claire
I love the idea of putting notes over the ads. I need some advice. I have a friend who smokes. She doesnt know that I know...what should I do. ...
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Jessica
Thanks RIck!!!! I think your presentation was excelent. I really enjoy listening to you. I once smoked before but after what you said it really changed my mind....
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Jay
Hey Rick. My mom is 53 years old and has been smoking for about 30 years. I really want her to stop because i care about her health, and the health of me and everyone else in my family. Can you please email be back giving me tips on how i can at least get...
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Chapin
I loved the assembly. It made a lot of my friends think. I thought that it was the perfect anti-tabacco speaking. It gave us so much information yet it didn't scare us. Come back to our school soon! Keep up the good work!...
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eli
rick, thanks for coming to north meck high school in nc. it meant a lot to us to learn what happens to people every day. You are a role model for all of us, and i will never pick up a cigarette ever again in my life. thank you...
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Britney
Hi!!! Thanks for coming to Parkwood Middle this week. I never knew how much smoking could affect you. I always knew it was bad, but losing your mobilty and privacy... Oh my Gosh!!! I will NEVER smoke, and most of the time, I don't go outside anymore so I'...
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lainey
Rick you came to my school MPMS and you told us why not to smoke and not just saying it will kill you. you made a difference inso many peoples lives!!!!!!!!!!!!!! thanks for comig to my school! I am really in to helping peole stop ever since fourth grade ...
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haylee and bea
we just wanted to tell you that we really enjoyed your speech at our school today. you changed the way we look at smoking. Bea and i both have fathers that smokes/chew tobaco. We are really sorry about Marie. Just look at the impact that she made on all o...
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katie and Haley
we recently heard your story about smoking at Parkwood Middle School. honestly, it scared us to death, but we will NEVER smoke!! your story was heartbreaking, but a very good lesson! we didn't realize how bad smoking can effect us, but now we realize we...
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Lauren
Thank You for coming to my school...Parkwood Middle .I heard everyone around me crying,yes even the boys.I just want to tell you how much you affect ed my friends,family,and I .Thank You!!!...
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Jessi
Rick has helped me get the courage to talk to my dad about cancer. I have always wonderd why he smokes after his brother danny died from cancer now I understand why....
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Brad
Thank you soooooo much for coming to my middle school.My grandma died of smoking.I knew that I was never going to smoke,but you made me not even consider it!I am very sorry about your loss.I felt that way whenever my grandma died.Anyway, thank you for com...
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miranda
you came to my school parkwood middle, and you really helped me. my mom,dad,stepmom,stepdad all smoke and i am scared for them. My grandmother died from smoking and right before she died i promised her that i wouldn't smoke. but it's not me that iam wirri...
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Miranda
Thank you for comming to my school.My parents and step parents all smoke. I promissed my grandmother before she died that i wouldn't smoke.But it's not me that i am worried about. Like i said, my step and real parents all smoke. They hace since they were ...
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tiara
rick ur doin a great thing and im so happy i was lookin at u today and u were like a messenger i have been takin for granted wat my family has been doin..and lettin them get by like its nothin but i mean its not only affectin them but me...and when they d...
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vince
Dear Rick,
I am sorry for your lose. Hope to not have this my grandmother smokes and i gave her this link i hope she stops... I wish of all luck to you. Also thanks for coming to my school. 200 poisions? Whoa! Thats to much... Smoking should be forbided ...
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Faith
your story has touched me and I loved it. it will be stuck in my head forever and i hope that you can one day share this with the world. thank you for taking the time to come to my school.
-faith...
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bailey
hey rick you came to my school today Poter ridge. You gave me courage to tell my dad he has been smoking sense he was 12 years old thank you so much...
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Madeline
Hi, thank you so much! I know that you opened the eyes of one of my friends. I've always tried to get everyone around me that smokes. Your story really made me think of everything. My gradfather died of heart problems. My mother and father both smoke. S...
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Flavia
Dear Rick,
Today, when you visited my school, I was very excited to see what you had to say and how you were going to convince us to make a desicion on not to smoke. After, telling my fellow students and I about your wife, Marie, I beg...
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jake
thank u for comin to my school. u have tought me in so many ways why u should not smoke.u have gave me the courage to talk to some people in my family why they should quit smoking.i had no idea that there was that many poisons in drugs. so thank u again f...
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Faith
Rick, you are the most inspirational person that has ever spoken about tobacco. You are a very good person and i hope that you get to visit schools all over the world!! You made a very good speech at my school Porter Ridge Middle and i thank you for comin...
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Bailee
Hey you came to my school. you have affected me so much. My grandma has smoked since she was 15. You have gave me the courage to tell her your story thanks so much...
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Danielle
Rick Stoddard you inspire me so much that I have decided to speak out against drugs. I have started a S.P.E.A.K. club. (S for social, P for public, E for eager, A for attention club.) Drugs are bad and you have influenced me. You have spoken to my school...
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madison
heyyy,
you came to my school the other day. and you were veryy touching. you touched many ppl and almost made ppl cry.. at least me.
my grandfather died from lung cancer from smoking, i watched himm slowly die, he turned as skinny as a stick.. never ha...
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Lindsay
Rick, thank you so much for coming to our school..what you said really hit me and my mom and aunts and uncles smoke and i think its really bad and they wont stop! im sorry to hear about marie! your presentation was really great! im sure you have changed t...
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KC
Dear Rick,
your story was so touching.My aunt Robin died in 2000 from lung cancer.From the horrible addiction of smoking.My great uncle just last year got throat cancer and now can hardly speak.I really got emotional when you told the story o...
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Madelyn
Dear Rick,
You have no idea how much you inspired me!
Your presentation at Parkwood middle was so emotional and a great learning expierence! Also I know how it feels to lose someone from smoking. I lost my grandpa from smoking. He formed a tumor on ...
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Devonte
Dear Rick,Thank you for coming to our school today[PARKWOOD MIDDLE]. When you told us how your wife died,me & my friend Brandon cried till you told us you look like STONE COLD!!! So anyways, thank you for coming to Parkwood.P.S. YOU'RE BETTER THAN D.A.R....
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kelsey
hi rick
my greatgrandfathear died about two weeks ago so it was really hard for me to sit there and listen to your storiy about marie. thank you for comeing to c.c.griffen home of the mighty gryphons. thank you so much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!...
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Amanda
Rick,you inspire me sooooo much,both my parents and grand parents smoke.I am always near second hand somke but my parents are trying too stop.I enjoyed your presentation at Parkwood Middle.Thank you : )
...
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kelsey
Rick you have affected me, because I never knew alot of things you thought me at Parkwood Middle School!!!!! My grandparents smoke, my grandma is 58, and my grandpa is 61 I'm glad their still alive. I'm thankful for god bringing me into this world(and my ...
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britney
thx 4 coming 2 parkwood middle 2day. my mom, dad, and sister (she's 24-25) all smoke. so i'm around 2nd hand smoke alot. last yr i took the D.A.R.E program, i really enjoyed it. almost as much as i did urs. thx again.
-right hand up- i pledge 2 NEVER smo...
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WILL
IM REALLY SORRY YOUR WIFE DIED AND I CANT TELL YOU HOW MUCH IT MEANT TO ME WHEN YOU CAME TO OUR SCHOOL I GOT TO GO BYE
...
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Taylor
HI rick its Taylor again how are things? I hope you come to our school again k? Because i think it's very important that someone like you to go to schools and tell people that using tabacco is really really life threatening! Me and my Best Friend Meriah w...
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Rae
My grandma died 4 years ago i know how har dit is, She died of cancer and she was only 49yaers old.Talk to you later...
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kasey
Rick i was looking at your page and i cant stop thinking about you.I love your page so much and i fell in love with.i wish the 5 and 6 graders could see your presentations......well i just stopped by to show some love for your page....but other thanthat p...
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Kelly
Rick,
Today, you had come to North Mecklenburg high. you have really affected me with this. my mom smokes, so im always second hand smoking, not wanting to. you made me really think about everything. but, when i came on this website i went the the video...
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Kiara
hi rick i alreadi sent u sumthing but i did not put mi name up der but as u know i give u mi sympathy and respsect sorry dat it happend 2 u and no 1 else but sum things happen 4 dah better!!!!!!!!!!!!!! sorry ...
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I think is a very nice guy i respect him and yes he did kinda look lik stone cold lol.I myself have 2 family members who smoke and need 2 stop. i give you mi blessings and how i feel. I dont blame how u feel i lost a lot if people in my life 2. So i respe...
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Kelsey
Dear Mr.Stoddard,Today you were at my school and i just thought that your wife's story & your presentation was the best thing.I cried my eyes out,but i know that you did touch alot of kids in there.My mom recently quit smoking about a year ago & i think i...
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maria
what i found out about marie today was really sad to me... i was really crying and i thought it was one of the saddest things that i have ever heard... i might not be able to know what you felt, but my mom lived it... my grandpa died from lung cancer... h...
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Lauren
Hey Mr. Stoddard,
You came to my school today, (Biotech @ Olympic High School) and I just wanted to tell you what a major effect you had on me and my friends. I know you effected them too because my friend who's been smoking for a while came up to me, c...
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Denise
I respect Marie.In my heart i think that it is very sad that Marie(Mr.Stoddards wife)had died of tobacco.After what Mr.Stoddard said and told me i will not ever ever smoke tobacco in my life.And I was not planning on smoking tobacco in my life,I think th...
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Meriah
Hi Rick how've you been? I know that this is mty third time writting to you but hey its fun! Lol! Thanks AGAIN for coming to our school Stockbridge Valley it was real kind of you to take the time and come to our school. Your story was very very very very ...
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lisa
Hey rick i know i wrote to you 3 times already but that is ok because i have not wrote to you in a while so i thought i would atleast say hi..lol but i g2g ttyl
<3 Lisa...
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Marcia
Mr. Stoddard, I would like to thank you for taking time to share your story with our school and the world. If you only touch one person through out your speech, then you have done a great thing. As a teacher I know that it just takes one. You can only ...
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Sonia & Crystal
Hey Rick,
We wanted to thank you for talking to our school today. It effected alot of people, and your wifes story was powerful one. We appreciate you coming and talking about it to us, even though we know it was quite hard for you.
Your...
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KIRSTIE
Rick has tought me that it isnt safe to smoke and how it affects people. Rick thank you for taking the time to talk to us and thanks for caring enough to talk to us.
P.S Im sorry about your wife i have lost my grandpa from that and i still cry everyday...
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cameron
Your speak today 9/24 your was very good and i have family mebers that smokes and it is killing them and now i am very concerned about them and now i am going to try to tell them they need to stop....
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jordanc.
well,he has taught me lots of stuff about what is in smoking and that its important to talk to your family about smoking.see my mom smokes to alot about 2 packs a day and smokes one every 5 mins. yeah i know bad right . well you came to my school in NC.at...
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nicole
he came to my school today his words touched me deeply i use to smoke do drugs and everything i still wanted to do it after what u said but then u played that song and i saw ur facial expressions and it made me think alot and i dont think people want me g...
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Allison
I thout that what effected me the most was that coming from someone that has gone through so much and saw how smoking can ruin a family i decided that i should trust you because you know what its like. So thank you so much for coming to my school and show...
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Max
Rick came to my school lately, and had a big effect on me. My Brother was considered the Smartest Kid! Im going to try to make my family members QUIT by showing him this website. Rick is a HUMONGOUS(<<
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Max
Rick has made me want to make my family members stop smoking more than before....
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Jennifer
well when rick told his story bout his wife dyeing cuz of lung cancer it brought back the memories how my nana died of the exact same thing. and i realize that even though i smoke that someday its gonna happen to me and i cant quit cuz of all the stress r...
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Jennifer
when you came to our school and talked about how your wife died of cancer it made me bring back the memories of how my nana died of the same exact thing and i smoke but ik i have to quit and with the help of my boyfriend i know that i can and save me from...
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Amanda
You see alot of people in the world smoking. And knowing that u can die that young should stop most people.But they are killing themselves and people around them....
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kayla
i see people smoking every day and from what he said i know i am not going to be even tempted to try....
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Amanda B
Um hello...you came to my school at port byron just recently...i know how you feel..my grandfather just died in december of 06...and he also smoked cigereattes...it became lung cancer..then he got an amonia in his right lung..and eventually his whole body...
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Meriah
Hi rick,
I wanted to write again because i think that everyone has the choice that uses tabacco to turn their life around and try to live a way much better life. The clips and the things that you showed us were very eye opening! After seeing them it mak...
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lisa (for the 3rd time)
hey cant say much but i thought i would say hi and how are you doing i really want you to come back to our school (SVCS)...well i g2g i am in school now but ttyl........ <3 Lisa...
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abigail
thanks rick again for coming to our school!!!it made me feel even stronger about not smoking now and when i get older!!!...
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JOE
Everyone hears the word cool
But the cool people just act like a fool
Some people think cool is smoking
But all your really doing is choking
When you smoke you lose
Your heart stops to take a snooze
You might even die
Then all your friends and fami...
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lisa
Hey Rick i know i all ready wrote to you but when i wrote to you i was in school and did not have much time.....but i am going to try antalk to my dad and persuade him to quit so i hope it works out...Like i said b4 i am sorry about marie and i just dont ...
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Kaitlyn
Im srry about wat happend 2 Marie my granpa praticly died the same way but the doctors pulled the plug on him.Im trying to get my family to stop smoking 4 u & me & my 10 yr old bro.My grandpa also had seasures he had 7 b 4 he died. The song is the part th...
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kasey
Rick you helped me so much about tryign to get my family to stop smoking.Thanks for coming to stockbridge valley.I hope you can come again next year.I alomost cryed watching the presentation but i got through it.Well i hope your summer was good with out h...
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lindsey
rick,
i liked your storry very muck even though it was very sad i still loved it. when i went home that day i todl my dad about it and how it almost made me cry. but while i was telling him he got all teary eyed. my dad is a smoker and has smoked for qu...
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Taylor
Hey Rick, Whats you been doin? Well thanx for visiting Stockbridge Valley Central School. I enjoyed having you here! Your a really great guy for what i know of you and let's keep it that way lol!!! Well if i was you on stage telling that story about my wi...
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lisa
Rick, Thank you so muc for coming to stockbridge valley.I enjoyed your presentation.It made me think about my grandma who died of cancer.I was only 2 years old.I really want to persuade my dad to quit smoking.He is very important.I am so sorry about Marie...
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brittany
rick thank you for coming to stocbridge valley school and in flueenced us all not to smke any thing that you can not pernounce...
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Tiffany
Thank you rick for coming to our school and giving me a wake up call about ciggarette smoking it really helped me and my uncle, and my grandfather...
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heather
hey rick thanks 4 visiting us at stockbridge valley. This year im gonna try to make mi family quit mi grandfather died from cancer to.It was very upsetting.Well i hope u get to come back next year. Hope it goes well with all the other schools good luck .h...
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Alley
Hey Rick sorry about ur wife. Thamks for coming to Stockbridge Valley and telling us that. Keep traveling!!!!...
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Alex
Thank you so much for coming to Chittenango middle school,New York
I was so touched by your presentation, i went home and i told my mom and dad about it, you know what they said.... well... my mom said that she would quit.... shes quitting on September ...
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Meriah
Rick,
Thanks for having the time to come to our school Stockbridge Valley. Your story was very thoughtful and sad. I'm sorry about Marie I wish she was still here today. Your story really made me think about how awful it is to smoke and just use a tabac...
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Alyssa
Rick I am so sorry about your wife. Thank you so much for coming the Hannibal Highschool you were great!! I wish the world could her your story and actualy listen to it.It makes me mad seeing people smoke! thanks again....
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mr. auker
Hello Rick,
This is Mr.Auker from KV middle school in Indiana and i just wanted to let you know that im sorry for last springs event and would love for you to make a return to our humble,little,christian,valued,politically correct town and could y...
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rob
fuck you mother fucker/you might be a redneck if im fucking your wife right now/
necrophilia:a sudden urge to crack open a cold one
contact me at 1-219-742-1053
i attended your Kankakee valley middle school performance last year and have to say you are...
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Cassie
Rick, thanks for coming to Otto Shortell Middle School. Your story truly hurt me inside. Both my parents smoke, and so does my grandma who lives with us. I've always thought smoking was bad, but now I know HOW bad. Thank you so much for visiting our schoo...
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Kasey
Rick thankyou so much for coming to stockbridge vally.i really like your show.you amde me think about smoking alot.Ireally appreciate you coming to my school i know a few of my friends did.I wish tha marie was stsill alive so we could met her.She seemed l...
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Angela
I just wanted to say THANK YOU VERY much for coming to Port Byron! You have definitly affected my choice of ciggeretts... me & my best friend try to tell our moms everyday how bad it is and they just say "if it is our time to die then god will take us. Ci...
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Brittany
Hi Rick, thank you for coming to Port Byron School. sorry about what happened to your wife :( my mom and dad quit when i was a just born becuase they found out that i had ashma and they did quit i am so proud of them:) and just to tell you i will NEVER st...
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brooke
hey hopefully you will move on with your life and still have good memeories of your wife....
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Olivia
Rick,
I cant tell you how much your assembly effected me when you came to morrisville NY ...and it probably took alot of guts to share your wifes story with us. im showing my 2 parents that smoke the envelope that you gave us ,and im sure they will th...
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Caitlyn
Rick,
you coming to our school and telling us your story is so kind.. i enjoyed you coming.. it takes guts to go around speaking to kids and telling them how smoking and doing tobacoo.. its hard i know soo stay strong and always be happy!!!!...
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chelsea
although my parents do not smoke many people in my family do and it was really heartwarming to hear your story. It was unbelievable to hear that 3 people died from ecoli and a few dogs died from bad dog food and they took both those items off the shelf bu...
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Taylor
Rick you are awesome, you just went to my school, Chittenango Middle School. And my teacher was just about ready to cry. You touched so many people and most deffinitly made them think about smoking in many different ways, and i hope they stop smoking....
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Elizabeth
Your speach today was Awesome. it inspired me a lot. My mom is a smoker and i am trying to make her stop. Every thing you said today was so inspiring. I want to thank you for every thing you said and i am going to use all your information to try to make m...
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Mary
Rick thank you for talking to chittenango Middle School. you have touched my heart. I'm not usually real emotional, but when you told us your story I almost cried. Thats soooo sad. I want to do anything to help people stop smoking. Right now I have a cous...
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taylor
i never really thought about smoking and stuff...i mean i thought about it ,i was like yeah dont smoke cigarettes but i think it was when you made us raise our hands to see if we suffered from second hand smoking, i looked around and realized that i wasnt...
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Justin
Thank You so much for coming to Otto Shortell Middle School your story meant alot to us and i hope it got throught all the smokers in the world....
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rachel
thanks so much rick for coming to hannibal a couple of days ago. but you reaally touched me so i want to thank you and i lost a friend from an aouta mobile acciedent i was sad the next few weeks all i did was cry! i know one of my dads fire dept. friends ...
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Tammy
Rick, thank you for speaking to Stockbridge Valley School. I'm not sure how many lives will be changed by your story, but I know mine is. My grandfather, in 2002, passed away, originally from a brain tumor. He went through chemo-therapy, which caused him...
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Courtney
You went to Hannibal High School yesterday, and I just wanted to say thank you for your efforts to spread the word about how cigarretts kill and how preventable some cancers are. My grandfather passed away from lung/liver cancer this past April(he was di...
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abby
rick, thanks for coming to my school,port byron middle school. i loved your talk and it reminded me of the pain i am having right now about my grandpa, who is currently dying right now, as i type in south carolina.i bet you can guess on what is killing hi...
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Emily
Rick,
Thank you so much for coming to Madison Central School. I went with you about a year ago to Brookfield back when i was in Reality Check...over the summer my life turned completly around but today you turned it right again...my dad (whom i have nev...
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Taylor
Rick thanx so much for coming to our school Stockbridge Valley. I really enjoyed having you and yours and Marie's story was very sad and i wish she was still alive.....That's very sad for what happened to her. Thanx for taking the time to tell our school ...
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Katie
Thanks Rick for comeing to Moravia High School. I think a lot of the kids in my school were really affected by this. I know how many of my friends have tried to get their parents to stop it just dosnt work. But i think by my friends showing the ur page ti...
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gail
Thanks so much Rick for sharing your story at Moravia this week. One will never know what impact you and your story about Marie will have. Althoug several teachers came up to me and thanked me that you had been here. I have also talked to several stude...
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Tara
Rick,
Thanks so much for coming in to talk to us at Hannibal High School.
Your story has touched many of us and I really appreciate you coming in and telling everyone your story.
I've been trying SO HARD to get my friends who smoke to stop smoking, so ...
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Meghan
Thank you so much for sharing such a meaningful story. I will always remember Marie's story. It was so sad and as I sat there crying and listening to you, at the same time I was thinking of someone very close. I was thinking, what if he was to go through ...
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Mike
rick thank you for coming to Hannibal. i really enjoyed your presentation.in a way i was hard to "enjoy" because it was really sad. i feel really bad for you and i think its great you're going to schools like this . i tottally agee with everything you sai...
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JOE
Rick,
Hopefully you got through to someone today at our school ive watched people die to i know what its like my grandma died from an aneurism caused by her smoking i watched her die in the hospital since then i took a vow to be straight edge until i di...
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Sabrina
Rick I want to thank you so much for coming to Hannibal High School today. You really made a big difference to me. My grandfather died of chewing tobacco at the age of 61. But What bothered me the most was that he told me and my cousins never to do it a...
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Joseph
rick i really loved when you came to hannibal middle school you taught me alot. I will always rember the story you told me and i will remember you and marie i will pray to her every night for you. That story breaks my heart and i cried . some day i might ...
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Brittany
Hi Rick thanks for comeing to my school.
Port byron.I also lost a love one to. My mom she died wen i was in second grade when i was around 8.She smoked as well and drank.
But when you came and told everyone how much stuff was in ciggerets i cound'nt bel...
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jessica
rick i am so glayed u came to mi school to day (kenny middal school) becaues mi firend smokes and i hop she lerd her lessen but my mommy and daddy smockes and i reely reely wont them to stop and i try tot alk to them but it never works but thnz for coming...
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Brooke
Rick I am very sorry about your wife. I know How it Feels to loose someone you love alot.well my dad smokes a least a pack a day and i can't get him to stop . I tell him that he could kill himself by smoking but he just doesn't listen plese help me......
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alan
Thanks rick for coming to our school.I learned a lot from you.One thing i learned that there is a lot of indergridents in cigretes.One more thing i learned from you is how the tobaco company makes cigretes adicting....
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jon
You taught me alot about smoking.i do not want to get sick.So im never gunna smoke even if someone aswks me im gunna say no.
thank you rick...
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Kailey
Thank you you made me reilize how much I need to tell my brother and sister in law not to smoke.Im sorry about your wife but it made me reilize the terror of losing a loved one so im going to keep telling them to stop until they hopfuly Stop!...
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brandon
Rick most of my family smokes. Also my cousin chews tabacco and i told him what could happen to him and he said that he will try to quit before he gets adicticted to it....
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chris
Rick my mom her girlfreind and my borther smoke i've asked them to stop put they wont thank's for telling me what could happen....
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Louise
The talk was great.I went home and told my parents all about it.Then my mother called my aunt and told her about it. Now my aunt is trying to stop smoking.Also my mom is trying to stop smoking also.Thanks for telling me about smoking....
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Matt
Dear Rick,
I feel sorry for what happened to your wife. Thanks for taking the time to come to our school to inform as about tobacco. I learnerd alot. And because of your inspiring word I'll turn my no answer to tabacco to a heck no. Thanks agains
...
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Colton
Rick I am sorry about your wife. I appreciate you for coming to Port Byron and other schools and talking about haw bad cigaretes and tobbaco are for your body. The list of ingredients in cigaretes were disgusting i couldn't believe that the tobbaco compan...
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Leanne
How I responded to Ricks presentation was sad, I cryed. I felt horribal. All these feelings started comeing back and I was haveing flashbacks. When I was 9 my mom passed away of lung cancer. She was only 42. She was a good mother but because she smoked, i...
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Brittany
hi, I thaught that you story was very sad and i would like to thank you for coming! your story about Marie has made other people stop and i would like to say that you are make the world a better and healthier place
thanks:...
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Jennifer
Rick,
I know how you feel in December of 1999 just after Christmas my grandfather died from smoking too. I was terrified i wasn't that old and i ddin't understand why he died but my mom told me it was because he had a very bad addiction. I went through t...
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alyssa
i know how you feel in 1999 on cristmas day,my b-day my gradmother died.Me and my grandma were really close so i know how it feels to lose a loved one.And she died from smoking cigerettes.so i am sorry you had to lose your wife from tabacco....
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Arica
hi rick mondays assemble really made me sad and i know how u feel cause my great grandma died frome smoking when i was 10 on jan.7th 2005 and i feel really bad for so sorry she died. if she was that speaical she deff. in heaven have a great life....
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Ellie
Hi. Wow! My dad used to smoke but he quit along time ago. I had never really thought about how bad smoking really was for you. I mean I knew there were downfalls but never knew death was one of them. I am very sorry about your wife.And really hope you wor...
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ally
heyy rick, my mom smokes she has been smoking for 4 years and she is 33 and she is trying really hard to stop smoking she says it is her goal i know she can achive her goal i kindda know how you feel becaues my best friend carissas dad died 4 years ago fr...
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Cortney
I really liked your presentaion from 7-10-07 even though I cried during the whole thing. I thought it was really rude of people when they made lots of noises, whistling noises, and other distracting noises. I just wanted to smack them in the head.Other th...
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no name
hello, im sorry that your wife died.my grandma died of several different types of cancer.your words influincenced me to not smoke.i will never put a cigarette apon my lips or my shiney teeth. i promise!...
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Erika
rick thank you for speacking at my school it made me think of the dangers in smoking. I lost my grandfather from smoking cigars and I cant rember him that well .My mom and dad also my stepdad smoke and pretty much everyone in my family smoke I have to tak...
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Nikki
Dear Rick, both of my parents smoke :[ but anyways my older brother always make's fun of my parents, he say's your going to die with a huge hole in their neck it makes me sad about what happend to your wife. I told my parents that they need to stop! They ...
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kris
rick has affected me because the speech he made at moravia high it me me cry iam sorry about your wife rick and a super speech he made from krism...
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Tyler
My mom smokes. Also i'm trying to make her quit.She been smoken since 17 years old.Do you know how to get rid of her smoken....
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Nicholas
Rick I told my gandma about what happend to your wife. She thought she would know if she had cancer, so I told her your wife didn't even realize she had cancer and she had a seizure . When she went to the hospital she had 20 tumers on her brain. My grandm...
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Trevor
Hey Rick,
I'm the kid who told you if your beard was a little darker you'ed look just like Stone Cold.Ha,ha,ha. I sorta' know how you feel because my grandma is dieing of lung cancer too.=(. Well I gotta' go. You're super cool man....
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Melinda
Rick loved the talk. It made me cry. Your awsome.Im sorry about your wife....
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Kyle
Dear, Rick I now how you feal.I know because my grandfather died of emfisema ofa...
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Codi
dear,rick has affacted me because he lost his wife and he made me make a decision not to smoke when I get older and my mom and dad smoke and I hope I don't lose them because of lung cancer. ...
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Brandon lee
dear Rick I am a studen from port Byron and I am very sory for what hapened to yor wife .I am very sad and if that hapened to my mother or fothe i woukld cry to.from Brandon T. :(...
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codi
dear,rick has affacted me because he lost his wife and he made me make a decision not to smoke when I get older and my mom and dad smoke and I hope I don't lose them because of lung cancer. ...
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Ashley
rick i told my mom about your story and she said shes going to stop smoking thanks rick ...
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Harley
Rick today at my school made me understand how bad people get when they smoke my grandma and my mom smokes unfortuenetly I try to make them stop and they dont listen but anyway I feel how you feel with your wife my aunt died from lung cancer and I loved h...
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You spoke at my school about a year ago. I'm a freshman in high school now, and I still think about what you said quite often. I don't smoke, but my Dad does and a couple of my friends do. You really inspired me to try and help them realize what they are ...
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Kathy
I had quit smoking about 7 years ago (after smoking for over 30 years) for over a year because of your tv ads. Unfortunately I went back to smoking. I am so happy to have found your web site as I want to quit again, this time for good. I hope with your si...
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Sarina from S-E
Rick,I was looking threw my old school stuff and I found an issue of my school's "mthly new's paper?"and i kept the December issue becouse i wrote in and made the 1st page and 1st artical i was histatic to know that the student paper facalty was touched e...
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Leslie
I am goin to be a freshman at South East Fountain High School. I was very thankful that you have came to my school. My family has been though a tough couple of years. My papaw and grandpa have died from lung-cancer. My stepdad has also been through differ...
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Trisha
I just wanted to say thank u for coming to my school and sharing your story with us.....You have touched so many people and i think its awesome that u share your wifes story with the world. My mom has smoked all her life and after hearing your story i fel...
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Glenda
Hi Rick wanted to tell you that I have smoked for over 32 Years and 2 months ago my doctor perscribed me a pill called Chantix... 7 days later I was completely smoke free,,, tell your love ones to ask there doctor for them. I did not want to quit either b...
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Bianca
Hi rick...you came to my school this past year and you changed my outlook on smoking..My mom smokes And i have been trying very hard to tell her to stop..and I showed her your website and it changed her so now she is trying hard to stop smoking..she is tr...
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Jean
6/26/07 Hi Rick, Just finishing up another year of teaching smoking cessation and I always think of you when Im done. The most powerful tool that I show to our "future non-smokers" is the list of ingredients you gave to me when you came here in 2004 (Manc...
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Autumn
My mom smokes and my dad chews tobbaco and it all ended This year you came to my middle school. in little falls new york when i heard your story i was thinking of how much i love my dad and i want him to see my wedding day when i grow up. and i was thinki...
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Josh
He came to my school and touched many peoples hearts with his stories....
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felisha
rick,
hey i loved your assembly it made me cry because my mother smokes and she is 34 years of age. well my father died when i was about 2 he died of a heartattck. so i lost him and i really dont want to lose my mother .
PS:please tell me what to do...
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Miranda
Dear Rick, Hello! My cousin started smoking a while back, and when i saw him, i told him about your speech. He stopped smoking after that. He has been clean for almost 3 months now. He promised me he wouldn't smoke anymore. And he's kept that promise. Bye...
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Briana
hello rick.
i would like to say that when you came to my school to speak, i was just touched. Just writing to you now is making me tear up. You came to speak to my school on the 29th of may. it was a while ago but i just found the card i had taken from ...
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nicole
Hi Rick.i loved the presentation you did at our school(Mary E.Wells) the other day(may 29)!!!!!!!!!you really did touch my heart.you are really an amazing speaker.you see my mom is dying from lung cancer now.she is really sick and not looking so good.abou...
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samantha
rick has effected me in many inspiring ways. my mom smokes and i hate it. it smells realy bad. im so srry about your wife dying!!!! i felt so bad at the assambly @ school(mary e wells).i lost a uncle from smoking, my grandfather has emphazema and my aunt ...
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samuel
HEY RICK, I am sorry you lost your wife and i lost a grandpa from lung cancer and my mom had to lite my grandpas serit and we lost him at 7:58 at night from lung cancer. it is hard to get over a family member and see them sufer. sorry rick what happen to ...
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alayla
you showed me that there is more to life than just smoking!! i thank you for that although i never smoked in my life it inspired me to never start!! thankyou!...
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LUIS
Rick has affected me because he has touched me and now i know more about smoking and his wife. I feel real bad ...
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Rick came to our school and told us the story of him and his wife. When he stood up there telling his story I almost cried. He is doing a great thing trying to prevent and stop people smoking. I hope everyone took his story to heart and listened carefully...
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Derek
(Mary E. Wells Junior High School)
U have affected me by clearing my head of all ideas of smoking!!! U are an insiration to us all thank u very much :)...
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Jessica
Rick has affected me by coming to my school and talking to me about Marie. I was extremely close to crying at the assembly. Thankyou Rick for effecting my life so dramatically and changing my life forever. You helped me stop yelling at my dad to stop. I ...
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alexandria
he affected me by talking about his wife and how she died and that made me realize that people should not smoke or chew so i will look at his story before i choose me desision! Im so so so so so so so sorry i hope you get more sighns from her like the hea...
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Meagan
rick has affected me in alot. i have actually been able to help my mom quit smoking which im really happy about...so im just stopping by to come and say thank you for everything that u said at my school in southbridge it was very helpful.Also that i am so...
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chrystal
rick, i just wanted to thank you. a month or so ago you had came to kankakee valley high school and as you were up there speaking i was right there listening to every word very carefully..my mother is a smoker and so is my grandmother..my grandma has had ...
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Tessa
I am not going to smoke now that I know what happened to all these people and I don't want it to happen to me because I will like to live my life as long as I can. I would not like to die from there things thank-you for coming to school. i live in southb...
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hey rick it was great having you at my school. right after the assesbly i went to my home room teacher and got on this web sight. youre story realy touched my heart. i enjoyed you in my school and wish you could come back soon. you know ive been realy tem...
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chris
you really helped me understand what smoking can do to someone im going to try to help my aunts and friends to stop smoking I am up for a smoke free life...
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sara
he has taught me alot and i think that im going to try to persuade my cusin to stop smoking because i dont want her children to grow up without a mom. plus i love her alot and my cuzins are so sweet. and im glad he came to our school because he is so pers...
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Rhonda , Hoosier Hills PACT, Tobacco Preve
So many of us want to thank you again for speaking to all the Jr. High School students here in Orange County, Indiana. You made a tremendous impact on each. Even though you spoke over a month ago, I am still getting calls from school counselors requesting...
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Brittany
Hey rick you have affected me so so much. My 3 aunts smoke and my dad chews tabbaco and i am really scared he will get mouth cancer. Oh and thank you so much for coming to Hoosick Falls Central School!!...
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Jalen(cms vincenes)
Dear Rick Stoddard.
Thank you so much for coming to my school. I wasnt going to smoke but now I am defiantly not going to. You choose to come to a middle school and touch peoples hearts that is the best thing a person can do. God loves you and I think...
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Michelle
My mother is a smoker and to this day still is even though she was diagnosed in July of 1996 with lung cancer. She had surgery and they had to remove her right lung, her lymphnodes and part of her bronchial tube. It is now 2007 and my mother was diagnosed...
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Lisa
Hello Rick..I'm 35 a mother of 3 and a SMOKER..My 12 year old son brought me to your site and asked me to watch your videos..WoW what a eye opener...I also read some of your journal.You talk about not speaking to children under the 6th grade age and I ju...
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kane
you affect on me because my mom is a smoker and we dont have alot money and she went on your website and she is trying to quit/or stop but she cant ...
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Ryan
Rick,
Thank you for coming to my school of sauquoit valley this past thursday.....i believe that ur story reached into everyones heart at that school that day....we gave u a standing ovation becuz u deserve every bit of it....it takes a strong man to do...
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I think tobacco componies are no harm at all sure there product is harmfull and im sorry about your wife and all but it was her choice to smoke you even said you lit her ciggs for her. so how are you any better you just delivered just like tobacco compani...
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morgan
rick,
when you came to our school (northridge)you effected alot of our students to change what they were thinking about doing.I was going to try it but after you came i never even wanted to see a cigarette ad.That day when i went home i cryed cause i was...
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Stacy
Hey Rick...you came to my school on may 4th which was Bishop Noll Institute. My mom had developed breast cancer before and the doctor had said it was because of being around smokers. I live with my mom dad and older brother whose 23 and he smokes along w...
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Ryan
He really helped me realize the effects smoking has.....my grandmother past last year from lung cancer and it struck me hard...
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Allysa
hello rick my name is allysa and my mom and and my dad and step dad don't smoke but i have people in my family that do smoke so we had a family get together one day for easter and i was talking to my mom about you even know she doesn't smoke and she had t...
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amber
rick has helped me out so much.. my mom is a smoker and i tried talking to her and to tell her that there are over 4,000 chemicals in one cigarette. but she didnt care. i tried talking to my dad and he said he knows that its bad and hes gonna try to stop....
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Krista
Rick came to my school and made a huge difference. He made me cry. My mom and dad are smokers and i cant take it. i tried talking to my mom to get her to stop and i printed out the cigeratte chemial list and showed her and she didnt care. SHE DIDNT CARE!!...
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Kelsey
Rick, you taught me a really good lesson about smoking, and how dangerous and gross it is! Both my mom and dad used to smoke. I always told my other family members that I was really scared that they would die because of caner. Finally my mom quit by doing...
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RYAN
Hey Rick when you came to my school(St, Mary's Academy ) your stories really touched me. ...
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Kaayla
RIck,
Thanks a whole lot for coming to my school(Hoosick Falls Central School). I really apreciated it. I cried when I heard your story and thought the same thing about my mom. She smokes. She has tried to quit but she never could. I really hope she does...
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Lindsay
(Student from Hoosick Falls Elementary Schhol, Hoosick Falls, New York.) I'm sorry to hear what happened about Marie. It must be hard for you to take this.
...
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Lindsay
You are a very great person and you are so strong to be sharing your story everywhere. it can be hard after a loved one has died. My grandma had 10 children including my mom. My other four aunts and five uncles all smoked accept for my mom. My step-dad al...
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Lindsay, Ariel
Yes you have affected most of our lives at Hoosick Falls Elementary school. We will never start! we promise!! And you really do look like Stone Cold Steve Austin! :) Good Luck Rick!!...
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Scarlett
Heyy rick thanks alot u helped me try to help my mom ane my cuz .I talked to my cuz she is in rehab right now because i talk to her agian and it really helped her alot she is doin alot more betta then she was when she was on herion and smokeing !!!!!Tha...
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nick
hey rick it is nick from hoosick falls middle shool and I am writing to you to tell you I love your story.it touched me to hear about your wife.But I know how it feels. I lost my best friend too.My grandpa(my fishing buddy,hunting buddy) it crushed me whe...
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Becky (Sauquoit Vallew High School
Hi Rick, your speech affected me because i had a really good friend that smoked every day. well on september 2nd of 2005, he died in front of me and his family. now all that i have to remember him by is his hat. that is hanging on my wall above my bed rig...
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Zach
Hi Rick, you just came to my school(Sauquoit Middle School) and i just want to say thank you. I am glad you came and talked to my school about tobacco. I am really sorry for Marie. Your speech was greatly delivered. I had to go and tell my parents about y...
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Jordan
Thank you soo much Rick!!!!! I'm very sorry about your wife. I am from Clark Junior High School, Vincennes, Indiana. This is the first time that I have got to see my mom in a while.
Your program is really touching, it really got to me. My mom is a smoker...
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Rachel
Thank you for coming to my school (Sauquoit Valley Middle School) Rick. My mom is a smoker, and I can't stand it. I have tried everything to get her to quit. When I heard you say that your wife died in 2000, it made me think, because my father died in Sep...
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Lee Anne
Dear Rick , I just heard your story today at my school ( Sauquoit Middle School). I wish I could say something different that would really give you an idea of what impact it had on me , and hopefully the students too. Not only was your message of the scur...
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Alex
Rick storrad has really mad a diferance in my life. he has told me all the effects of smoking i dont smoke but i have friends that do and i hope that by coming to my school you really mad a diference in there life. i really feel bad for you and your wife ...
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I really would like to thank you rick from taking time out of your busy schedual(sauquoit valley) to talk to a bunch of kids where about half of the kids wont even care about your story. i just want to tell you how important your story was today. i also ...
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Dear Rick,
Hi you just came to my school (sauquoit Middles School), and i think you affected all of us. Most if not all of us know or have a family member who smokes, chews, ETC. and you helped me. My mom and dad both somked, i told that about your sp...
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Danielle
He helped me make the choice of never starting to use tobacco and i'm really sorry for your lost.My grandfather died from lung cancer too.I was only two nd my brother never met him.I really hope that the government would just ban it from the U.S.A. becasu...
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Rachael
Dear Rick,
I just wanted to write and thank you for coming to our school. I go to Sauquoit High School and I'm fourteen. I've never smoked and never wanted to smoke but I've never realized how it can effect your life. You always think, "That'll never h...
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Carl
I had a grandmother who passed away from lung cancer and he made me realize that life is short and u gotta live it to the fullest.You dont want to let one day passs yuo by with out having any fun...
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alex
i never tried to smoke. but you really tried to make kids stop. i feel really sad for your wife. you must feel really said to lose your life. i never knew that smoking is that bad. Thank you for trying to share with the public about your sorrow. i wish i ...
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chris
dear rick i am sorry for your wife and i will think about her all the time i know what your going through my grandma is dieing from smokeing those ciggeretts i guess my dad was right he told me that ciggeretts were calles cancer sticks well i am going to ...
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Tiffani
Rick really opened my eyes on how bad smoking can really affect you. all through out that assembly i had tears in my eyes. My mom smokes and i am always breathing in second hand smoke. Thank-you rick for caring about us and showing us that we can really m...
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Abrielle
Hi Rick...You came and vistied my school about last week..Calumet high school..You were a wonderful speaker.I told a lot of people about your speech and how great it was. You really made me think. After the things you said I would never ever think about s...
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Chance
Rick gave the most inspirational speech I have ever heard in my life. Not only was he real but he gave me a BIG wake up call. Since then I have quit smoking and am fully aware that smoking can affect a lot of people. I am terribly sorry for his loss and a...
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Morgan
Rick came to my school not too long ago... and he taught us about all sorts of stuff that will affect you when you smoke and do all kinds of other things. Thanks to Rick most of my friends have changed in there ways of thinking by giving them a huge wake ...
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Kayleigh
Rick came to my school today and I would like to think him. I am almost positive that he made a diffrence in my school. He gave alot of my friends wake up calls on what they were doing to themselves, So thank you Rick I apperciate everything you do!!...
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pat
rick came to my school,moriah central school. Ive chewed tobacco since i was 14 years old. Rick really opened my eyes and made me aware that it really can happen to me. I decided to quit and i was successful. i just want to thank rick for opening my eyes ...
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Katie
rick has told me alot and both of my parents smoke, i've let them know its very unhealthy but they just yell at me and say they know but i'm concernerd for them. Both of them have dentures too. Because when they were younger their teeth rotted because of ...
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Bonny
I liked your presentation because I have family that smokes. My dad, my brother, my cousin, and my uncle chews. My whole family smokes in my house. You taught me to talk to my family to stop smoking. Thank you.
...
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Alyson
Rick,
You keep coming back to schools to talk to the youth of our country. Your presentation is strong, funny, warm, and above all, sincere. Thank you so much for your words and for sharing your experience with us all.
YOU should be on Oprah or Dr. Phil...
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Kydia
he makes me feel good about myself and changed my life, i almost i was going to smoke and drink with my friends the night before he came, he really made me fell good....
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Whitney
I am a freshman at Dell Rapids High School in South Dakota. I just wanted to write you, to thank you for all the lives you have inspired by sharing your story across the country and how many people you have helped to quit smoking. It’s quite incredible ac...
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Melissa
Rick affected me because i have a lot of relatives and friends that have been diagnosed or even died from lung cancer. Today , during his presentation me and my friends started crying. My friends and I are so sorry about his wife. He must be really tough ...
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Taylor
Rick affected me because I have some older friends that smoke and my aunt does. My grandma died from cancer so I want to help people quit. Thank you so much. your story was so sad and Im glad you told us this story....
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Skyler
He has affected me because that was a sad story and if you know someone that smokes you should get them to stop. It afeected me because my parents both smoke, like my mom, my dad, my step dad and my step mom..
~skyler from nccs~
...
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Kylie
He has effected me by telling our school a very sad story about his wife Marie. She sounded like a very loving person to Rick.But yea cigerettes affected her and it was very sad.My mom and dad smoke and i need to tell them to stop also.
Luv kylie...
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Christine
I am a middle school counselor at Beekmantown Central School District in Upstate NY. You presented to our 7th and 8th graders on May 7, 2007. I just wanted to Thank you for such a powerful and heartfelt presentation. I'm sure you touched many of our st...
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Rubie
I am from Bishop Noll Institute High School, and you have just recently came to my school. Your story and your encouraging thoughts and words touched my heart. I cried towards the end, especially when you played the country song. When you made a comment a...
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Elizabeth
He has changed my way of thinking , decision making , 14 year old life dramaticaly . I don't know if you remember because you have gone to so many schools , but today Monday , May 7th , 2007 , you were at my school , Beemantown Middle School . My day was ...
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Elizabeth
He has changed my way of thinking , decision making , 14 year old life dramaticaly ....
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Rachael
Rick i have to say this really affected me but i kind of know what you had to go through and what you are still going through. yesterday my uncle Kenith past away the date was 5/6/07 and to be in school is very hard for me and this asembelly today really ...
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Kathy
Rick,
I am a Dropout Prevention Counselor at a high school. I attended the Question Why Youth Summit in Raleigh, NC this past Feb. and heard your talk. During your presentation, you showed a list of the 4,000 chemicals in tobacco. Where can I find that ...
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Kody
Dear Rick,
I am an 8th student from North White. When you came to our school and shared your story i was very touched. I do not have a problem with smoking but many of the kids at our school did. After you shared your story many of my fellow classmates ...
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hannah
Rick i am so glad that you came to Fountain Central. I don't know about losing a wife that way but i do know that you are a good guy and you and Marie did not deserve that. i understand that you loved her and always will but she is in a better place and w...
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Safyre
Rick when you came to our school to teach us the consequences of smoking and how it tragically changed your life, i have to admit i was not ready for that speach. I thought when teachers spoke of an assembly that there was just going to be a speaker of wo...
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Diana
Today is my first day not smoking, I am using the nicotine patch. I talked to my sister and I told her I am trying to quit again for the 20th or so time and she told me that Rick had just came to her school and she told me the story he told and it helped...
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Diana
I just read your journal, and maybe your story is too much for the younger ones, but I must say a lot of kids start smoking when they are nine or ten. My brother did. Maybe you could even prevent them from smoking. They may not realize the harmful effe...
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Meghan
Dear Rick, I am a kid that goes to Covington Indiana Middle School. When you played the song that reminded you of your wife Marie, I cryed. I know what your going through, my Dad died when I was 7 or 8 yrs. old. I am terribly sorry about your wife. The so...
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Safyre
he lead an impact on my school and on me 2. I want to thank him to his face for the warnings and may god bless him and help him on his way to stop the selling of tobacco in the states!...
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Sara
Rick, you came to my school today, and I just wanted you to know that your story and what you went throught really touched me. Both of my parents smoke and my sister and I have been trying to get them to quit for years. I told them everything you shared w...
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Tyler
You inspired me so much.I just wanna say thank you for coming to my school.I think you inspired everyone at our school...
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tabatha
rick has really changed my mind about ever smoking again when he gave that speech to LRMS i cried and alot of people around me did the same and not only cause marie died but all he others as well its really heartbreaking and tragic R.I.P marie...
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savanna
Rick, your story has really touched me in a way. my mother has done a lot, but the only thing she does now is smoking cigarettes. I never thought that just smoking cigarettes would make someone die. Well not as young as 46. I am so sorry for your wife and...
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Andre
Rick I want to thank you for coming to our school...Even though I don't smoke I know people that do and you made me want to inspire them to quit. Marie was a very beautiful and I'm sure she enjoyed her time together with you. Stay strong and continue to d...
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Amanda
Rick Hi .What you said today on5-3-07 at CHS really touched me I am really going to talk to my friends and family that smoke because I now really understand why it is so bad I mean I evev sat there and said if my little brother started I would nearly kill...
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Michael
rick has changed the way i have looked at tabacco. Rick came to CHS and talk to the students. I belive rick is the most powerfull speaker i have ever listened to. I just wanted to let Rick know that he has reached one person for shure through calumet. I w...
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Kelly
I was one of the students in the crowd today at Calumet on 5/3/07 and I was hanging on to every word you said. I'm amazed at how much courage and strength you have to carry you on everytime you tell your story. I commend you for everything you're doing. I...
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Chris
Hey rick you spoke at CHS todat And i think your the greatest inspirational speaker there could Be. Not only was your story true. It attracted the students i was thankfully part of your first group as i heard ome of the others weren't so nice In the other...
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Kelsey
I must admit that I was very taken by you. At a time I started to cry, it made me think. My friend next to me has been smoking for the last year. I quit about a month ago, and I'm only 14. I lost both of my parents when I was 11, and when you talked a...
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Ashley
Hi Rick, Today 5-3-07 you came to CHS to speak. You have changed the way I look at cigeretts now. You are a brave and great man for what you had did today and now I look up to you. I got home and told my parents to quit and said some things you had said t...
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riley
he tells you the truth it is probabley the best way the truth can be told...
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Christy
His presentation was very touching and I think there are so many kids out there that he has got to so that they will not smoke. I know I won't. I'm glad he came to my school....
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Genna
Hey Rick, you finally got to speak at our school Jefferson IC. I was really glad that I finally got to meet you. I'm glad that everybody was very respectful during your program. I think that it's awesome that you can stand up in front of millions of pe...
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sonja
Omg mr.stoddard
The story you told was amazing i dont think i would have the streghth to do what you do.....Yes what you said today was true you are a lucky man to have spent that time with her.....You are a good man and i look up to you.......
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amber
Hi rick. I kind of know what you are going through with losing someone that you love from that kind of stuff. I lost my grandma, grandpa, great grandma, and great grandpa from it and my mom does it. There are times that i tell my mom she needs to quit or ...
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AMORA
RICK, when you came to calumet high school you made a difference in my life. You were there telling us how tobacco has killed over trillions of people.Now i would just love to thank you so much for coming there and telling us whats in the cigarettes. I ha...
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Brittany
Hello Rick I am very proud to say that you have mad a very positive influence on my life. I was very grateful to have you speak to my high school . I attend Calumet High School in Gary, Indiana. You are a very strong person and may god bless you and your ...
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Aaron
Rick, I just wanted to say thank you for your time at my high school. I was sitting in the crowd listening to everything you said.Thanks to you i was able to quit chewing. I saw that jaw on the screen and it scared me. My brother is a U.S. Marine. He had ...
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Kelly
Rick, you were at Calumet High School today 5/3/07 and you did leave a huge impact on me. I was very sorry to hear about your wife and I realized I did not want to die! I want to live a healthly life. I threw my cigarettes out as soon as I left the audito...
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Alexis
Hi Rick Stoddard. Today, 5/2/07, you came to my school. I am an Emmons Eagle in Mishawaka, IN. What you said today really made me care more. About five minutes ago I was talking to my mom about her smoking and how mich i wanted her to quit. I showed her y...
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Haley
Well, I have been house sitting for my neighbors and they have accidentally left ciggarets out. I was very close to stealing one and smoking it. I had it in my hand and everything! Well, after listing to him, I have more self control and I will never s...
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Alyssa
Hey. You more than likely don't know who I am. You went to Brown Intermediate a couple of days ago. You sat by me in the bleachers. I was sitting right behind you. I almost cried when you told your story. I've tried to tell my parents to stop smoking, but...
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Brittany
Rick, im sure you dont remember me but i have met you a few times. You spoke at my school Whitko High School in Indiana a couple of years ago and i also met you this past summer at ITI. I was in your group to pick up cigarett butts. I believe in what y...
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JH
hello rick stoddard, today 5-31-07 you came 2 speak to our school at south bend IN (brown intermediate center) i am a 1st class boy scout based out of a troop in south bend. recently, i was working in a merit badge book, and i was asked to do something on...
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brandon
hey rick im from seeger jr-sr high school thanks for coming and shareing your story. youve changed my thoughts and the way i think about cigarettes and tabacco. thanks ...
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Maranda
Rick you have helped my life alot. i really liked you coming to Seeger high and talking to all the 7th and 8th grades it was great im sorry that happened to you....
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Harley
Rick, you have changed the way I thought about smoking. I really want to thank you for coming to Jasper Middle School. You have also changed the way other people think about smoking....
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Ashton
I liked when you came and talked at my school. and that was at seeger. my dad smoks,and i would love to try to get him to stop . I have tryed everything. and i just hope soon he will see whats happening in the world today. hope you can talk to my little b...
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Rick, You have had the best talk about your wife Marie. I am sure that you miss her dearly and love her to death! When I was in that audience I sat there and thought how hard it was for you just like it was for me..You have a big heart talking about your ...
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Joann
I am writing this note in support of our Principal, Mr. Auker, of KVMS. I have worked under Mr. Auker for 4 yrs., and before that, two other Principals at KVMS. I can say, without eqivocation, that Mr. Auker is by far, the Principal who has shown the mo...
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Kristen
Rick,
Your presentation at Fountain Central high school on April 26 was amazing. I am an eighth grader. I loved it. I would really like to hear you speak again sometime. Luckily my mom and dad don't smoke, but my aunt does. When I see her, I am going t...
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Chelsea
Rick... Your message was amazing , and it left and impact on me. During your message I saw people cry that have been my friends forever, and I have never seen them cry before. There was so much meaning in it. It helped to show me what smoking does to your...
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Christina
hey mr.stoddard. i will say that what you told me and my peers at my school really made me think about my grandpa that died of lung cancer. i was only 4 or 5. but i still remember him very much. and i am very sorry for your wife marie. when i got home i t...
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Leeana
Hey Rick,
You came to Fountain Central on Thursday.Your story was amazing and i'm sorry for your loss.I have lost a family member because of cancer and it's hard to deal with.Your story scared me and made me think and i decided i'm never going to smoke.(...
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Chelsea
He was an amazing speaker and he was good at getting through to students about not smoking and how bad it is for you. ...
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Travis
Rick...your story was sensational and our whole school loved it. Im from North White Middle School. Your story had my friend, who never cares about anything, almost in tears. I know of some other people who were so touched by your story, that they cried. ...
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Lauren
thank you for coming to attica jr/sr highschool i was very effcted by your speach. I know me and my freinds were touched. Two of my friends stoped using tobacco after your program. One stopped chewing and the other stopped smoking. Being an 8th grader i a...
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Morgan
Hi Rick, you spoke to Seeger Jr. high this week...i really appreciated you coming in...i know of at least three people who were crying...i do not have somebody who has died of smoking yet, but am very close to my grandma, and she smokes and is not doing v...
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chelsea
RIck i go to Attica high school and i loved u comin there today and tlkin to us. i am in 7th grade and there are alot of people in my grade that smoke. i hope u will change their minds about it so they can stop. im really sorry about your loss your story ...
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Taylor
Hey Rick,
thanks again for comin to our school i left the gym crying. that was a great show. and im sorry that, that happened to u so im really sorry. and again thanks a bunch....
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Sarah
Thank you sooo much for coming to our school and telling us about your story! I really, from the bottom of my heart, really enjoyed it! My dad smokes and I told him that if he wanted to be here for me when I get older he should stop, but he doesn't listen...
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Jeremy
Dear Rick-I am an 8th grader at Covington Middle school, and I would like to thank you for all of the things that you have taught me and my fellow classmates to know. In your speech you said a quote that hit me very hard, and I hope to use it alot to insp...
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kate
Hi Mr. Stoddard,
You came to our school on Friday of this week. I was unable to attend because I was in the hospital with low oxygen. My grandfather smokes and I was overly exposed to that and it made me ill. I was there for 3 nights on oxygen, doing br...
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Landon
Dear Rick
On Wednesday you came to our school. You convo was very emotional. I enjoyed. You told the truth and notin but the truth. You made alot of the kids here Realize how bad tobacco is. I hope that some day it is outload in our country. I agree with...
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Ashley
Hello Rick, Thank you for coming to seeger high school. I think that everyone that you talked to got your message. I know that Back when you came and talked to our school I made the choice not to ever smoke. That is why i signed up for TATU! I cried both ...
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Christina
Mr. Stoddard, I read an article in the Vermilion County Commercial News about your program. I want to say you are an amazing person to use your life experience as well as your wife's story. I wish you the best in your journey to ban smoking. I hope every...
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ric you have tought me alot i will never start smoking cigerretts or tobbaco or smokeless tobaco i was one of the students at springs valley high school.i am glad you came and talked to us thank you alot....
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Ashley
I feel really sorry about what happen to your wife and I appreciate you coming to our school and tell us about smoking. ...
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Harley and Dustin
We are from Attica Jr-Sr High School And you helped show us what smoking can do and how it affects many people.I am really sorry about your wife.
Thanks Alot...
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Alexxys
Hey Rick,
I have to say...I LOVE YOU. I am a member of VOICE and you did a presentation at Brownsburg West Middle School. (Although I am from East Middle school) You have really made a difference in my life. I love the stickers you showed us that peopl...
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K
I was at the Brownsburg West Middle school presentation that u did. now im not a person who cries but when i was listening to your story...i bawled. im never gonna smoke, in honor of marie....
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Jessy
Hey Rick!!! I was at the presentation you did today at Brownsburg West Middle School, I am from East. Your presentation really effected me because my grandma died from a smoking related disease and I never got to really know her because I was just six! I ...
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Kaylan
Hey Rick I am from Brownsburg east and you just spoke to us today and it really meant a lot to me i was one of the ones in the voice club i know you didn't mean to make people cry but i did as soon as i heard your story i started balling my grandma smoked...
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Brownsburg Student
Rick, I am from BWMS middle school and I would like to thank you for coming to our school! It was a pleasure to have you and I hope that you keep going to schools and teaching other students!!!! Thanks Alot!!!
~and i'll never smoke after I've seen your p...
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Fountain Central 5th grader 5B
Dear Rick,
Im from Fountain Central you came on Thursday 26.Im from 5th grade and all you talk about was sad but i try not to cry even my teacher was crying.Also me and my class (5B) are wrting a letter to you and saying thank you for coming and leting ...
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Stu
Smoking is cool and if you dont smoke your a loser. only cool people smoke and i smoke and im cool and and my dad smokes and hes cool and jim morrison smoked and he was cool and hank williams smoked and he was cool so im gonna smoke.!!!!!!!!!...
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Dalton
Hello Rick. I was at the Southeast Fountain presentation you did. Now I may not have been ballin like the girls (yes they were crying) but your story really struck home for me. My mom and dad are smokers. They will not quit.
My dad won't try, and, frankl...
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?
Miranda, I feel so sorry for your great grandfather and grandfather. I will pray for you. Try to stop your brother and girlfriend, and aunt and uncle. Tell them about Rick's program. It will make them stop too!!!!!!
Prayers with you!!!!!! BY...
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Miranda
Dear Rick, Hello! I'm so sorry about your wife. Hearing u today at Covington Middle School really helped me. My brother and his girlfriend, and my aunt and uncle smoke. They smoke alot. Today, i was almost in tears because ur speech was almost connected t...
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Logan
He helped me understand how people could from this. My grandparents died from this. Now I will tell myself do not smoke do not chew do not do anything that will kill you....
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Robert
Rick you have affected me tremendously! what ever I do I will never smoke thanks to you.I can never get my mom and dad to stop smoking! But thanks to you I will never!!I am so sorry that Mr Auker. kicked you out like that!But just so you know all of us ki...
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Jody
Rick,
I am a health teacher and I have spoken to my students about smoking, advertisements, and the serious affects it can cause. They understood the concept but, it was just something their teacher has to say and who takes a textbook serious at a young...
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GINA
I WOULD JUST LIKE TO THANK YOU AGAIN FOR EVERY THING YOU DID FOR MY FRIENDS YOU ARE THE REASON WHY THEY QUIT SMOKING I BET WHEN YOU CAME HERE AND TOLD YOUR STORIE ABOUT YOU AND YOUR WIFE THEN AT LEAST 47% OF THE SCHOOL DOES NOT SMOKE ANY MORE WELL THANK Y...
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Amanda
I thought your speech was helpful to a lot of teens. It really did make me cry! I hope my sister stops smoking....
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Madelyn
Dear Mr. Rick Stoddard,
hello, I'm Madelyn and I'm a seventh grader at Covington Middle School in Covington, IN. I just wanted to say that your story really affected not only me, but our whole school. I cried when I heard about your wife and I am go...
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Ashley
Rick, you came to our school today, covington middle school, and you have inspired me greatly. your presentation was the best thing i have ever spent my time on. thank you so much! It meant a lot to CMS. you changed a lot of people. thanks again !!...
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Haley
thank u rick for coming to my school im in 5th grade from fountain central thank u for every thing.hpe marie is better and ill keep her in my hart for ever. and thank you so much ....
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vicki
Rick,
Wow, the second time was just a great as the first time and the story gets me every time. Hello, im with the TATU group from Fountain Central and i thought u did an excellent job today, I dont know to many people that could get up and do that ju...
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audrey
i loved it and im so so so sorry for you i feel so sad i almost cried today and u inspired me thank u and i will never pick a ciggerate!!!!...
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stephanie
Hi Rick! I'm sorry about your wife did she have over 20 tumers or just 20 tumers.How many schools have you been to?...
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stephanie
Hi rick do you like to go to other schools and being a anti smoker and anti tobacco.Well i hope you can came back to Southeast Fountian Elementry School.Im in 5th grade and i have one gueston could you come over to my house i live at
*************
*****...
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Carli
Hey Rick! Im from Covington Indiana and you just left our school today. i have no idea how you stay so strong to talk about your wife around to different students but i believe that you make a difference, i know you made a difference in me. I know how it ...
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wednesday
i just wanted to say you talked to my school today, and you really left a great note for kids a CMS. We all really appreciated what you had to say, and it effected all of my classmates, i think we all shed a tear at one time or another. i dont know quite ...
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Tiffany
I am wondering if you can come to 3DMis.Krouts class to teach us about non-smoking....
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Heather
Hello Rick. you just visited my school on Thursday 4/26/07. The speech you gave ,my school touched a lot of people that I know. One of my friends mom has lung cancer and what you said scared her badly. She was in tears after it. Two of my others friend...
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Rick i go to KVMS and i just wanted to say that you are a really good speaker. You inspired me to ask my parents to quit, and thanks to you their going to quit on my dad's birthday in a WEEK! thank you so much rick....
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Traci
Hi i an traci and i saw u at KVMS i am in 7th and i just wanted to tell u that you did so good and i herd about wat happend with Mr. Auker and i am sorrry but i am fortunate that i got to see the whole entire speac and it was great and ur story did touch ...
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Emily
Rick,
you have inspiried me in so many ways. Actually, your story has inspired EVERYBODY that i know of at my school today at Northridge Middle school. Everybody there appreciates what you have said and tought us. I want to let you know, that God is wi...
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Kayla
Dear Rick this is Kayla you came to my school today 4-25-07. My school is Granville Wells Elementary I think your story is really sad i dont know how you do it without her. If anything like that happened to me i would be devistated. Well thanks for coming...
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Taylor
Hey Rick. You just came to my school Northridge Middle School today. Right now is 4/25/07 at 7:10 p.m. I kind of know how you feel because everyone that died in my family was from lung cancer. In 2001, my grandma died and she has 6 kids living so there wa...
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sam
thank you rick for coming to my school and talking to us i hope marie is in a better place and happy thanks again....
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samantha
he has affected me in many ways like his story really got me thinking about smoking i will never smoke !...
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Jordyn
Hey i go to KVMS! your story was really powerful and it made me realize how many people die each day for being stupid! thank you so much for coming to our school...
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Meghan
You affcted me in life becuase my uncle he has so many things wrong with him and one of the many is lung cancer from smoking and he said that if he is sick becuase of smoking and he knows he is going to die because of it then why quit. And i can remeber w...
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Joseph
My name is Joseph and I go to KVMS I was touched by your story and think that you should keep doing what your doing so other people can know the danger of smoking. THANK YOU FOR COMING TO OUR SCHOOL!!!!!!!!! ...
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Kelly
I'm from KVMS, I'm the one in front who had the flip flops and you tried to step on my feet. Sorry about what happened that day I really wished you could have finished because it really touched me. I went home and told my mom about it and she was impress...
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kaitlyn
I'm from KVMSs and i am so angry about Mr. Aucker's interuption i mean your the only one who we really listened to. you where teaching us something that we care about and listened to. everone here wanted you to stay and keep talking we could of came back...
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Jordan and Catli
hey Rick!!
you came to our school, Kankakee Valley, and we thought you were awesome!! we think that you touched alot of lives, and we are sorry that your presentation got cut short.. we wanted to hear the rest really bad!! Good luck with other schools, ...
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John
Hi im from KVMS and im realy sorry for wat happened you should come back so we can hear the rest...
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mikey
he mad m e fell sad i hope you keep going to school and talking about what happened to you
I hope you keep trying to conveince kids not to smoke....
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kristina
you makes me fell vary sad. And I want you to keep talking to kids and trying to help them understand that smoking is vary harmful to ther body. thak you for helping us understand........
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Gina
hello again my name is gina and you can to my school henderson county high school and you touched a lot a teens like some of the teens here that were smoking they dont any more because of you and i would like to thank you for helping teens stop smoking yo...
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Becca
Hi! I also am one of the Pioneerz at KVHS. I aven't gotton to a computer since so here it is. I see in your journal you said not to balme Mr. Auker and to forgive him. I'm trying!! Your talk was very powerful. It just reminded me of my dad--he has emphyse...
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Kalyssa
Thank you for coming to Jasper HIgh School and talking to our student body. You really are inspirational! My mom used to smoke and nothing I ever said could get her to quit. Finally a few years ago she went to the hospital for a blood clot in her right...
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Katie
Hi, this is katie from Jasper HIgh School, in IN. I wanted to thank you for your speech. It touched a lot of people at our school. Smoking and tobacco are a problem at our school and in surrounding schools. I think you opened a lot of kids eyes about ...
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PJ
Rick,
Just a couple days ago you came into KV and touched so many people and Im an included in that!!! I just want to thank you for doing this and showing the world you wonderful wife and her life!! We were truly Blessed to have you at our school thanks...
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Troy
Yo Rick what is up u just came to my skool NORRRRRTHRIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIDGE middle skool indiana that show waz pretty intense yea that was a hugenormous word like cronozeisockopoliosis bla bla bla or ur word urita or something that waz funny well g2g m...
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Dalyn
Hey Rick how are you? You just camr to my school Northridge Middle School in indiana that was sad. Do You have a Myspace if u do find me just search up my name u no wat is well dont read troys lol so later stone cold ...
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rachel
Hey Rick,
I am a 7th grader from Northridge Middle School. I really loved your program. It really touched many of us in different ways. I have had an uncle and g-pa die from drinking and smoking. I think that it is really cool that you want to come ...
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Preston
It was very emotional and sad it made me almost cry i am from northridge middle school and you are my hero and you inspire me and you will be in my heart for ever and ever and your story and i feel touched by your love and care. thank u....
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Shelby
He has affected me a very lot! My Uncle died from Lung Cancer.I really miss him a lot.We need to stop the tabacco companies from selling it to us! Maybe one day this will stop! I hope that day will come soon! I am sorry about your wife. I really am. You...
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Kailyn
Hey Rick,
You had really inspired me.....my great uncle had died of lung cancer...i loved him a lot...i think you inspire kids all over the world..you are nice and funny...i hope you have a great life..srry about your wife....
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You say that you're "not a speaker"? You are a TREMENDOUS speaker. You are also a class act and a great role model! Thank you for all that you do for others....
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Corie
Hi,
I am one of the students in Pioneerz at KVHS. I would just like to say thank-you for coming to our school and staying to talk to the 7th graders. It meant so much to us. I am so sorry for what happened. We were not expecting him to disrespect you lik...
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Shannon
Hey! What you said to us and the story you told meant a lot to me and my friends. Some of them have been smoking and they said they are definitely gonna stop. My grandma died from smoking and i dont want that to happen to my friends, and it seems like you...
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Traci
i just want to thank you for coming to my school ypu were very great and i am sorry for mr. auker he is rude :( i just want to say that i will never do drugs ever and i am so sorry for your wife my family and i are praying for her
wb traci...
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Brian
Mr. Stoddard, thank you so much for coming to North White Middle/High School and sharing your and your wife's story with our students. Because I teach a mixture of MS and HS classes, I didn't get to hear all of your presentation at the same time, but what...
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Robin
Rick-Thanks for coming to my school, Kankakee Valley Middle School. I think that your story is great. I also would like to apologize for my principal, Mr. Auker. It was rude of him to interupt you like that. Good Luck to you and your story. I hope it touc...
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Felicia
Rick i thank you so much for coming to Kankakee Valley Middle School...you are an amazing guy and your story got to a lot of us students even me...i will always remember your speech! you did an awesome job keep it up!! Thanks again....
...
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joel
hey rick this is joel from north white middle school,and i think your a cool guy. you kind of do look like stone cold steve austin. well thats all i have to say and i think your a brave guy going around the world telling your wifes story. and im sorry for...
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Lexis
I just saw you at KVMS and I'd like to apologize for Mr. Auker. That was very rude of him. Today he apologized, saying that he didn't know that the program was 60 min. Which I don't believe! Thank you very much for taking your time and coming to our schoo...
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Bob
Thank you, Mr. Stoddard, for coming to our school, Kankakee Valley. I was the one you had come up and try to pronounce that word, maybe you remember me. I just wanted to say that your speech was great. Every kid I talked to were all dissapointed that y...
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Milica ((from KVMS))
thanx sooooo much for coming to our school. i sincerely apologize about our principal. he is a very mean adult. i was touched by your story. i will NEVER, EVER smoke. thanx soooo much again....
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Kyle
Hello Rick thanks for comming to PCMS hearing your story has inspred me to help my mom and dad quit smoking bu the thing that I know I can help my dad quit is becase he has done it once and my mom I'm trying for the first time and it is becase I want her ...
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Coltin
Rick, Thanks so much for coming to KVMS and talking to us about smoking and cancer. I want to personally appoligize for Mr. Auker. He is an embarrasment to our school. I hope you would consider coming back sometime so those of us who did not get to hea...
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Hillery
Rick, i go to north white middle school, u just visited us today and i wanted to say thank you so much for visiting us and telling that heartbreaking story about your wife, adn how much it affected you and your family. I thoguht that it was very sad on ho...
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Dee
Rick, thankyou for sharing your life with us. Marie is your guardian angle now. She is very proud of you. We were very fortunate to have you at KV.
When I was about 10 years old I wrote a letter to my father, from the heart, to stop smoking. I am in m...
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Mackenzie
Hey, You inspire me . Before I saw your presentation I wasn't going to smoke but you made me think that even more. Your story made me almost cry. If something like that happens to me I think I would die of saddness. You made me and my friends cry but that...
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Jordan
Hey Rick,
I'm a student a North White High School in Monon, Indiana. I just wanted to let you know you have touched me and alot of my friends. The story that you had told us today shows us how strong of a person you are, and i personaly thank you for com...
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Miranda from KV
Rick, what could I ever possibly say that would thank you enough for what you have done for me and my school, the Kankakee Valley High School and the KV Middle School, also. You were disrespected in such a way that I was embarrassed and felt humiliated th...
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Natalie and Kristin
Hey Mr. Stoddard! We are from Kankakee Valley Middle School. Thank you for coming to our school yesterday! We appreciated you coming..sorry you didnt get to finish we wanted to hear the rest..but i was just commenting to tell you that alot of kids were up...
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Kaity
Rick, you were fabuolous, your program was amazing. The Principal had no right to do that. i mean cutting you off like that. my grandmother is a smoker and she refuses to quit she sayes that if she does she will get fat and what is a couple of pounds. You...
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KVMS Orchestra
All nine of us were very touched by your program yesterday. Today, Mr. Aucker tried to justify what he did by saying that he didn't know what time it ended. We find this statement untrue, and we're very offended by what he did. We all greatly apolgize for...
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Lil Zie and Lil T.
Hey Rick,
Lil T and Lil Zie here. We just wanted to let you know that it was really rude of our principal to interrupt you while you were talking about something that actually matters. Unlike him. He doesn't try to teach us anything at all! He just ...
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John
I'm from KVMS and my principle was being a @ss
i cant stand what he did you were the only person that talked against smoking that was convincing you are really making a difference...
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Jordan and Carli
hey Rick! you were at our school, KVMS. and we think that you touched many lives at our school. thank you so much, and sorry about what happened in the middle of your speech because we wanted to hear so much more! good luck in the future!! bye...
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Kathy
It's good to turn your anger towards a good cause, we then call it passion. It was meant for bad (your loss), but you are turning it into something good (talking to teens). Thank you for your passion, it is the best way to impact others. Only when you ...
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Nick
KVMS rick.....rick......rick.... i hate mr. auker hes a meeenie head. he shouldnta done that .. it was a meanie head thing to do. i wanted to stay so bad... but i didnt know what to do... i was gunna talk to you but i thought youd get mad at me
LOVE YOU ...
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Allison
Rick you have hopefully changed the kids in my school about smoking. I have been through your pain my grandma died of emphysema because of smoking so in the future i will help and support you with trying to get people not to smoke.
Allison long at gr...
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tressa..
omg. you did an awsome job. i go to KV. and i have never seen some one so.. ( i am not even going to say it. lol.) but my aunt died the same way. but she got secoiond hand smoke.. and she was only 42. i started crying. ut i feel the same way you did. and ...
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Kelly
RICK YOU ARE AWESOME!!! you came to my school today at Kankakee Valley!!, i think that was really rude of my principle to cut u off like that! im one of the students that stayed after to listen for more! but my principle told me to go to lunch! soo ya.......
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Chelsey
Rick, I just wanted to let you know you did an excellente job at Bloomfield High School [Indiana]. You really did make me think about smoking and it's causes. I am constantly around smokers and it bothers me - mainly because i am allergic to smoke and it ...
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Sarah
Hi-
Rick was just at our school today... KVMS and i gotta say when everyone walked out that door.. to our last hour classes.. they where all crying. Rick you enlighten everyones minds and imaginations... never ever to smoke. and that life is short. we ...
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Kevin
Hey you affected me a lot i am never going to smoke and I have never planned on it. I think you have you have a lot of courage speaking about this situation and everything. You are a great speaker and I would recomend you to any school. YOU ROCK RICK!...
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Deb
Rick,
Thank you so much for your exceptional presentation at KV today. You know and I know that there were speaking to some young smokers today. When I went back to class this afternoon several of my students said they would not smoke any more. See th...
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Candace
I learned alot from him. Like how many people die each day. My mom smokes and I hope she is not going to be one of the people who die each day. I haven't seen her in 2 years. I want to learn about second hand smoking, but our principal was being mean and ...
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Rebecca
Thank you For coming to Kankakee Valley High School and talking to us today. Your program was amazing. I think i even heard my friend crying behind me. I know that i am never going to smoke. I know people who do and i seriously get mad at them and ask why...
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Diane
Today Rick gave our eighth graders an outstanding presentation about the effects of smoking and lung cancer. I have not seen our student body so quietly intent on listening to anybody like they were to hear Rick! As a teacher in the school, I was also glu...
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hi rick. im mariah from jasper high school. you were amazing last week when you were here. it was actually perfect timing because i was trying to prove a point to a good friend of mine who i was trying to get to quit smoking because my dad died from lung ...
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Adrienne
I was part of the ROOS group that saw you not only at Jasper Middle School, but also at ITI Camp. The second time was just as touching. ...
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Angela
He touched a spot in my heart that finally opened up, I never really thought about smoking much recently but after he talked at Eastern Greene Jr/Sr. High, I finally opened up and said, "Look, look what this tobacco industry has done to this world." I wan...
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Cassie
Thank you soo much for coming to the Jasper Middle School! You have Really shown me what can happen. Just wanted to thank you....
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Jasper High School Student
Thanks for coming and talking yesterday. I think you touched a lot of people. I saw some girls sitting next to me get a little teary-eyed when you where talking about your wife. So thanks again Rick. Hope you come back sometime. By the way what song where...
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Kayla
Rick, Thank you for coming to speak at Orleans last week. You really opend my eyes to alot of things. I really respect you and what you do. You seem like an amazing person. I hope to see you again someday, thank you again. Kayla ...
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jhs student
thank you for coming to speak. that night i was asked to smoke and the first thing i thought of was you, and your story. i thought about that stats, the mesh metal mask. and i thought that is no way i would want to spend my last days on earth. so i refuse...
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miranda from jasper middle school
oh my gosh...! I feel so aware of smoking and tobacco now that you came to our school! I personally lost someone to tobacco and I miss them sooo much! Having you come made me realize that tobacco is sooo bad!! Thanks sooo much for coming!!...
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taylor
hi rick,
i just lost my grandpa today and i miss him a bunch. your story really was like how he died too. i really liked your story yesterday. it really went into my heart. so thanks a bunch for coming. good luck...
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Kari
hi mr. stoddard! i'm a junior at jasper high school and i really wanted to thank you for coming to talk to my school yesterday. although i have made the decision to never smoke a few years ago, it still helps to be reminded as to why. but your story didn'...
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Samantha at Clark Middle School
Thank for coming to my school i think a no how you feel about five years ago i lost my soon to be step dad to lung caners the doctors give him about four months to live he live about a years the caners when from his lungs to he's brain and i miss him very...
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Bryor
Rick u are awsome! I'm a 6th grader at Jasper Middle School. Both my parents smoke and they no how many chemicals are in them and they really don't care and said that it is hard 2 quit at their age and I told them 2 atleast try 2 quit because of me , my o...
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kate and sami from Jasper Middle School
OH MY GOSH!!! We totally loved your program because me and my friend both know alot of people who smoke and it was touching to listen to your story. We're really sorry about ur wife... it had to be hard. THANK YOU SOOO MUCH!!...
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Hey!! you came to Jasper Middle School and I thought you were really good. Everybody really loved you and I think you touched a lot of people. Thank you!...
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Hi Rick! how are you? you visited paoli high school just the other day and your program moved me. my grandma's sister has died from lung cancer and my grandma, grandpa, and my dad smokes. its really bad. my brother has gotten asthma from it. my mom think...
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Liberty
Hi Rick, I'm a 6th grader at Jasper Middle School. Thank you so much for that wonderful speech. I walked out of the gym crying. My mom recently had a heart attack because of cigerettes. She has quit and I am so glad she did. I'm glad you came to our schoo...
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Samantha
Yesterday you came to Springs Valley High School to talk to our Middle School. I just wanted to appolize for falling asleep during your program. I was laying there listening & just went to sleep. This week has been pretty hectic. Softball, Track, & Track ...
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Christina
Hi Rick! My grandma just died 2 years ago from lung cancer. what you said at our school was really inspiring. i just wanted to let you know that i know how you feel...in a way. but thanks so much for coming to our school(springs valley jr high) when you s...
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Brianne
Hey Rick! You reciently attended White River Valley Jr./Sr. High. I wanted to write you and let you know that your story truely inspired me! I was currently trying to stop smoking and you helped me alot, I no longer smoke and am now trying to get my boyfr...
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Kaitlyn
hey rick i really liked your show today i cried im really glad u came to jasper middle school today well keep up!! see ya...
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AWSOME SPEECH!!
i am a 7th grader at Jasper MIddle School, and i think u had a major impact on our intire school, many people couln't keep a dry eye through the program, it was a great eye-opening experience, and truly moving, i along with my friends will never smoke thn...
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Peggy
Hi Rick! Well, both of my parents are heavy smokers and my dad is a heavy drinker. Seeing how it affected their lives made me never want to pick up a cigarette or beer bottle. I really appreciate you coming to my school, Orleans,IN. We have speakers all t...
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Paoli Jr Sr highschool
hey rick, u remember going to Paoli School. I have seen a thousand programs telling the same thing, don't smoke, smoking is bad, but i never thought anything of it untill you visited my school. You definately had a great impact on my life. ...
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Danielle
Hey..Rick..i am so glad that you came to our school..i think it was yesterday..White River Valley..i enjoyed..listening to you talk..and you have changed my mind about everything..my mom used to smoke so much..and i hated it..and then she got sick..and wh...
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Morgan
Hello Rick.
You came to my school, Eastern Greene Jr/Hs in Indiana to talk to use about your wife Marie and her smoking habits. In the beginning of your presentation you said that you thought that it would never happen to you or your family. Well
I t...
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Justice
Rick you came to our sxhool (Eastern Greene) and i thought you were very inspiring.I told my mom about some of the things that you told us and i also told my dad.Im gonna tell them the Dr. Phill and hope that works....
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Ashley
hey rick..This is Ashley..from Paoli Jr. Sr. high school..(the best school in IN!! We rock..hehe) im a member of voice..maybe you remember me or not..but i just wanted to write to you and tell you how much your story inspired me to talk to my step-father...
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Tarah
Hey Rick. You came to our school on Tuesday. I have to say, you left on a good note. Everyone really enjoyed it. Some were even in tears. I still can't pronounce the words on that list, or even understand what they are. But I do know one thing. They all e...
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Megan
hey you have affected me alot...cause i know some people that do chew and smoke and i want to help them do as much as possible to stop. you have made me know that smoking it not just something you do it can kill you and your friends. and i just wanted t...
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Brittney
Rick You have changed my life You came to North Central High School. Your story was great i loved hearing your story an i talked to my parents about smoking and my dad and mom are quitting so Thanks for everything you have done love always Brittney ...
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Adara
Rick,
I think it is great that you are sharing this story to the next generation! Your speach was an eye opener! It was great! Many people have come to our school and talked to us about drugs and alchohol but you were different...you cought people's atte...
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Deborah
Dear Rick, I just returned to my classroom at Paoli Jr. Sr. High school after seeing your presentation. I commend your courage and determination in your fight to eleminate tobacco from our society. I only pray that your efforts will not be in vain but wil...
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Jeffrey
He made me where I will not do drugs or smoke and I am feel so sorry for you.
From Paoli Indiana...
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stephen
Rick, I think you are a good person and I think that you standing uot against the tobaco company is good. I don't think I have ever seen so much encouragement in a person being used to fight tobacco companies.I am with you 100%. I am very sorry to hear ab...
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Kelsea
Rick........ thank you for everyyhing for coming to Paoli Jr Sr high school you have prolly really convinced others that smoking is NOT good at all i have a story of my on that i would like to tell you my dad he lives in louisville and he is really bad on...
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curtis
Thanks alot Rick, you were very inspiring today. I am Curtis from Springs Valley Middle School in French Lick, Indiana. My grandpa smokes but he doesn't smoke constantly but he is 60 years old and I want him to live as long as possible without suffering. ...
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katelyn
hey!
Rick it is katelyn you came to my school today Orleans JR high and you have inspired me in alot of ways and i just wanted to say that you were great and i wanted to thank you ...
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stefany
rick,u have affected me a lot cuz my mom and stepdad smoke and u make me think that i dont want my parents dieing from smoking.especially my mom cuz she is one of the most important person in my life and i dont want to lose someone that special.she has be...
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stephanie
hey Rick. i go to springs valley middle school. i'm an 8th grader. i have huge plans for the future and i would love for all my parents to see me fulfill them. well i have my mom, dad, step mom, and step dad. which they all smoke. i hate it and they all h...
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storri
rick really touched me.my friend in 6th grade told me this website and said i will cry my eyes out.after i heard rick's story i thought about how he said right before she died,he saw a heart in the water and it was meant to be there for him.he was lucky,t...
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Kasey
Rick... You've affected me by making my beliefs stronger. You convinced me clearer and sharper than anyone to stop others from smoking and not to smoke myself. My mom used to smoke, and yesterday I found out that she still does. I wanted to scream at her ...
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Sean and Luke
Hello Rick. This Is Sean And Luke, and you came to Eastern Greene High School today, and we thought you were very inspiring, and convenced us to never smoke and informed us on all the bad things tobacco can do to one another. I am, as well as many other o...
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Jacie
when you came to my school today, i could not stop crying. your story made me think back when my aunt died of lung cancer. she was a constant smoker. i remember seeing her at family get togethers with a breathing tube and other medical appliances. we were...
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Kasey
Hey!! You came to my school today, 4/18/07,Eastern Greene,and you inspired me so much and just made me want to work harder in life.I have family members who smoke and I have been doing everything to try to get them to stop.Personally I hate smoking...ther...
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Siophan
~*~Hey rick~*~ You came to my school today and I think you are so inspirational! I have a grandmother with lung cancer from a life time of smoking. She's in her second stage of lung cancer and started her cemo therapy 2-3 weeks ago. I'm really worried abo...
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Brian
You were very insirational when you came to North Central Jr/Sr Highscool in Farmersburg, IN....
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Courtney
You touched me today, So you can keep track its April 18,2007 and you went to WRV! I love that you actually care about all of us!My mom smokes and my dad chews and they won't quit I tryed to tell them what you told me and they just walked away like I was ...
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Elizabeth
Rick, I was really touched by your story. You came to our school and talked about what you had been through. I realized that it is hard for such a sad story to be told over and over again, but i was glad you told our school your story thank you so much fo...
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Chelsey
Today Rick came to my school (bloomfield) and he told his very sad story about his wife. The way that he affected me was by every thing that he said because my parents and sister smokes and ive tried to stop them but it didnt work but then i told them abo...
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Meagan
Today Rick came to my high school Bloomfield Jr/Sr high and his story has touched my friends and I temendously. The rest of the day we were talking bout how sad it was and how we all were amazed at how much perserverence you have! We are happy you took th...
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Courtney
About 2 to 3 weeks ago, Rick Stoddard came to my school I.S.278 Marine Park.Hi story is very sad and it hurt and touched me really bad. I feel that Marie his wife should have stopped smoking when she was told to but still all of the smoking companies sho...
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Ellen
Rick, you really touched me today with your story. My dad smokes and i really hate it, i have tried to get him to quit but he won't. i might have to take your advice with the guilt trip!!! thank you so much for coming to my school!!!!! ...
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joshua
rick you came to our school on 4-17. i am a student at clark middle school. your speech has influenced me to request my parents to quit smoking. I also have smoked before and may now have heart problems due to it. i first started under peer pressure and i...
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Darrleen
Hey Rick when u came to my school Tantasqua Reg. Jr.high i was in the second row up. I was very sad during the presentation about marie. I gave u and her my ears to listen. In the end i learmed about what smoking can do to your love ones. I cried when u t...
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Courtney
~*~Rick~*~
Hi, you spoke at my school today. I REALLY enjoyed listening to you..You are a great speaker! You are a really tuff man for talking about your wife infront of people. You really got to me today... I think you got threw to alot of kids today...
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Lindsey
rick-
today you came to my school, and you really touched alot of people.and when you played the song at the end that really got alot of people. you are one really tough man. that really inspires me that you did that.my dad smokes and the first thing i d...
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Tayla
Rick affected me by inspiring my friends and I to put together a voice program. He also has inspired me to work up the courage to talk to my aunt about her smoking. When he was talking about Marie it reminded me of a lot of my family members that have die...
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Cammy
Hi Rick,today you came to Clark Middle School (4-17), you really inspired me to start trying get people to stop smoking.I was the one who told you that my mom was a cancer nurse ,by the way my mom says she apprecaited what you said.I thought you were gr...
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Anissa
Rick came to my school, Clark Middle School, on April 17, 2007 and he gave his speech about his wife and it really hit close to home. My dad quit smoking this past year but he still chews tobacco. I have tried to get him to stop but it wasn't working. Tha...
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Haleigh
Hello RICK Im from Clark Middle School today {4-17} when you gave that speak I know what you have been throw because my mom smokes and then we had a baby but she knew not to smoke while she was pregnat that was good.But when she had her she began smoking ...
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Elizabeth
Umm i no it is kinda different but my mother was killed 2 years ago and when you came talking about losing your wife it juss made me know that i am not the only one who has lost sumone close to me and that everyone has a hard time she smoked but everytime...
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Tanya
rick u came to my school 4-17-07 at clark middle school. you have effected my life alot. but one person i wish u could effect, is my cousions he is 16 and has started smoking and chewing. he coufs like crazy. He goes to South Knox High School in Wheatvill...
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chris
~*Hi Rick!! You mad a total impact on my life today and i really appriciate that you love us enough to have to relive Maria's death day after day after day. But you know that she had a better plan for her and a better bed for her. You have ALOT of courage...
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Carlei
Rick you really opened my eye, infact when I got home I went right to this webpage and showed my sister (who happens to smoke) the clips that you showed us. We both started crying my sister is still smoking but I can say that I tryed to stop her. I think ...
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Maddy
Rick,
You spoke at Clark Middle School today. At first, i thought this was going to be another boring convication but when you started to tell about you wife, I thought about how hard your life must be. You go around telling kids that smoking is wrong an...
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jada
he effected me because my grand- father also died because of smoking....
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jada
thanks rick you effected me in many ways and im sure you effected other people 2. my grand-father also died because of smoking . i just wanted 2 say thanks 4 visiting princeton community middle school. and every time i see a smoking add in a news paper or...
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Zack
He came to Princeton Community Middle School and got to me because my grandma smokes. She started when she was very young; she's fifty-nine and she still smokes. Also, he told us about how they get to the really young kids. I have a two year old brother.....
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Kris
Hello Rick. I go to Clark Middle School, thank you for coming to my school! You actually got to my friend who smokes... I think he might actually stop! Thank you so much!!! I really appreciate it alot more then you will ever know*-...
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anomynous
Rick when i heard that there was going to be a convacation i thought oh thats great there always so boring. If everyone that came was as good as you it would be a better place.You helped so many people today. I have a parent that smokes and im so worried ...
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Mary
Hello, Rick,
You spoke to us at Clark Middle School today in Vincennes, Indiana (4/17). Thank you for being so courageous in sharing your story. The students have been talking about you, and one of the girls (Tanya) came to 1st period Science class wi...
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Bree
Today, Rick came to my school, North Central High School, and taught us 7th and 8th graders about life. I have never liked smokers. I have never smoked in my whole life, but if I was to even think about it, you totally changed my ways, and many more peopl...
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lynn
Rick i really liked when you came to my school.I told my mom about this website because she smokes at least 1 and a half packs a day.I go to I.S.2 and im in 8th grade.My mom been smoking since she was 14 and she is actually 46 right now .She dosnt know wh...
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Lynn
I feel awful about what happened to your wife and i even started to tear.I really appreciate you coming to my school.Im scared because my mom has cancr and she isnt getting better sometimes she even smokes more....
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zack
thanks for coming to princeton community middle school. you really made a difference by telling your emotional story about your wife.
thanks for coming to pcms....
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ME
today you have affected my life. No one in my family smokes, but i do know people outside of my family who do smoke. so now i will try to get them to stop.
Thanks for your time, and your story...
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Brittany
Dear Rick,
You visited my school today (PCMS) and I was very inspired by your story. It is very tradgic, and I know how you feel. This year I lost 3 of my Grand-Parents in 6 months. It was so hard. I know to this day I will never smoke, my Grandmot...
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Ashlynn
You visited my school--North Posey Jr. High--and I really enjoyed it. I knew I wasn't going to smoke before you came, but your message really strengthened my ground. My so-called "tough" friends were touched also; they told me so.
Thank you so much....
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Lori
thanks to you rick u opened my eyes to what all smoking can do. you were at my school today Princeton Community and u had me criing. I came staight home and talked to both parents who smoke. I think they might consider stopping. your story was so sad yet ...
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Kristen
Hi Rick I want to thank you for coming to our school. (Princeton Community Middle School)You probably have touched many peoples hearts and I know that you have touched mine. My best friend lives right next door to me and both of her parents smoke and I am...
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Carolyn R. Cochren, Principal at Princeton Communi
Rick,
Thanks so much for your message. You said you were not a speaker...you are the best I have heard on this topic. You certainly had our middle school kids' ears. Again, Thanks!
...
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Claudia
Thanks for coming to our school in Princeton IN. My mom died of emphysema two years ago. It was a slow death. She had smoked since she was 21. Years before she died her teeth fell out one by one---the smoke had irrated her gums--she got gum disease and fi...
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jordan
rick thank you for coming to twin lakes high school and i am sorry what happen to your wife and that is hard to lose some one you love what got was that you said that somking goes in your water and i will not smoke are do drugs. the song you play that hit...
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THANKS FOR COMING TO GRAFTON MIDDLE SCHOOL!
The story u told was touching and sad and i went through the same thing with my grandma who died because of smoking i miss her everyday and wish she could be with me but i know it wont happen.My mom has now fou...
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Christina
You came to my school about 4 months ago Grafton High School.I havent had time to come to your website but now I looked at the videos and your journal entries. You came to my sisters school Grafton Middle School a couple days ago and she really really enj...
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Brianna
When you came to my school (Grafton Middle School), you really inspired me to follow in your foot steps. Choosing not to smoke and you taught me what the effects of ciggarets are. and both my parents smoke, and trust me i hate it... i just wanted to say t...
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Amanda
yes it is me again, but Im very inspired by your story and I keep writing you over and over again thats because your an inspiring person and im always going to remember you and your wife marie when someone asks me to have a ciggerate Im going to say no I ...
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Amanda
This has affected me ina lot of ways. I really appreciated you coming to Grafton Middle School and hopefully teaching our school never start smoking or they will end up like your wife. I'm truely sorry about your wife whenever I hear that story I start t...
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Ashley
I just wanted to say that after you talked at my school (Grafton Middle) you effected me and my friends, and we seriously thought about your life story. Thank you very much. I appreciate wat u do, and never stop. Every day you help more people than you kn...
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Allyce
Thank you, Rick, so much for going to Grafton Middle School! I can't thank you enough. You made a big impact on my friends, and half of them cried! Thank you, for opening kids eyes ant GMS....
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Alexa
I thought that it was really nice of you to come to Tantasqua Reg. Jr. High School. It was so sad with what happened to you. I felt the same way. My grandma died from lung cancer. And I was right there with her when it happened it was so sad. ...
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Rick today i saw your presentation and i was really moved by it. I will take action against the tobacco companys and fight back removing them from the face of the planet. ...
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McKenzie
Dear Rick,
I thank you so much for coming to Grafton Middle School today (April 12,2007)! I am sorry for your loss although it is great to see you making a difference in kids lives. I know that you have made a differnce in a lot of peoples lives. I know ...
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Anonymous
Rick has affected me by telling my school about how his wife died from lung cancer caused by smoking. I am encouraged to definitely help in the anti-smoking and anti-tobacco cause. I'm going to give it my all to stop smoking all over the country for good!...
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bob
Rick, I am a teacher at Grafton Middle School. I wanted to thank you for a very powerful and emotional presentation. Please continue to do what you do. Continue to share your story with as many people as possible. Thank you for sharing very intimate and p...
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cas
today i saw rick at my school and that was an awesome yet sad presentation...i hate smokers...its dumb..they shoudl quit...
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samantha
hi rick im so sorry for the loss of ur wife. thankyou for coming the tantasqua jr high and presentating ur life with her it means alot to me for someone like you to be honest about what happened. i got my mom and dad to stop smoking thanks to you. again ...
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Amanda
I now know the truth about ciggerates and how they can kill you. I'm very sorry of what happend to your wife. I was inspired by your story you came to my school Grafton Middle School. I had a great time learning the truth about ciggerates and what they ca...
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Tracey
On behalf of grafton middle school i would liek to thank you u have impacted my friends my self and my little sister on ur speech today and i just wanted ot thank you for telling your story to my school... it has effected us all deeply and it was all we c...
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Kasey
thanks rick,
Thank you for coming to Grafton Middle School on April 12, 2007. I reallly enjoyed listening to your heart-breaking story.
thanks ever so much,
Kasey...
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anonymous
dear rick
i am a student at grafton middle school. thanks for coming to grafton middle school. i am very sorry about your wife she sounded like a great person.i think your presentation moved alot of kids. some people did not take it seriously but i did. ...
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Debbie
Keep up all the great work. A friend of mine at work had me look up your website and I am very glad I did. My mom died of Cancer in 1978 and we are still trying to fight for Anti-Smoking.The next time I see you come in I will go over and say hello. Take C...
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alex
Thank you so much rick for coming to our school u changed the dissensions of many in our school.
and I'm very sorry for your loss. I just want u to know saying all of this made so much of a difference to so many people .... thank you Rick ...
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Joseph
Rick, I have lost my aunt and my grandmother is not to far. I was at your presentation today 4/12/07 at grafton middle school. you left me speechless. I am 13 years old and i dont cry often, but i cried today for my aunt, for my grandmother, for you, and ...
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emily
i just wanted to thank you so much for coming to Grafton today. no speaker has ever made this much of an impact on me. it was so hard to watch all of it, with out getting teary-eyed. im so sorry about your loss. i hope she knows how much you are doing for...
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Maryanne
I wanted to say I am sorry that you have lost you wife to cancer and I want to say thank you very much for what you are doing for our children. You spoke at my sons school (Tantasqua Jr High) yesterday and you had quite an impact on him! Normally I can'...
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Judy
Hi Rick, my name is Judy, you came to my school April 11, 2007. Your story really touched my heart. My grandpa William died when my mom was 21 because of cancer caused by cancer. I never knew him, I never met him. My mom started smoking when she was 14, s...
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Victoria
Thank you so much for comming to our school! I hope you now how much it meant for me to know that there is someone out there who is trying to make a difference! I myself have lost family members to cancer caused by smokeing. I'll tell you my story..... Wh...
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Darrian
Thank you Rick for coming to our school. Here is my story.
My Grandma Kuemper
I had the greatest grandma in the world. She had the funniest sense of humor and she always cared about everyone. I loved my grandma Kuemper. Everyone in my family smokes, (ex...
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warren
dear rick i sortofnowhowyou feel. wheni was 5 my grandfather past away because of lung cancer. now i can help my mom and tell her what i learned today so maybe i can prevent what happened to my grand father that might happen to my mom. ...
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Georgia
Rick,
your speech at my daughter's school really effected me to. I quit smoking and I even quit
drinking. Thanks you and god bless you.
,Georgia...
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Ms. B
I am a teacher at Dell Rapids Middle School. I read your email about the poor news coverage you received, and did a little investigating. You may want to check ksfy.com under the bios tab. Our other local news station's call letters are kelo and kdlt....
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Britney
Dear Rick,
My name is Britney Connelly. You came to South Dearborn High School in Aurora Indiana, on October 26, 2006, where I'm a Freshman. I would like to thank you for coming to speak to the students at my high school. Out of all of the students ...
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Nicole
you really gave some good points in your schpeel. it gave us some new insites that really brought out the truth about tobacco and the industry. last year, our school went out to pick up trash on earth day. i was really bored and there weren't any of my fr...
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Britney
Dear Rick,
My name is Britney Connelly. I'm a Freshman at South Dearborn High School. You came to my high school on October 26, 2006 to talk to us. I wanted to lket you know, I've given myself a lot of time to think over what you said in your speech...
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Brittany
Rick i would just like to say first of all that you have effected me in a whole new way i mean at first i just knew that smoking was bad for you and i wanted to help people quit because my 2 grandparents had lung cancer and died just a while ago and i was...
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Maygen
When you came to the dell rapids high school and we found out that we were going to have an assembly about smoking the first thought thta came to my head was "oh great another lecture that we have all heard again and again" but when i saw you for the firs...
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alyssa
rick came to my school and made me really think about my future like wat dicisons will i make how will i handle them what group of people will i hang out with and when he talked about his wife now i know not to start because i do not want to go through s...
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Lisa
I want to thank you for visiting my daughter's school, I have two teenage girls. They both came home obviously impacted by your presentation. I think because you related to them on a very personal level. I think they will remember your words for a very...
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zachary
Rick came to my school and i thought it was going to be another lecture about not to smoke and dont start but when i sat there and listened to Rick i thought WOW i cant believe this happened to him and SO MANY OTHERS OUT THERE!!...
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Gretchen
I saw your commercial on TV and that gave me the one extra thing I needed to quit it hit me like a ton of bricks! I smoked for 30 years and am glad to be free ...
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Ashley
The simplest words i can say to you is, "Thank You." Because of you my best friend's mom is trying to stop smoking,and is doing pretty good.My friend is so glad that you came to our school and so am I.I know now that my friend will live healthier because ...
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Dillon
Rick,
I would like to thank you for comming to Dell Rapids, South Dakota on April 4th. Although I have never smoked I think you really spoke to me and taught me quite a bit. I really feel that our generation CAN be the ones to shut down big tobacco com...
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Whitney
Hey Rick, I just wanted to let you know that I was truely touched by your speech you gave to the Dell Rapids High School today April 4th. It really made me think twice about all of the people around me and the ones I truely love. I cannot imagin losing s...
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Malinda
I just wanted to let you know that i was touched by what you had to say and that between you and my grandma dieing in 2005 that i will not smoke because its bad for you and I don't want to chance my family havening to watch me like i did with my grandma....
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ToniAnn
Dear Rick,
You came to my school about a week ago (Edward R. Murrow) and I must you that I truly respect you and what you are doing. To go around the country telling your story while you still mourn for your wife. I don't know if you recall but I w...
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Cassidy
Rick, I am so gals you came to my school at Dell Rapids Middle School. Your story really helped me think about smoking and how bad it can be. My moms mom died from lung cancer and smoking, I never got to see her, but I her she is a wonderful lady. I a...
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Kaitlin
Rick thanks for talking to us you made me remember my grandpa I never got to meet. He died on Aug. 7th i was born a year and a day latter. The reason i am telling you this i because he died from lung cancer.
Also before you came i just helped my dad q...
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Kate BHBL
Hey Rick- just wanted to let you know, that one of my friend's husband quit smoking, and I want to thank you for giving us the strength of telling the real news about cigs. Thanks again for coming to our school and giving us advice......
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Garret
Hey rick you came to my school a while back at tippy vally middle school. I just wanted to tell you you made a difference in a lot of people in our school. i am also really sorry about your wife. Hang in there Garret...
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Genny
about a week or 2 ago, u came to my school (union county middle school) and really made me think about some of my family members that smoke!! about seven years ago,my mom married my step-dad and almost everyone in his family smokes!! well, the whole seven...
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Sonni
Hi Rick, I am writing you to tell you thank you for coming to Daviess County High School and talking to us. I really enjoyed it. I am not gonna lie i smoke but since you came and talked to us i am trying to quit. Thank you so much and i am sorry for what ...
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taylor
You did a great job in owensboro, KY a couple weeks ago. My Grandma, Aunt, and uncle all smoke. It drives me crazy when they smoke around me. I try to get them to quit, but it doesnt seem to help. Although they are trying to quit. After this website I sho...
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Ilona
Dear Rick, Today (Thursday, March 29, 2007) you came to my school Edward R. Murrow High School in Brooklyn, New York. Your presentation was very touching and it has changed a lot of people's lives. I am sorry for the loss of your wife but as they all say ...
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Charley
i thought that your story was really sad and i am sorry for your loss. i hope you convince kids to not smoke. everyone in my family smokes and they will not quit. my mom bought pills for smoking and never used them charley from westview jr/sr high school...
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Binnie
Dear Rick,
I want to thank you for a wonderful presentation that you gave us today at Edward R. Murrow H.S. You had every student listening and engaged in your presentation, I personally thank you for that. I hope now our school can get "Our Project You...
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Alexis
Hello Rick, Today you came to my school, John Dewey High School. Your story was very touching. I am sorry to hear about your wife. But like you had said at my school, At least she died in peace and did not suffer a painful death. I had waited till everyon...
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Courtney
Today,you came to my school, Marine Park, and I was totally affected by the speech you gave to us. You made me actually hear and understand all of the things that could go wrong when you have a little smoke. when you have a little smoke you are taking a ...
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Dear Rick,
Today (Thursday, March 29, 2007) you came to my school Edward R. Murrow High School in Brooklyn, New York. Your presentation was very touching and it has changed a lot of people's lives. I am sorry for the loss of your wife but as they all sa...
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Nikki
You went to our school a while ago...I am sorry for your loss and it is very strong of you to be able to tell your story...Thank you....Nikki G...Mayfield highschool...
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Rebecca
you came to the Youth Summit in Raleigh last month. When you spoke, it was really good. It was very inspirational. You a very good speaker. I have never had someone close to me die of tobacco-related illness, but I can relate to how you and others feel...
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Rob
Rick you came to my school on Monday...I'll tell you i NEVER EVER EVER planned to smoke EVER!! but just because of you that sealed the deal! thanks for all your help and opinons and especially your advice. Thanks again, Rob...
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Rebecca
Dear Rick,
You came to our school today (IS2) and told us your family's story. I know a person in my school that smokes. I truly wish he was there today. He's a smart person and if he doesn't quit smoking, he won't get very far in life.
I know that my g...
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Ozan
Dear Rick,
On Tuesday, March 27,2007, you came to my school and told us about your wife, Marie's story. I have lost both my grandfathers, and I'm afraid my parents are going to die if they don't stop smoking too. I totally understand you, and I hope ...
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Amanda
Dear Rick, When you caame to my school (IS2) you really changed the way i feel about the tobacco industry. Icant even imagine how you and your family felt going through such a terrible loss of what seemed like such a wonderful woman. I want to thank you f...
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Katrina
Dear Rick,
im sorry that your wife died that young. Also i would like to thank you for coming to Westview School. Your story really did touch me. And i think you were right about her dying so young. But i wish you the best life that you can still have. ...
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Hunter
Rick when you came to Angola, Indiana and you told us your story about Marie, I started to cry. My Mother and Step Father smoke, when my brother and i told them your story they said that they would try to stop. Well it has been about 3 or4 months maybe an...
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Maria
Dear Rick, I want to thank you for coming to Elkhart central high school. Your story really touched my heart. I used to smoke and it effected many people around me and i didnt even kno it. It was hard for me to stop and it still is, I started smoking when...
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I lost both my parents 2 yrs ago from cancer b/c they smoked. I also ask my self the same question you ask yourself. WHY? why would they do this to themselves and especially to me. I know it sounds selfish but i'm only 15. I live w/ my aunt now and she al...
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brandon
Rick, you came to my school(union county middle school) in ky. I loved your story! it is so sad that your wife died so young. my mom smokes but she says she cant quit. I told her all about your wife and your story. She thought it was awfull. She has cut d...
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kirsten
i want to thank you for coming to my school cause now i know what to tell my parents every time they go to smoke that no matter how many people die they always take a non-smoker with them......and like u said if you would die for your kids then y don't yo...
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I wanted to say thank you so much for coming and speaking to all of us at Elkhart Central High School the other day.It helped some students and I was just thankful for your time.I hope you succeed in making a difference in other people's life! You also ma...
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Tabitha
I just want to say thank you and congatulation! You have effected me and so many others at our school. I have never heard or had such a magneficiant speaker. You have changed my life forever. I have never smoked before but both my mom and brother do. My b...
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Laura
You spoke to our students at Jimtown High School in Elkhart, Indiana. I was the teacher that you had come up front. You effected many of the students that I work with. I lost my mother while I was 8 months pregnant. I was so devasated. She was 53 yea...
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Tristin
Hey Rick, I was jus wanting to let you know I respect what you're doing...and it made me realize how much tobacco can affect you, and I dont want to die at an early age...so I've decided to try to quit smoking and live as long as I can... Thank you....
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Aja
It made me feel sorry for all those who smoke, and made me never want to do it. ...
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Tesla
I just wanted to write to tell you thanks for coming to visit McLean County High School in Kentucky. It was a pleasure for you to come and talk to the youth here. Your speech touched alot of hearts and hopefully changed them. You are doing a great thing b...
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sierra
rick you did a great job, well i have a dad that is smolking and he has had so many srocks and heartatteacks i try to tell him to stop but he just would not. well i just thank god every day for keeping my dad a live.
Thank you again, rick....
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Paul
I really want to thank you for coming to our school at Mcclean County High School. I was in Mrs. Martins class. I think you touched some smokers out of our freshmen class and because of your presentation they might quit smoking....
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Jessica
I really enjoyed your presentaion. I have lost a grandmother to emphezema caused by a lifetime of smoking. I am so sorry about your wife, but I feel she is watching over you smiling because of the good work your doing. THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!...
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saraht.
after rick's speech and everything...i now have the courage to talk to my dad and my aunt about how bad smoking is for you. my aunt has been smoking since she was a teen. she is now 38 years old. her health is terrible and plus she now has m.s. she has to...
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Chelsea
Today you came to my school and i had no idea who you were at first but then, when you showed us the commercials it hit me and i remembered! your story meant the world to me!! i know that i dont know exactly how you feel, but my brother once a had a serio...
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Daniel
Your story has touched my heart and I wrote this email In Memory of Marie Your presentation has changed my every thoughts about smoking may God Bless Your Soul....
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Ashlee (KMS)
rick, you touched my life. both my parents smoked...but after the day i came home crying and talked with them about what you told us..they stopped.smoking is horrible, it leads to losing out loves one over something as pointless and dumb as smoking cigs.i...
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Kiley
Alot Because My Granfather Died with a brain tumer because of smoking and i miss him alot . rick help me figure out that smoking is not the issues....
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ashley
well lets just say after i left his talk some of my friends asked if i wanted a cig. and the answer i told them was no!! my chest felt clogged and rick is not a speaker so thats what i like about him, he takes time to go to three schools a day five days a...
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Rendi
Rick my grandfather had died whenever i was eight years old of cancer and I was very close to him and I miss him a whole lot so i know what you are going though so I hope that everything in your life goes good. I will pray for you. Just thank you for comi...
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Rendi
Thank you for coming to Henderson County High School and telling us about your wife and how she died. I already know that I definely that I do not want ot smoke cigrattes. Thank you again. God bless you and your whole entire family. I really enjoyed your ...
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morgan
rick my dad has smoked for a long time. im am sorry you and your wife had to go thourght all of thoughts things. i no you probly dont want to hear me talki about marie so lets change the subject. my sister has just started smoking and she is 20 so i am re...
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Holly
You recently visited our school, and all I can say is 'Wow'. You're presentation meant so much to me, I also have lost several loved ones due to the wretched use of tobacco. To know that you care so much about today's youth, that you are willing to give u...
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Jenna
Hey Rick, well you just recently visited my school and you proubly saw me... maybe... i was crying but i think alot of girls were. your story touched me and i need help. my mother and father both smoke and i hate it. ive told them over and over again that...
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Comanche (DCMS)
You recently came to my school. My mom smokes and my dad chews tobacco. I tried to talk to my mom but she came up with excuses. Your visit affected me in so many ways. Your sayings have made me despise smoking more than ever. I'm thinking about joining th...
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Samantha
Heraing his story made me want to put a stop to smoking, so me and my friends are making a power point to show the 7th grade what smoking could do to you....
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Gina
I am so sorry about your wife and i hope you get it threw teens heads what cigarrett smoke can do to them i hate ciggarretts because i lost my grandma she had cancer and she would not give up smooking she was my favoite person in the world and she was my ...
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will
hello on 3/20/07 you came to my school daviess county middle school and gave a presentation you did a very good job a few people even cried on of my friends even promised to never use dip again you touched many peoples lives i feel very bad for your wif...
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Devon
i havent really had any experiences with anyone close to me dieing of cancer. but i couldnt imagine going through something like that. I have never smoked,dipped or any other form of that and i never plan to. But just listening to every thing that you had...
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Sarah
i didnt know that the clamped there heads down on the table. And i didnt know about all that stuff in just one cig.. He really has taught me alot. And i think your doing a great thing going around to different schools telling about this deadly thing. Than...
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Matt
You have affected me by teaching me to not smoke ciggerettes. I have lost two uncles and almost lost my dad to smoking. i am a siner, im sorry, i have smoked before as well. i know it is bad but i had all that second hand smoke for all those years and i k...
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David
...You speak for the dead....and the dying. My uncle died two years ago...lung cancer from smoking, but he quit over twenty years ago. Hes been married to my aunt since they were both 18, and she knew that him smoking would eventually hurt him in the lo...
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cody
hey rick, you have persuaded me to never pick up ciggetes or dip thanks for comming to our school it was really cool i did not know that there was so many things in cigerttes. im really sorry about your wife i had sombody die in my family because of it to...
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Jacob
Hey rick I am jacob from hancock county high school the story you told really made me think about my parents. I just sat down and to myself about how if my parents died what and how my life would change and how iwould feel through out it. I know it had to...
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Haley
You have affected Me!! I go to Daviess County Middle School and you told your story about your wife. The day after that I talked to my mom about smoking and she considered it..
Thanks alot I think you may have helped me save my moms life!!! You have help...
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sheldon
i know what you have gone through...my gram gram had cancer and she got it out of her body system. she is a 7 year cancer surviver. but she still smokes the nasty things. well i hope you get this message sheldon ...
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rick,
Today, when you told your life changing story at my school, SouthMiddle; it really made me think about alot of things.
When i was only in the second grade, i started smoking, inhaleing and everything. i was told by a friend that "you only c...
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Cole (DCHS Student)
He has told me so much and I now feel it as my duty to stop teens and adults from smoking, and smokers to quit. Thank you for coming to my school and for not being a speaker, you are great. GOD BLESS....
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Alex
Your speech was the deepest i've ever heard before. Out of all of the assemblies i've been to about tobacco and smoking, that one hit me the most. My mom smokes, she quiet years ago but she's smoking again...she says it calms her and releaves stress. Than...
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Salena
Hey Rick
You spoke at our school today, and I am glad you did! You were unlike the other speakers we have had in the past. Your story came from your heart and I knew you really want to stop the smoking industry in America. I would also like to help! I wo...
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KAYLA
he came to my school today and spoke of Marie's story. i just wanted him to know that it had a great impact on me. ive been around cigarette smoke all my life. my dad smokes, and so do many of my grandparents. some of them are trying to quit and his speac...
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Becca (H.C.H.S.)
when you came to my school on 3/20/07, I was very impressed. when I was only 7 my grandfather died of cancer. I was very close to him and may not know exactly what you are going throug, but I know it's hard. I pray for you and your family as you spread th...
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miranda
i loved your message you sent to the kids at our school i am in 8th grade and like you someone died in my family died at an early age. my grandpa died when he was 33 do to smoking, so i have never seen him i really hope my dad stays alive i don't know wha...
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Alicia
Yesterday, Rick came to my school, Hancock County High School, and presented his story to our pupils. I really appreciate the way he takes so much time out of his life to try to change the world! Just about everyone ion my family smokes: My mom, her boy...
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Shayla
Rick, you came to my school (Hancock County High School) yesterday, and your story really affected a lot of people. I'm in middle school and we came over to listen, after we left it seemed everyone had a lot of good things to say about you and i really be...
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He has told me all of the bad consequences that you can have all over just that one thing!
...
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Amy (Owensboro Medical Health System, Health Park)
When I saw the flyer announcing your presentation tonight, something inside of me prompted me to come. I am SO glad I did! I quit smoking about 8 months ago and I wanted to reinforce my efforts by coming to the speech. I AM SO HAPPY I NO LONGER SMOKE A...
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Renee'
My daughter told me that she has heard Rick speak on two occassions. Then I was onto her about being on the computer & realized she was on this site reading Rick's journal. Ashley & Elizabeth (my daughters) lost their Pappy 1 yr ago November 4th from lu...
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willie
i have been brought into the light i am going to speek to my mom about how smaoking will affect her. our youth group will be praying for you...
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Zach
Alot of people in my family have died from cancer which the cancer was caused by smoking. I know that I can make a diffrence and that we NEED to do something. That I can do something. I also know that I will never pick up anything causes cancer!! THANKS R...
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Emmalee
Rick has affected me sooo much. He taught me not to ever try to smoke. He affected me in an emotional way. I cried. He is one of the coolest, funniest, most affecting person I have ever met.
...
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Shelby
Today, 3/20/07, you came to my school, Hancock County Kentucky Highschool, althoguh i am still in the Middle School. Your story abotu your wife really touched me, more than any other of my peers. SEVERAL of my family members smoke, and my step father does...
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Kent
He has given me advice to make my uncle stop smoking. Henderson County High School!!!!!!!!!! Please email me the additives at ************@hotmail.com My mom says its ok for you to email these because she wants to know she is going to tell everyone she kn...
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Ka'Ron -Henderson County High School
Rick affected me because when he came to my school and talked to the freshmen and the sophmores,he told us about his wife and the dangerous cancer that killed her. And people in my family smoke and sometimes i want to talk to them but i know that they wou...
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Laci
Rick I was really effected by your assembly 2day. Thanks for coming to DCMS!!! I have been trying to get allot of my family members to stop smoking. Now I have more ammo to stick to them. I want you to know I appreciate what you doing for all of us (kids)...
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Sarah
Hi Rick! Thank you so much for coming to Hancock County. Your message really touchrd a lot of people, including me. I pray that your life story will affect millions more. God Bless!!!...
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brittany
hey! You really affected us today when you spoke at Owensboro Catholic High. Your story is really powerful and to be able to talk about it with over 600,000 kids is truly amazing...I really hope that everyone else that have heard you speak have had the sa...
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Carly - - Owensboro Catholic High School
Hi Rick. I just wanted to say thank you so much for coming to visit our school and take time away from your family to talk to us about smoking and the affects it can have. You said you aren't a speaker, but truly, you are. You have a wonderful story and I...
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Avery
Whenever you came to daviess county middle i thought it was just going to be another one of those boring assemblys where someone tells us not to smoke and tells us all about things we already know, but it wasn't. You were GREAT. your message really got to...
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olivia
Rick you have affected me in alot of ways but as soon as i went home today i sat down like you said and talked to my mom about what all you have taight me today so thank you so much for coming to visit our school(dcms) today!!...
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Alexis
I really enjoyed you coming to Hancock County today. Your story was very emotional. I'm very sorry to hear about your wife. I know you said you're not a speaker, but you are. Thank You for coming. -Alexis...
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bekah-boo
Hi rick!!!! i am so glade you came to ucms ( union county middle school) you are A GOOD good man i want you to know that i have lost some one to i lost her when i was five it was my grandma i loved her and steel do but i just want you to know you an your...
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Rebekah
Rick when you came to my school you changed me i have been trying to get every one in my family to stop smoking and every thing. you are a VERY good man. i want you to know i pray for you and Marie. you made me really think that day i never in my life smo...
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Hannah Owensboro Catholic High!
When you came to speak you minchin how its hard n you missed youor family sometimes and you don't always no weather or not you make a difference! well i just wanted to let you kno that you were very powerful speaker when you came to catholic you were the ...
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Ashlie
Rick- I am a student at Hancock Co. High School. You're story was truly inspirational. I am sorry to hear of your loss, but because of what you said one of my closest friends is going to go home and throw her cigarettes and lighters away. Thank you so mu...
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Tasha
Rick I just wanted to take time and thank you for taking the time to come to Hancock County and share your story with us. I know that it cant be easy to speak about your loss, but I feel that it will make a difference in many peoples lives. Both of my par...
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Jesse
I would like to thank you for coming and talking to us about the trauma you have endured in your life. Usually you would think that guys aren't supposed to cry, but I am the "emotional" type and your song by Kenny Chesney happened to hit the spot. I app...
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Katelyn
my mom has smoked since she was 15 and my grandpa died if lung cancer when he was 67 from smoking ...
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Katy
You have showed me that even though you say "this won't happen to me or my friends" it might. My mother, father, grandpaw, grandmaw, aunts, and uncles all smoke and now I am going to try my hardest to get them to stop. Just for Marie I am pledging not to ...
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Brittany
When you came to my school for an assembly i thought oh great this is just another boring show to tell us not to smoke. but once i started to hear you speak and learned about your wife it changed me inside. my mom has smoked her whole life and recently i ...
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Gina
I think Rick really made me realize what smook can do to you and that is why i made my boy friend quit smooking i ust to smoke until yesterday when Rick told his story about his wife at my school (Henderson County High School) i would like to thank Rick s...
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Brittney
You have affected me by making me not want to smoke anymore! I really enjoyed you Presentation and it really scared me thanks for coming to our school....
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amanda
rick..hey..how are you? hopefully good. well yesterday you came to my school(henderson county high school) and every since i can remember i have absoutley hated cigiratte smoke!!! i wish there was something that i could actually do to get it through peopl...
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Briana
Thank you for making your website and showing people the real dangers of tobacco. It made me realize just how bad it really is to smoke. I knew the dangers before but now it really hit me how it affects a lot of people....
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Cassi
your story was very touching and i am sorry about your loss and i am glad you are out doing what you are doing keep on keeping on!!...
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John
Rick you affected me because both my mom, and dad smoke. And after hearing your story of how your wife Marie died at 46 it made want to help my mom, and dad stop smoking. And also my mom has cancer. I don't know if she has lung cancer but I know she does ...
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Morgan
Thsnk you for coming to Union County Middle School!!!Rick you have affected me because my older sister keeps smoking. I keep try to tell her thst smoking is bad for your health.I told her about you and she has but a lot of thinking to i and she is stoppin...
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Ashley
When you came to Hemderson county high school and i heard about what the program was for i didnt even wanna go but i did anyway and im glad i did b\c i knew how smoking was bad for you but i understand i whole lot more and im goin to try to get my parents...
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Jessie
Hi Rick! Today(March 19,2007) you came to my school Henderson County High School. Your presentation really made me think about how im just sitting back and not doing anything for my loved ones who smoke. All this time i never thought that i could do ANYTH...
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hey rick im from.. henderson county highschool...
u r a excellent speaker and my mom smokes and you gave me the courage to talk to her about her smoking habbit .
thanks alot rick.....
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Dora
He has convinced me that I should try harder to get my mom to stop smoking. Thank you for comeing to Union Co. Middle School!...
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Jaci
Thinks Rick for coming to UNION COUNTY MIDDLE SCHOOL. You have inspired me because i know what its like to lose somebody from smoking.I lost both of my parents. Somepeople think its funny living with the same people who smoke but it really isnt.I feel tha...
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Courtney
Today is March 19,2007 and you were at my school today Henderson County High School and I want you to know that you are the first speaker that moved me. i think that your story has changed the way that people think and the way that i do, i am sorry for yo...
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Kellee
Hey Rick, I just wanted to thank you so much for taking your time from your family to come and visit with us. I'm from Henderson County High School, you came to visit March 19th, 2007.
My mom has been smoking since her mother died of cancer, and my da...
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melisa
well yuo didnt save my message so i am going to owrite you again.i am so sick of my mom smoking i try so hard i ask i get it trouble and so story made me wasn tto try harder,yuo cam eto kms.yuo left all the kids crying evan me . i h...
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you were at my school today. iv heard so many speakers before. yeah they all got me to thinking a little. but not like you did.
i think its good that you have the courage to do what your doin.
most people that this happens to just sit around and get mor...
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Kayla
He affected me so much. He showed me that all i have to do is talk to my step dad n try to tell him about how hes life will be effected by his smoking n i told my step dad. Guess what? Hes gunna try his best to stop. Im so proud n happy that he is gunna s...
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Today at Henderson County High School you gave an awesome presentation. I would like to apologize for those who started to clap during your song. This was very disrespectful. Other than that your presentation was awesome.
Thanks........
a listener...
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Matt
You had just finished an assembly at Union County In Ky. and I was just wanting to say again thank you for all you are trying to do for our youth. I myself have been a bystander and hope to take a stand to help all those affected by smoking. I was around ...
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Lynn
your story was very touching-brought me to tears..by coming to my skool you have changed some ppl..just about all of my friends smoke and drink.when i tell ppl the dangers of tobacco they dont seem to care..i myself smoke it makes no sense and i regret it...
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leara
hey its leara from p2w-p2l and ur speach made me cry. it was soo touching. the onlly thing that kept me from spilling was that my mascara wasnt water proof (u no). I want to thank you for your inspirational words. we have met a few time during the confe...
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Taylor
He has taught me not to smoke cigarettes or use any tobacco product. My momm smokes and i told her about you but i guess she doesn't like to think about what might happen to her or even if she might die at such a young age thank you for all the informatio...
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Courtney.
Rick; This isn't my first time writing to you. But, I thought you should know, you came to my school about a month ago. and well, im still pretty blown away by your presentation. I just recently lost my older brother to cancer and its just a horrible expe...
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Jennifer
Hi Rick. My name is Jennifer, I'm a freshman in college this year. I found out about you and your story through my mom. You actually spoke at my brother's middle school maybe a month ago in Cohoes, NY. I lost my father two years ago to cancer because ...
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elizabeth
i went home and told my mom about you and she love what you have done to impact kids not to smook i us to smook but now i do not...
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Elizabeth
Dear Rick,
You came to my school, Medina High School. & I am sure that you have affected many kids there including me. In my english class we have to write a poem on something that we think or would call "our hero". & i choose you because i think it...
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Melanie
Dear Rick,
You affecrted me so much. I never thought about about smoking but know i am not ever ever ever gonna smoke anymore. You are a very nice guy and very inspirational. You really touch Kenmore Middles hearts. Thank you so much, come back again!!!...
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tony
hey rick. you came to my school and the teachers said that we were going to go to a meating about smoking and when you said your stuff it just touched me. but when you played that one song that reminded you of marie it made me think of this song i had hea...
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Jennifer
Dear Rick,
Thank you immensely for your piercing presentation at Medina High School. No one in my family smokes, but your presentation has left me with a feeling of sheer gratitude for the good things in my life. Your integrity and honesty are inspirati...
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Eric
hey rick im from medina high and what you had to say made me realize that my choice of not smoking what the right thing to do.
thank you for visiting our school ...
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Amy
you seem like a wonderful guy..
im sorry for what happend.
Thanks for comming to my school
<333 I wish you were my dad!
I promise you i will never smoke and neverrrr have
LOVEEEEamy<3333333333...
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Christina
Dear Rick,
I am from Olean,NY and you came to my school yesterday. I was truly touched by your story and it made me cry. After hearing what happened to your wife, I realized that no one should ever start to smoke. Last year my grandma moved into my ...
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Amy
i feel bad for you =(
ive had my grandpa die of smoking too..he ment alot to me..
im sorry for what you had to go through she seems like a really nice lady
LoveeeeeAmy<333...
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gramma
Rick,just wanted to let you know what a lasting inpression you made on my granddaughter.Your were at Medina High School on 3/6/07.I got a email from Sarah,She told me what a excellent speaker you were on the subject of smoking.As I read her letter,I begin...
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Sarah
Dear Rick;
You came to our school yesterday and you were wonderful. I think that's the first assembly we've ever had that I have payed 100% full attention to. You are very inspiring to everyone and you do such a good job at trying to keep kids away from...
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maria
Rick,
Great presentation in Olean this morning. Ironic that you were here on March 7--the day we buried my dad three years ago as a result of prolong smoking and other heart problems. My prayers are with you and your family....
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nicole
someone i know smokes ..theyve been smoking since they were eleven,ELEVEN! they are now 35 thats 24 years of their life!what a waste huh?!
they have 3 kids... and at any moment that person could be takin away!!
people are so stupid!
...
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Grace
your story touched me i thought it was goin to be another dumb assembly but it wasnt my grandma and grandpa smoke and ive always tried to tell them to stop but they just tell me to go in the other room but not this time i wont ill try and get them 2 quit...
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Brandy, Olean NY ..Olean High School
hey. rick im am really sorry about ur loss.i Know how u feel. i been through it many times. i had a grampa and gramma both diagnoise from Lung cancer and both passed.my grampa died when i was 6 in 1996. My gramma died 4 1/2 yrs ago.. it still hard to beli...
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Holly
hey rick you were just at my school today. and i just wanted to let you know i have smoked since fifth grade.. and now being in tenth its hard to just stop but after today you really put tears in my eyes i just wanted to say thanks.....
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Caylie
Hi Rick, I just wanted to say that i think you are doing a really good thing, and want to thank you for comming and sharring your story. Your wife would be so proud. I think you have a lot of strength to do what you do, i know i wouldn't be able to do it....
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Rebecca
I first have to say that Rick, what you're doing is absolutley amazing. It takes a lot of courage to speak like that in front of many of students. Today you spoke at our school to the high schoolers and your story got me teary eyed. I have been telling my...
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Natalie
Rick, you were at my school today. Olean Middle School. I was the one who said I would laugh the loudest. 3 of my friends and I are going to put posters around our school about not smoking. Thanks so much. Im sorry about Marie. ...
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Marissa
I am so sorry for your loss, you and your family were in a horrible situation. You were at my school today, Olean Middle School, and you really touched me. I am going through the same thing that you went through but it's my aunt. I would really like to he...
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Corinne
Hi, I'm sorry about Marie. It made me want to cry. I'm from olean middle school and the most horrible thing that happened in my life is losing my mom. On January 1, 2006 I woke up and found my mom having a seisure on the kitchen floor.. then I ran and got...
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Caitlin
You came to my school and gave a assembly. I really touched me and my friends. What you said really moved me. I went to bed that night and thought for a long time, thinking about life and how it can slip through your fingers so quickly, sometimes you bare...
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Matt
Rick i loved your presentation and it really got me and i appreciate what you did for us and after the presentation we had a locks of love presentation which was also very heart touching 2 me and i just want you to know that i really appeciat you coming o...
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Rachel
Dear Rick, today you presented your story at my school....Olean High. I decided to stop smoking, and all I wanted to say was THANK YOU!...
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Nancy
Dear Bill, I was in attendace at the assembly at MHS Medina today. I am a teacher aide at the high school. My mom 78 was diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer January 19th '07. She smoked 1pac aday for 36 years and has been smoke free 26yrs. The doctor fe...
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Chris
Thank you so much for coming to letchworth. what i really thought was amazing was when u asked us to raise our hands if we knew a family member who had died from smoking. It really is a huge problem. its great that you are taking the time to talk to all o...
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JB
Thanks for the talk Rick. I am a student at letchworth and I wanted to let you know that because of your speech, I will never smoke. ...
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Brian
Hi Rick, I am a student from Letchworth. I am writing to tell you that I think you are a great person to give your time and story to others to hear and learn from. My prayers go to you and your familly....
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Christina
You rele changed the way i think bout this situtation thx its amazin how few of words you can say and it can chage a lot!!!THXXXXX...
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blake
hi rick i am sory that you had to go throue all that i learnd a loat from you to day...
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melisa
hi you have inspierd me so much and i asked my mom to quit. she said it is to hard
i cryed and i will never smooje after that story...
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Sam
Hi rick,
Rick, i like that you are trying to help america by trying to stop smoking, i second haand smoke because of my parents, and my cousin jake just got in a car accident and he smoked they said if he smoked any longer then what he did he could of ha...
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jordyn
my freind is 13 and she has been smoking for 2 or 3 years now. shes tried to quit but it doesnt work ...
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Briana
well...
i'm 13 and
i don't know,quite sometime.
and i have been smoking for,maybe 3 years.
and i have always thought of quiting and have tryed.
but never thought of the covidence to do so.
one day a friend asked why i didn't
i told him no on e su...
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Kelsey
Dear Rick,
Today you came to my school to tell the story about your wife. Your show was an inpiration. Its awesome that you have the courage and the emotional strenth to do something like that everyday. My grandma smoked when i was little, but o...
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Kelsey
I did'nt relize how many poeple died from smoking, and chewing. Thanks to you I am going to try to get my step mom and my dad to stop smoking, and i will never start! It's a horrable thing to do! and im very sorry about your wife and having to relive it ...
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maria
Rick,
Thank you so much for coming to Letchworth central School....That talk you gave us that makes me think about a lot of things... A lot of people in my family smoke. And I don’t know what I would do with out them...I can’t amidogen how you did It.!?...
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justin
dear rick, you have inspired me so much i just joined reality check and it feels awesome!! i am really sorry about marie. i know now that smoking really does kill. me and my friend are going to write to the tobacco industry ...
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Marcia
Rick,
Thank you so much for speaking to our school today! I really think everyone needs to hear about the concequences of smoking and you did an excellent job! Thank you for speaking out against smoking! I'm sorry that you're wife had to die, but I'm...
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Courtney
Rick; You were at my school this morning. Your speach was very inspiring. You even had me crying a little. I think this is an amazing thing you are doing. And it truely shows how much your wife meant to you. At first i thought it was just going to be some...
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Robert
Rick u were just at my school Lethworth Central School 3/6/07 im in 8th grade im soppose to be in tenth. Iam 15 years old my whole family smokes in cluding me and i hate it i'v ben smokeing for 5 years i am sorry about your wife i truly am. but im gone ta...
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Keri
I am so sorry that ur wife died and i know i can tell u for sure that i will never ever even try to smoke in my whole entire life. I am so glad u came to Letchworth....
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shorty
i have lost my faveret aunt to lung canser so your speach will change my life...
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Rick you have chaged my mine about smoking and I thak you a lot for that....
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Aaron
Dear Rick My name is Aaron Parent. I go to NAC or other words other-wise known as Northern Adirondack Central School. I'm in reaity check we are trying to stop smoking avertisment in the movies and the magazins. we are having a health fair on april 5. tha...
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JP
Dear Rick,
Recently you came to Ken-West High School, and spoke mine and several other health classes. After you left your story stayed with me for the rest of the day and week, your story is still on my mind today. It was easy for me to relate with ...
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Dear Rick,
You came to my school HMS and i wanted to say thank you for your time. I am really sorry to hear about your wife Marie. She must have been a great person. I bet shes really happy you are doing this for all us kids out there. We really apprecia...
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Matt
He has taught me not to ever smoke and i promise this i really never will...
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Josh
Dear Rick, I thought that your presentation at Medina High School today really inspired everyone in the room, no really this is like the first time its been dead silent in that aud during something like this in forever! I think that you did a great job a...
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Barbara
I never want to be around anyone that smokes -= no one in our house is allowed to smoke. I'm truly sorry about Maria and I wish you luck on your future endeavors. God Bless you....
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Hannah
Dear Rick, I went to see you this morning at Batavia Party House on March 5, 2007, and then you even got to come to my school and dazzel your presence with the rest of my schoolmates. Your speech really inspired me. A couple of years ago, my grandpa was h...
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Patti
Rick you visited my daughter's school and she said you were very motivating. I work at at high school and I was wondering if you could give me information about your visits. (cost, schedule, appropriate for high school.)...
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Douglas
Rick, Nearly every time I hear one of your commercials I am brought to tears. I'm a 49 year old man who considers himself very "macho" and showing emotion is not something I do easily.
I lost my pop to cancer nearly 4 years ago now. He was a young man o...
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RON
Rick; My mother would tell me I was a nag because I would complain about her smoking (I don't smoke). I would ask her almost everyday when is she going to stop? She finally stopped smoking...at age 54, March 13th, 1999 at approx. noon. That was the day sh...
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CADY
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR COMMING TO KENMORE MIDDLE. NOW I KNOW THAT I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE THAT HAS LOST SOMEONE REALLY SPEAL TO ME. I KNOW I WILL NEVER SMOKE. ...
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Chris
Hey Rick,
I want to thank you for speaking at Starpoint High. You see, I lost my grandpa because of cigarettes. Your speech was very informational. Plus I thought it was very cool when you said "I kind of look like Stone Cold Steve Austin when I shave my...
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Molly
hello rick my name is molly and you recently just did a show at North tonawanda middle school and your assembley touched my heart. Not only for your wife but for my grandfather. My grandfather just recently passed away in may of '06 from lung cancer. it a...
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Lorraine
Every time I hear you on the radio..or see your commercial on TV...I stop everything and make my kids listen. Then we talk about it...EVERY TIME!
I have five kids...and I talk to them over and over about how addicting and how awful smoking is....I tell t...
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Nicole And Amanda
dear rick your story has truley touched us. We are very sorry to hear about what had happened to your wife. we have learned alot from you... thanks for coming to our school...
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Kat
I WAS REALLY AFFECTED BY HOW YOU TALKED TO US 7TH AND 8TH GRADERS AT KMS. I HAVE ALOT OF PEOPLE IN MY FAMILY THAT SMOKE. NOW INSTEAD OF BEING AFFAIRED OF TALKING TO THEM I CAN. I CAN TALK TO THEM AND KNOW WHAT TO SAY. I REALLY HOPE THAT IF THEY DON'T LIS...
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Amber
Rick,
I just wanted to visit your site and leave you something to let you know how much you really did make an impact upon your visit o 2/28/07 to Starpoint High School. Sure, everyone, when they heard it was an assembly on tobacco, wasn't really excited...
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kevin
Both of my parent smoked but my mom quit 5
years ago. My dad just stopped on monday.
I'm really sorry adout your wife. Thank You for coming to hoover middle school on 2/28/07. Your story will stick with me years to come.
P.S. I am sorry once ag...
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a kid who can can relate
rick,
you make want to tell someone that i lov a lot to stop smoking. i just don't want him to get hurt. he inhales a lot of smoke every day, because of his job. he is just so important to me, i don't want to see if go. my grama and aunt have problem...
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Bryan
Rick, your speech really touched me, and now my mom is even trying to quit smoking. I feel that u can influence even more kids to tell their parents to quit. Like you said if your parents would die for you, why wouldn't they live for you. I now respect...
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Andy
When I heard you speak about your wife and how she died at that age it makes me sad because my mom and dad both smoke, I thought about it and i always knew the risks about smoking but i never really "thought about it" that i might lose my parents becau...
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Zack
Rick, u have come to my school, on 2/27. Your story really touched me. It reminded me of both of my grandfathers. One of them died due to emphesema. The other got emphesema and later got lung cancer. I was really close to him. He did the radiation and the...
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Aurora
I would like to thank you for speaking at my school, Kenmore West. It was interesting, for you gave information that I had never heard before, like the tobacco butts and ground water.
I think it amazing that you are trying to make a difference, speaking...
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John
Dear Rick, I recently lost an old friend to lung cancer. She was a long time smoker and she and her husband have been human chimney's for decades. He unbelievably still smokes and even after watching his beautiful wife die a horrible death and the sufferi...
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Debbie
I always have the WBEN talk radio on. I have heard the service announcments so many times I could recite them myself. That is to say they are so effective that they are embeded in my mind. I'm a mother of a 9yr.girl and a 6yr. old boy. My aunt is curr...
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Terry
What a wonderful story you have delivered. I am a reformed smoker. I smoked for 29 years, I have not had a cigarette in 7 years. I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in January 2006, no-one in my family had a history of Breast cancer, who knows if smoki...
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Dan
Every time I hear his stupid commercials on the radio I turn it off or change the station. Seriously, they are horrible. You really need to come up with a better campaign for a cause as good as this....
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Jill
I listen to the radio every morning on my way into work and almost every morning I hear your story. Today marks the one month mark that my mom has been gone. She found out she had lung cancer in August 2005 and just passed away January 30, 2007. She wa...
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Maureen
Dear Mr. Rick Stoddard , thanks for sharing your story , about you and your wife Marie . i myself am a non - smoker though i work as a Registered Nurse and many of the nurses i work with do smoke i hope and pray i can convince some or all of them to stop ...
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Bruce
Great Ads, keep it up!
Rick, I smoked for 30 years & couldnt seem to quit on my own. I finally quit "cold turkey" after a hypnosis seminar that came to town for $40.00! Please tell folks that it works for the tough ones like me!...
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Phil
Where you in the Army?
I'm glad someone has the courage to do this. Im sure your wife will always be proud of you....
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miranda
rick u were an insperation to me my grandfather had died from tabacco and he was a father to me because i did not have one when i was little i cried so hard thank you so much and i would like to make a commercial to help people stop smoking or not to star...
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Olivia
Dear Rick, i want to thank you for coming to our school Kenmore Middle School. You really made me think that smoking is really bad for you. My two brothers smoke and my one is going to have a baby soon and I don't want anything to happen to the baby like ...
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Lauren
he made me realize that you don't have to hide your feelings, you can tell people them, instead of keeping them to yourself....
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Kayla
Dear Mr. Rick Stoddard on 2/28/07 you have came to my schoolhoover middle school and when you were up there speaking to us about your wife i felt so sorry about what as happned and i learned that i shoud takl to my parents about quiting smoking your word...
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Gabrielle
Thank you so much for giving the speech you gave at North Tonawanda Middle School. You inspired me to write a not to my father (who is a smoker), and ask him to stop smoking. You are a great man and you get a lot of credit for going around to a lot of pla...
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Marguerite
Mr. Stoddard
On 2/28/07 you came to my school-hoover middle school-. I'd like to thank you for giving us all of that information. I can't believe that someone dies from tobacco usage every 8 seconds!! My great uncle died from mouth cancer due to smokin...
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Mike
Hi Rick,
I appreciate you taking time to stop by our school "Starpoint". I fell that all that you had said has inspired me to talk to my friends and family to get them to try and stop smockin. After you said how much chemicals were in ciggerate budds an...
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Lauren
dear rick
you came to my school on 2/28/07. you came to hoover middle and i really aprechite you doing that. my uncle had cancer in the esogusegis(spelled wrong) and he still here though. once again i really enjoyed you coming to our school. :)...
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Christina
Dear Rick,
Thank you so much for visiting our school; Starpoint. I think everyone got the message. Your story was so sad and I am so sorry for you, but most importantly proud! You don't need my pity, that's something of what you are now beyond. Wha...
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Jessica
Hi Rick this is Jessica again I went to North Tonawanda middle again 2 day and asked my friend if hes still going to smoke and do you know what he said. rick he no he said he doesnt want to wake up to weasing. I THINK THAT YOU OPENED A HOLE LOT OF EYES IN...
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Colin
Thank you for coming to Hoover Middle School. Before you came I never really knew a tragic smoking story. Listening to your story opened my ears and my eyes so I would listen and hear your message. Your presentation was amazing. I never knew how much pois...
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a person he has helped
when he came to my school, i think he affensted everyone in the whole autitorium.thank you so much for coming to our school. i have talked to my mom, and she said that she will stop smoking! thank you rick for the confidence that you hace given me. =D...
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Christine
Rick thank you so much for coming to Hoover it ment so much to us. Im so sorry about the loss of your wife. With your presentation its finally encouraged me to do something about talking to my family member about them smoking. You coming was a major impac...
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Morgan
Rick, you came to speak at my school Twin Lakes High School , in monticello, indiana. You made me take a hard look at smoking. I've been smoking since my dad was diagnosed with a chronic illness in 03. I quit cold turkey after you spoke to us, The words y...
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Emma
Rick thank you very much for comming to my school KMS. We all have been through D.A.R.E. and other non-smoking things, but they dont get the point across they are mostly boring and no one listens. But your story really inspired me. I finally got the cour...
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Andrew
Hi i am a student that was a kenmore west high school today and i just wanted to say thank you for what you did and for sharing a hard story with us so that we could help our family and friends before something happens to them ...
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Jen
Hi Rick, this is a big "yankee" thank you from the kids and teachers at North Tonawanda Middle school (2-27-07). We were very fortunate to have your message brought to us yesterday. When I went to work today everyone was still talking about it. You have i...
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Loren & Tara
Thank you so much for coming to our school ....Starpoint. It was a great presentation and it takes a lot of courage to talk about the loss of a loved one in front of so many people. We are very sorry for you're loss and we can tell that she meant a lot to...
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Ben
I just want to say thank you alot. I really thought your speach was amazing. Good luck with all your future work. Thanks again...
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Jessica
Hi Rick I just wanted to thank you for coming to North Tonawanda Middle School. I have a friend that smokes as a matter a fact I have tryed smoking to. I just wanted to thank you because now I know what could happen to me. My parents told me that it could...
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mary
hi rick u came 2 my school a couple of days ago it was north tonawanda middle school i wanted to thank you for coming and every thing you taught me i told my mom & she is trying to quit smoking thank you you made a difference in my life thank you...
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Lyndsay
Mr. Stoddard... 2/28/07
Thank you so much for coming to my schooll today... Hoover Middle School. You said these messages keep you going but it's great people like you that keep our generation going....Going into a bette...
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Keelin
Dear Mr. Stoddard,
thanks for coming to my school, KMS.
we have had so many lectures about not smoking but your's affected me the most. i had no idea that saving someone from dying from smoking would have so many drawbacks. It's so great that you are t...
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Ben
Thanks for speaking at the school even know there were only a few people. I think most people got the message......
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Bridgette
dear mr.rick! u just came to my school a few days ago [ kms ] u relly inspired me and my friends! we all knew smoking was bad for us but we dident know what ALL the affects of it was! your story was relly sad and we all almost cried! it was a very inspier...
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Liz
Mr.Stoddard thank you for coming to my school.(kms) what you told all of us during the time you were there was very inspiring. I always new that smoking and tobacoo was bad for us but i never really new how much tar and bad things were in cigarettes.You r...
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Christian
Rick.....It was a pleasure for you to have come to Kenmore West High school today. Your presentation was very emotional....many people loose loved ones to lung cancer or other tobacco causing diseases, but it must take a great deal of love and dedication ...
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Kera
Hello Rick,
You have just recentally came to my school. Kenmore Middle, and you've helped inspire me a lot, i believe in what you are trying to do, and trying to spread to the world. My boyfriend smokes and so does my Grandma and about everyone that liv...
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carol
dear mr. stoddard,
you came to starpoint high today to share your story and you knowladge about tobacco dangers. my parents both smoke and it bothers me alot and i try to talk to them and even write them letters butt nothing seems to work i just wish th...
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amanda
dear rick,
when you came to are school starpoint today 2/28/07 i though it was another lecture to tell people "smokings bad" "dont smoke" but you actually shared your life story and even though you did not say "dont smoke" you still did threw the story ...
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hi rick. you came to my school today, starpoint.
my dad smokes. i don't see him much though since my mom and dad divorced. but when i do i hate it because he smokes around me and when i was little i had asthma so when i'm around second hand smoke i ten...
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Jamee
hello rick u visited my school hoover middle school and you influnced me alot because you lost your wife just this passed november i lost my father due to lung cancer.He took his last breath on november 1st 2006. it made me happy to see all the hands go u...
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alisha
it affected me b/c of so many ppl in my life is smoking and i tell them what it could do to them but they just dont listen and i dont understand why they wont listen to me maybe b/c im only a teenager but then again they might not want to listen to me b/c...
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Ali
Hello Rick. You came to my school [NT MIDDLE] yesterday and I am glad you did. Both of my parents smoke and it bothers me so much. I already have asthema because of it. And knowing what gross things are in ciggarettes, not being able to pronounce them, an...
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Alex
Thank you for coming to kenmore west. Your speech i think effected many people. It def effected me. None of my parents smoke but i have an idea of what it is like to be around people who do. Thanks for coming and i think what your doing is great. ...
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joe
both of my parents smoke on febuary 28 2007 you came to my school and showed me a lot i will tell my parents about what smoking does to them thank you for all the good info ...
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Tanya
Hello Rick! You came to my school- North Tonawanda Middle School....Well My dad and mom both smoke. It has bothered me forever. My dad told me he has a disease that starts with an E. I dont remember what it is or anything about it. My mom smokes a lot eve...
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Ange
Hello Mr.Stoddard. You came to my school today, (Kenmore Middle School). And your story has had a very big impact on me. My mother and my father smoke, and I smell that tobacco everyday, and I have to stay out of my kitchen when they do smoke. My gran...
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Kayla
Dear Rick,
your story is one of the most effective on my life in god knows how long. When you came to my school I figured it would be just about any old drug and ciggarette presentation would normally be. statistics and numbers things that some may be af...
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Cortney
Hey Rick. You came to my school today(NFHS) and your story was so inspirational. I have many relatives who smoke and it kills me to watch them suffer everyday knowing that they are killing themselves slowly. I know you didn't mean to but your story make m...
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kayleigh
i am a student at NFHS who didnt realize how short life is. so i took advantage of it ive smoked and i tried to quit when my grandfather got diegnosed with lung cancer. i was always pretending like nothing was wrong. lately ive realized you try to forget ...
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marisa
hey rick , you came to my school today, ntms. your story was very inspiring. i made my dad quit smoking a long time ago and im happy i did. thankyou for coming in and sharing your story~marisa...
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Emma
Rick came to my school KMS today 2/27/07 his story touched mine and many of my friends heart. I thought this would be one of those boring assablies but it wasn't. I allways knew smoking was bad for u but now i kno how truly bad it is for u not just for u ...
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Tara
hello Mr. Stoddard you camr to my school kenmore middle and you story adn your wifes story really touched my heart. I lost my grandma to lung cancer but i never meet her but i heard wonderful stories about her and wish she could come back for one day. I...
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Dominique
Rick, your story has moved me so much. today you came 2 my school Kenmore Middle . Your story had made me decide to write a letter to my aunt in Florida and tell her to quit. THANK YOU SOO MUCH!!!...
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jessica
rick, today you came to my school. KMS. and i just wanted to let you know that you were a very good speaker. but it wasnt until you played the song that it hit me. he really misses marie. and i dont want that to happen to me. so im never going to smoke. y...
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Kaleigh.
Hello Mr. Stoddard, You came to my school today, Niagara Falls High School. When I came down to the auditorium, I had no clue what was going on. When you asked us to not disrespect your wife, I thought "huh?" I didn't know that this would be a assembly ab...
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mike
DEAR RICK
i need help trying to get my mother to quit smokeing cuz sahe smokes alot wat should i do? is there any way you can call her for me thanks
MIKE from kenmore middle school...
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Chelsie
Hey Rick you came to my school today! (ntms) you really inspired me! I felt so bad for you and you are so brave for telling your story it has helped me so much and trust me i no how you feel when you started describing your wifes death i relized that this...
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Carleigh
Hey Rick, you came to my school just today to talk about cigarttes/nicotine addiction. i thought you were just going to be another guy who says "DONT SMOKE", you werent like that at all. this actually means something, and is personal to you. before, i tho...
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Alana
I dont think that any other story I've heard about a loss has Made me cry so hard. Today During school, when you told your story.. Everything completely hit me. My mother has been a smoker since she was my age, 14 years old. My father.. Even longer. I kne...
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Bobby
He went to my school today KMS n at first i thought it was goin 2 b one of those really boaring assembles they have but i was wrong i mean it was really good it helped me so tonight im goin to talk to my mom about smoking so she might quit because my dad ...
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zachary
rick today febuary 27 2007 you came to my school north tonawanda middle school. when i got home i called my mom and told her everything that you said to us. you really did touch me with your story about your wife. i think it was really nice of you to come...
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Phil - North Tonawanda Middle School
Hey Mr. Stoddard. You came to my school today in North Tonawanda, NY. I was really inspired by your speech, i was watching you on the TV broadcast. My sister is 18, and she started smoking because her boyfriend smoked. I really really hate the smell, and ...
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Jericho
rick your story is really touching my aunt patsy is going to die in 1 month because of cigarettes.When you came to Angola middle school I really got the message.In my english class I am doing a report on how cigarretes should be alegial. ihave been thinki...
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Erika
Thank You Rick you came to my school and spent your own time to tell our school and our high school your touching story! I have told my aunt and my uncles about your story and my one aunt and uncles have stopped smoking and my other havent so I'm still tr...
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ashley
hi rick, today u came to my school which is niagara falls high school. ur story bout ur wife affected me so much. on january 5 2007 my grandpa died due to tumors in his head. we found out in june 2006 that my grandpa had cancer they said he only had 4 mon...
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Dear Mr. Stoddard,
Your story has changed my perspective on cigarettes. Before you came to my school, I didn't smoke but I have tried a cigarette. I was not being myself but following others. If you hadn't come to my school, I would've probably trie...
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Dear Mr. Stoddard,
You came to my school today to tell your story and teach us about the harm of tobacco. I have heard every talk out there, but yours had a much greater affect on me because it was heartfelt and personal. My Dad started smoking two ye...
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Dear Mr. Stoddard,
Thank you for educating the young women at the school where I teach. Your presentation was informative and moving. I know the girls appreciated your honesty and frankness. A very close friend of my family was diagnosed with l...
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Jena
Rick,
Our staff wanted me to e-mail you and let you know that the effects of your visit back in October are still apparent throughout Kansas! Just yesterday one of our staff members with KDHE was visiting a grantee in Meade County (remember, the pla...
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Michelle
I just wanted to share my story with everyone who reads from this site. The message you bring is really powerful. My dad's father was a smoker. Many years ago, he found out that he had to get his voice box removed. While I do not know all of the detai...
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Paul
Moved Me To Not Be On the Side Lines.
Saw you on AM Buffalo Just Now!
You are great on person show!!! A+++...
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David - Mayfield Jr Sr High School
Hey Rick i introduced u at Mayfield Jr Sr High School . I Just wanted to let you know that you touched my heart alot.. ♥ It is going on 4 months now that my mom has been gone for i felt like it was just yesterday that my mom had passed away .. I th...
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gabby
rick you have helped me a lot. I have changed a lot. The way I think and the way I act. The first thing that comes to my mind now, when I see a person smoking is if they will suffer the way your wife did. I also think of what would happen to me if I were...
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Katrina
Rick you affected me soo much!! I knew I have seen your commercials but i havent really thought about them. But after you came to my school I thought about everything a lot more! My dad smokes,and i have tryed to help him stop.He doesnt listen at all.I ha...
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susan
I am 58 years old and have been trying to quit smoking since I had triple by-pass surgery in 2003. You'd think that would have been enough to make me quit, but after all the years I've smoked, I guess I needed more of a kick in the pants. I had never hear...
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Rachael
You break my heart everytime I hear an ad or see a commercial but I think society needs your honesty. I wish there was a stronger campaign years ago- my father died 10 years ago from smoking and I wouldn't wish any smoking related illness on any family. ...
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Kate BHBL
Hey Rick--- I forgot to tell you something in the last message I wrote to you. I work in a gocery store and we sell a lot of cigs and I now think of your message that you brought to everyone, that SMOKING KILLS!!! And when someone asks for a certian kind ...
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chris
rick your story has touched many people you are a very brave man to do what you do and share your story to all of us i look up to you and admire your compassion 4 other people and trying to help other familys so they dont have to feel the pain you did tha...
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Halie
Rick...U touched my heart,u made me cry, all i could think about for a while was u and ur heartfelt story....i dont really know what kids whos family members smoke and r very sick or what u went through and i hope i will never have to....not many people...
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Elaine
Rick... you came to my school in Garrett, Indiana and touched each and every one of us. I am so glad you came because you are a very great person. I love you more than ever right now! I don't want to touch on each specific thing that you said because it ...
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Rita
Heyy Rick,
Rick i havent email u in a long time. I really liked what u did at our school. MCS just got over with Tobacco Free Week.But i dont know if they will continue over to the next week we have school because we had 2 snow days....
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Zachary
Rick you came to my school on friday february16 and when you said that you watched your wife get carried out in that body bag I knew exactly how you feel I watched my grandfather get carried out of his house at 5:36 am. It was the first time I had ever st...
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Sharon
Rick i would just like to thank you so much for comingto my school and telling us about tabbocco..i am sorry that your wife Marie died from cancer and ciggerettes.I wish that that did not happen to you..I hope that your life still goes on and u enjoy it.....
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Student from BHBL HS
Thanks for coming to our school today, (2/16/07) The 1st thing I thought, was who is he? I had no idea that we had this assembly today, or what it was about - and then I saw the public service announcement in the assembly " I guess I never thought of 23 ...
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Val [[Cohoes Middle]]
Thank you Rick for coming to our school.I know how much that hurt you to watch what you and your wife were going through,I may have to watch the same thing with my dad.He tells me and my mom when we ask him to stop but he continuesly says "I promise I wil...
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Kayla
Well Rick, when I first entered my schools gymnasium where you held your speech. I didn't really know what it was going to be for, or about. Something about drinking, drugs or sex. It always is. And it always seems to be told by someone who simply disappr...
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laura CMS Middel school cohoes NY
thank you so much for comming to ower school and telling about the dangers of tobbaco and im really sorry about your wife. when you played that song it relly reched the kids in CMS . after that assemely some people cried about losing a loved on to tobaco ...
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Joanna
Not so much me as I know it's affected other people. I already know I'm not going to start smoking, but I think he turned some lights on with sharing his story with us. Thankyou for having the strength to share your personal experiences with teens all o...
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Kate BHBL
Rick-- Yes, I know smoking kills. But in the way you put it, I wish everyone I know could listen to what you had to say. I want to thank you for a real eye-opener. I want to thank you for telling us and you have a lot of courage to tell people what's real...
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Richard (Cohoes Middle School)
you are great. I was about to cry when you played that song. My mom, dad, my mom's boyfriend, 1 of my sisters, 1 of my aunts, 1 of my uncles, my dads girlfriend smoke ciggarettes. So i am pretty much dying over here. Thanks to you i never will smoke. I'm ...
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tommy
i have a brother that is 14 and a brother that is 30 and a sister that is 24 they all smoke cigs.I just wish that they could stop because they don't know the effect that it will cause them.But i do.You inspired me to tell them to stop smoking and nowonly ...
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Carissa
Hi...you probably remember going to Angola High School. Well, I was one of the students at the middle school that got to come here you speak. I don't know if you remember me...but I think you called me darling...and I thought that was really nice. I'm sor...
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West Noble Middle School T.V Production
February 15, 2007 Dear Mr. Stoddard, Hi, this is a group at West Noble Middle School in Ligonier, IN called %uFFFDWNMS%uFFFD. We are a TV production group that comes up with a news show every month. We are all 7th and 8th graders and we all saw you when y...
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Connie
When you spoke at the youth comvention, you were an inspiration to me.....When you spoke about your wife, it kinda reminds me of my dad. See..he has emphysema really bad because he has smoked for 70 years. I have tried everything to make him stop! Do you ...
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HELEY [WEST NOBLE MIDDDLE SCHOOL[
THIS WAS A VERY GOOD THING THAT U DID TO MY SCHOOL I HAVE SEEN ALOT MORE KIDS STOP SOMEING. MY GRANDMATHER IS SMOKEING 3 TO PAKCS OF CIGS A DAY AND I TOLD HER WHAT IT DOSE SHE TOLD ME THAT SHE WAS GOING TO QUIT SO THEM THE NEXT 2 WEEKS SHE HAS STOPED . SO...
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Kelsey
Rick, your speech was amazing.. my parents heard about it all night. Your inspirational... Your a hero to some people out there, stick to it, your getting through to people.. ...
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Dianna
Rick came to my daughter's school a few months ago. She came home with tears in her eyes telling me about his story and what happens to people who smoke. I am a smoker and like many teens today, I started smoking because my friends at the time did. I am n...
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Breezi
wow rick that u told your story about your wife really good. i just about cried when u played who'd you be today by kenny chesney. my dad use to smoke, but i got him to quit smoking. he quit for me. i just wish i could get my broth and my sister in law to...
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Christy
Rick was a great speaker I had the privlidge to hear him while at a P2W P2L confrence in Durahm, North Carolina he is a great gut that has a sad but true story to give to all students and people that hear him speak he really changed my mind about a lot of...
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samuel
Dear Rick Stoddeard, I feel sorry for you because you lost your wife at age 46. Smoking is bad for you and you get canser from smoking. I an happy for you because you stop smoking. Your wife keep smoking her life away. Now she is resting and in no pane. T...
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Crystal
I just wanted to say that Rick was AMAZING! I was a 17 yr old. girl.. truly touched!!!. Some of the things he said will always stick with me. His speech was like a breath of fresh air..I was so glad that I was lucky enough to go to the P2W-P2L conference ...
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Samantha
Hey, Rick! I just wanted to let you know that you touched my heart deeply. My uncle died with lymphoma. My uncle use to smoke all the time. I miss him very much, but you have let me see through you a way to take my pain and help others. I was one of the l...
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Holly
Hi Rick
My name is Holly. I go to the Twin Lakes School Corporation and I would like to than you for comming. Both my parents smoke and I told them what would happen if they didn't and they still didn't listen. So now I don't know what to do. ...
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Makinnsy
hey Rick i just wanted to say did a great job and you did a great job. I want to thank you so much for coming. You made me cry. I hope you keep going around to other schools and i hope you will come back sometime. Just to visit or to talk again i am sure ...
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Alecia
I was one of the lucky youth who was able to attend the P2W-P2L conference in Durham, North Carolina this weekend, and when you spoke, it really touched my heart. There were points that you made that really stuck with me. For example, you stated that 3 pe...
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Leslie
Rick,
I just wanted to thank you for the inspirational story you so freely share! I know through your pain and adversity that you have been able to help others, as I am one of those ‘others’.
I had the pleasure of hearing you speak back in July (20...
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Natalie
I attended the P2W P2L youth summit in Durham, NC this past weekend. I'm an adult youth leader and Rick Stoddard's story and message was definetly impacted me the most this weekend. My husband's step father and mother smoke all the time-his step father wa...
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Morgan
i recently attended the 'play to learn play to win' youth advocacy summit in durham north carolina. i really connected with ricks story about his wife. my dad also went through radiation for his oral cancer and now because he continued to smoke he is goin...
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samuel
When you were at Fremont high school you talked about your wife dieing and you talked about smoking and chew who it ufect your body and I feel sorry for you. ...
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Chris
Rick to help you REMEMBER her... Go to the V.F.W. (veterans of foreign Wars) and tell them about her and they will post the true things that you said about her....
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Chris
you have changed my life forever.!!!
Last year I smoked 1 pack and almost choked to death. So thanks....
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kristina
when i went to ITI in the year of 2005 he told his story and made me think how half my friends are killing them selves and how it is so sad. he had me balling my yes out. thats when i thought to my self i wuld enjoy him coming to my school and sareing his...
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Maranda
Rick your story is truley inspiring!! i'm very sorry about your wife...God Bless You!!! ...
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Jordan (from Doe Creek Middle School)
About 3 to 4 months ago Rick came to my school and he shared his touching story with me and I am still touched by his story. He has been a very nice man and has helped a lot of kids. For that I am thankful to all of the people that help Rick and Rick on h...
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Kelsea
Hey Rick,
I wrote to you right after you came to my school! My great grandfather died from lung cancer and he didn't even smoke. He also died before I was born I still miss him though!Well...Bye!...
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Jenna
Hey Rick, You visited my high school (Fremont High School) last week and you really touched me. I came up to you and told you that you touched me more this year than you did three years ago. Two of my grandpas died in December of 2002. One on the 18th and...
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joshua
He has told me that i should not smock. If you smock you WILL DIE!!!...
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nathen
Rick has affected me by telling his story and incouraged me to help people in my family stop smoking because my dad and uncle and also aunt smoke a lot!...
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Garret
Rick my name is garret. You came to my school Tippyconoe Vally Middle School. I really relized how much the stupid tobacco industries are killing are familys. I'm also really sorry about your wife that passed away. I hope you get to tell everyone in the U...
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hey rick
you just visted Angola Middle School like a week ago on (1-29-07) it really touched me. you have alot alot of guts to get up and talk about about your wifes death. i am very SORRY about it. i just recently lost my grandpa. a while back when he ...
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Lauren
Hello.
You Came to my school last week I think to Angola Middle School. I cant just begin to thank you for what you had to do.. You had to have a HARD TIME just going up there and talk about your Wife. I just had a Cousin That passed away in a Bad wre...
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cherie
Hi rick, when you came to our school I was shocked that you could talk about how you lost your wife in a big crowd of people.After your presentation my friends and i started talking about how smoking is so bad for us.Some people did not even care about wh...
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Brad
hey rick you came to speak at our school in angola indiana last week and it really meant alot to me...my dad is dieing of lung cancer and it felt comforting to know im not the only one that has went through this...thank you ...
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Tyeler & Monika
Rick touched our hearts. He showed us just how bad cigarrets are. We thank him... My grandmother was a terrible smoker once... till just a few years ago... She quit smoking, to save herself, and her family. As Rick Stoddard spoke of what smoking did to hi...
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Jared
Hey Rick, you came to my school Tippecanoe Valley High School last week the week of 2-1-07 to talk to us and share your story. Im so very proud to say that i have seen you speak before when i was in eighth grade and would love to see you speak again. Your...
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Morgan
Thank u Rick for your courage to re-live the past every day for kids all around the US. U came to my school on 1/31/07. At Lakeland, middle school. U touched so many people that day and u even made my social studies teacher cry. My grandpa died from sm...
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Delynn
I don't know where to begin. I'm 26 and you came through Kendallville IN on January 29th I believe. I wanted so much to come and see you speak. The pain and loss I see in your eyes in your video story brought me to tears. I'm terrified that one day tha...
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Mindy
Dear Rick, You were at my daughters school on 2/01/07 at Lakeland Middle in LaGrange. She came home and immediately started telling me about your story and your wife. I had started smoking at the age of 13 and stopped at 31 after 18 years of smoking. I h...
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Emily
When you asked us to raise our hand for a person we loved that died form what Marie did I raised my hand and almost started to cry right there. My grandpa was around 72 years old and he died form bladder cancer and he also smoked but it was a pipe. He was...
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Elija
You came to angola on feb 2 and the speech you gave I thought was really awesome. I know that before the speech i told everyone that i wouldnt smoke but after your speech youve really convinced me to say NO!!! I fell really sorry about your wife and i hop...
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Alex
Dear Rick,
You spoke at my school a little while ago. I go to Garrett Middle School. I just wanted to let you know that I really appreciated you coming and speaking at our school. I know that there are some people who really took it to heart and some eve...
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Kristen
Rick, I attend Fremont High School, and I just wanted to to let you know that what you said really had a positive affect on me. I have some friends that smoke, and knowing that they are killing themselves really hurts. I really think that you got through ...
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Alex
Rick's story touched me to the heart. I never realized the amount of people it affected each year. He has made want to try even harder to become a non-smoker....
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Sarah Clary
Rick- You came to our school on Friday the 2 of Feb. You really opened the eyes of all my friends and me. WE were really touched by your tail. You made it so emotional I felt like I had gone through what you did! My Great Uncle died of lung cancer. I...
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Ryan &steph
hey rick we just wanted to say thanks from angola high school about half of the students left crying. your speech was very affective to all of us at angola high school. We are with you 1000000000%.......... your speech motivated us to stay smoke free and ...
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Matt
Rick has given me the courage of talking to my uncle, who is like a father to me, to give up smoking. This past Christmas, I lost my aunt to smoking, and it has been rough. Thank you Rick for not giving up, and wanting to do what should have been done yea...
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Alyssa
well rick has affected me to talk to my parents and more to please stop smoking and they dont listen to me so i have to tell them the speach that rick has said to us but that doesnt bother me to tell them, and it made me really sad when i herd it, and tha...
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Hey Rick!
Yesterday you came to my school [ Angola High ] and shared your story about your wife Marie. First of all, I want to apologize for the majority of my school; they were so disrespectful to you! But, I want to thank you for coming. You have so...
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Courtney
hey Rick i am very sorry about your wife,I am glad that you came to our school and talked about Marie. I think that you made a difference to a lot of kids I know that i will never smoke. Thank you so much Rick. ( I go to Fremont Middle school )...
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ciara
hey rick thank you for coming to our school. i will never smoke because i think that it is nasty. i am sorry about your wife. Thank you rick ( Fremont Middle School)...
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Chelsea
Dear Rick,
I just want to thank you for coming and speaking to us at Tippecanoe Valley Middle School last Thursday. Your story really touched me and made me think that it could happen to anyone and I needed to talk to my family about it. I ...
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Jared
Thanks for coming to Tippe middle school. you have helped me build up the courage to talk to my mom about quiting. She will be getting out of jail in a month and hopefully since i past the story of your wife on to her. I really have faith in her but i don...
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Mitchell
Dear Rick, Today you came to my school in Fremont IN. The story you told me and everybody else really made me remember how my grandpa died the same way that your wife, Marie. I had never known how scary it was for my grandpa when he was diagnosed with lun...
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Hannah
Hey Rick, your story of Marrie and all of the things that you said about smoking has inspired me so much to stand up to my mom and tell her how I feel when she lights that cigarete. Thank you so much for sharing your life and Marrie's life with me, I rea...
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Kristy
Hi Rick, today was the second time i heard you speak. It was a moving presentation that sent a great message. i will never smoke and neither will many of my friends after they heard you speak today. i agree with everything you said, and i wish there were ...
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Miranda
Rick you really opened my eyes about smoking! i was touch with you came to my shcool in angola! You had me balling! I think you touch everyone who heard you! You are a brave soul to travel and talk to millions of people! You'll be in my prayers! Thanks R...
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Elise
Hi Rick. I really loved your story. You recently came to my school and tols us about your wife. It was VERY touching. My dad smokes and i wish he would stop. I dont know how to tell him that it bothers me. I know you said what to do but im not that close ...
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Krista
Today when you came to my school (angola Middle School) it affected alot of people there lots were crying... it meant alot to me because more than half of my family smokes 3 people out of 5 in my house smoke... my aunt died last year from lung cancer and ...
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hillorie
rick, since you came to our school. on jan. 30(wed) people at my school have been talkin about how they hope to never grow up and smoke. after you spoke with us, all my friends and then some said they cried. i cried. mr. neely, one of my teachers, even c...
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Kendra
Hey Rick,
I go to Angola Middle School. I loved your speech and have experineced my grandad having cancer. He lost one of his legs. I thank you for all your time and effort.
Thanks...
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Emily
Rick, thank you for coming to my school to talk to everyone. I can tell that you have touched all of the students and staff at Angola Middle school, espicially me. My mom smoked for a long time and after a family Christmas party, she got pnemonia and quit...
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Dominick
hello rick you talked to us today and your story was sad and i had a grandma that died from lugcancer and it hurt me alot...
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Jen
Rick.. You really made me think.. I know a guy who does chew in my grade..he really should stop before it's too late.I liked your speech 2day for Angola Middle School.My grandfather died of lung cancer too he smoked alot. Now my grandma is trying to stop ...
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ryan
He came to my school twice. the first time i just blew it off but the next time ,2-1-07, it hit me hard. i used to smoke three months prier to him coming. i was wandering how i should get my 3 cuzens, 3 aunts, uncle, grandma,mom,stepdad, stepbro/sis and r...
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hey rick
you did great today at angola high school! i know you touched a lot of people's hearts today. my sister came home and even started talking about it (shes in the middle school) maybe someday we will see a smoke free country! i had heard you speak...
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alisa
Rick- you recently visited Lakeland Middle School and i just wanted to thank you for sharing your story with all of us. it made me realize that the same thing could happen to the people closest to me. thank you so much//<3...
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Jen
Rick, you really touched me but also angered me how the tabacco company will stop at nothing to get thier adds through the world. They don't care about the hundreds of people who die every day from thier product. They only care about making money. That is...
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Morgan
I enjoyed your presentation very much and i thought that you did a terrific job. That story showed us kids what smoking does and i think alot of were thinking that they wouldn't want that to happen to them and so they might not smoke. I KNOW that i am not...
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Kali
Hey, Rick I found you really inspiring! My family has cancer in the family and my grandma in Las Vegas died while I was right beside her! It was soooo sad! When you came to Garrett Middle School in Garrett,IN it really taught me some things. Both of my pa...
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Kearsten
Rick.. i think u are a really strong man for standing up in front of schools like mine, Tippicanoe Valley Middle School, and telling us about what you have been through.. i know it must be hard..you really touched my heart today and i really do believe th...
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Megan
Rick, I thank you so much for comeing to my school today! (Tippecanoe Valley Middle School) I thank you so much! Although, my mom and dad got divorced i still keep in touch with her but anyways i called her today and i told her i said "Mom there was a guy...
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Austin
Thank you for coming to our school(Westview High school). My dad smokes and i dont like it. You made me think on how bad smoking can be. Im sorry about Marie...
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Jessica
Hi Rick, u visited my school today (tippy valley middle school) and i just want to say thank u for coming to our school, i am very sorry what has happen with your wife.. i know how it feels i lost someone in my family too. My mom and dad smoke and today a...
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Rick I know you don't know who I am, but you've spoken to me twice at Tippecanoe Valley, and both times the message hit me right in the heart. My parents both smoke, they have all their life. I just wanted to tell you what an impact you have made on me. T...
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Gwen
I was your neighbor many years ago, when I was a child and our families were close. I still have pictures of me, my sister and brother hunting easter eggs with your son.
With the Super Bowl nearing, people at my work were emailing around some previews...
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Ashley
Hello, you came to talk to us at Lakeland Middle School in Lagrange Indiana. Ienjoyed your speech, it really touched my heart. I'm so sorry about your wife. Both my parents smoke and I hate it! I've tried so many things to get them to stop but nothing see...
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Kyle
Hi Rick, it's me Kyle from Lakeland Middle School. I would like to say thank you for coming to our school. You're really brave for standing up for what is right and i'm sorry for what has happened to your wife. ...
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Taylor
Rick, you visited my school today, Tippy Canoe Valley, and I know you have inspired sooo many young teens at my school!
I never really knew that somking was that dangerous, but im gald that i do now because my granfather died of smoking at a young age ...
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Brandon
Hello Rick how are you? This is Brandon from Indian Creek middle School.This past summer I went to Indiana Teen Institute and I had a great time, but when I met you it made it even cooler. Then when you told your story I felt the urge to help everybody st...
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Brandi
Rick,
First of all, I wanted to say "THANK YOU" for coming to our school! I go to Tippecanoe Valley High School, and you were there today(2-1-07). You were a big inspiration to me and hopefully to my schoolmates! Your story really did touch me and my ...
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Tom
Rick my Godmother died of cancer less than two years ago and you came to our school right after that. I enjoyed your conversation about the topic and it continues to make me think. I have also had both of my natural parents have cancer in their lives so f...
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Kayla
Rick,
I wanted to thank you for coming to my school(Tippecanoe Valley High School), and sharing your story with us. I kind of know how you feel. When you lose some one you care about, it's hard to forget them. My grandfather died from lung cancer from ci...
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Shandi
Rick,
Hi, I just wanted to let you know that you have changed my way of thinking about cigarrettes. I did smoke and I am so proud to say that I decided to quit on 2-1-07 when you came and talked to my school (Tippecanoe Valley High School). When yo...
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john
he helped me get over my grandpas death.He died from cancer. You made me see from a new point of view.thank you. thank you. thank you. thank you. thank you. thank you. thank you....
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Gabby
Thank you so much for coming to my school. your story touched me and i will NEVER smoke. You went to my mom's school and made her cry with your story. So many kids appriciate you. Thank you so much!!!!!!...
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William
Rick, Your speech is very emotional and inspiring. What you do is brave and respectful. People say they can't make a difference but you do. I'm glad there are people in this world that care enough to do what you do. You did a speech at my school in Indian...
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Rick,
Just wanted to let you know that your presentation was very motivating for me. My students at Tippecanoe Valley High School were all affected by what you had to say. It affected me personally as well. I am in the middle of trying to quit chewi...
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Zach
Rick,
I really appreciate the fact of you coming to Tippecanoe Valley. I was in the middle school last time you came and hadn't really been that exposed to this stuff. Now that I'm in high school it's a totally different story. It baffles me how you c...
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Jenny
Rick,
Thank you sooo much for coming to Tippecanoe Valley High School Today!
I really enjoyed your message today. I know it got to me and i plan on talking to the members of my family. I never honestly realized how much of an effect smoking can have....
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Cassie
Hey thank you for coming to my school at Tippiecanoe Valley High. Your speech really touched me and i want to try to get everyone in my family to stop smoking including me. My mom has always been a smoker and she did get lung cancer from it but she was cu...
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Steven
Dear, Mr. Stoddard
Your speech today ment a lot to me. My mom smokes and she almost died from it so she quit smoking for 1 or 2 years and now she is starting to smoke again me and my brother tell her over and over again to stop but she just wont liste...
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Chaitra
Rick, There has NEVER ever been a more powerful speaker in my school before that has been better than you. I can not begin to express in words how deeply moved I was by what you told my whole school. (Tippecanoe Valley High School, Akron, Indiana). It doe...
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Danielle
Rick,
Today you visited my school, Tippecanoe Valley, and I want to thank you for that! I live with two heavy smokers I mean almost two packs a day. It has taken a toll on my family. We don't really have the money to pay for all those packs, but th...
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Michael
Dear Mr. Stoddard,
Thank you for coming to my school and educating us and opening up about your life and your experiences. My father, brother, and sister currently smoke. My mother has smoked before but she quit soon after she started, therefore i loo...
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Aaron
I go to tippy valley high school in akron IN, I think your speech at are school was very good and im glad you came to are school and talk to us about what tobaco does to us and told us what could happen to us if we somke and chew tobaco and told us how ma...
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Matthew
Dear Rick, You spoke to us at Tippecanoe Valley High School, my high school, about the bad effects of smoking, and how they effected you. Plus, you revealed some of the dirty tricks the tabacco companies pull to advertise to kids, as well as what they put...
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Cory
he made me want to reach out to other people and just ask them wat they are doin with their lives....
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Zac
thanks for coming to our school, i learned alot of things about smoking that i didnt before... and im very sorry about ur wife... she sounded lyk a very nice person... u made an impact on me and im sure alot of other people... thanks again... from a westv...
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Andy
I think Rick does is really great. It takes alot to talk about a person you've lost, but to go around and tell people all across america. Thanks for coming to our school....
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Ryan
I am Tippecanoe Valley High School senior I really enjoyed your speech today (02/01/07) at our school. This is the second time I have seen you speak and I think that you send a get message. I think that your speech helps me understand everything about tob...
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Corey
Hello there. I am glad you came to our school today. I appreciate that you get your message out to many different schools and students. I really am sorry for what you and your wife had to go through. I hav many smokers in my family and I've always hated i...
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Dear Mr. Stoddard,
Today will be the second time I’ve seen you perform your miracle, and I must admit I’m as enthralled now as I was the first time. Your story is a powerful one and your message tells a lot. I dearly wish there was more I could do to f...
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Stacie
Hello Rick, i'm Stacie from Tippecanoe Valley High School, when the convocation was over it really touched me and i thought that the way you presented yourself even after 7 years of her being gone you still hold yourself high and you are still talkin...
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April
Rick has made a difference in my life here at Tippecanoe Valley High School. I have not been affected by a death from smoking like he has but I do know smokers. It makes we want to tell them that they need to stop or they will die. Smokers need to realize...
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Tipsukon Wongtankat
I'm a exchange student at Tippecanoe Valley High School.Today I really enjoy about your story.I know why a lot of people anti-smocking and anti tobacco.Because it take their family member away.Anyway I think when I go back to my country,I will tell my dad...
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Nicole
The talk you had to our school today was very touching. It is wonderful you can be so open about such a tragic subject. It touched me because I lost my father almost 5 months ago from emphysema which was caused by smoking. I told him everyday how much I w...
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Kayla
Rick, what I want to say first is that what you said at my school today really made me realize something. My parents smoke and they have smoked for as long as I have been alive. My mom smoked before she had me. I know now how to talk to my parents abou...
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ariel
hey rick. i attend Tippecanoe vally middle school. i'm an 8th grader there and ur coming in today to talk to my school really touched me. i have a great grandfather that died of lung cancer. i didn't kno him really but it made a difference to me. my grand...
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Rashell
Hey this is Rashell! I`m from Tippecanoe Valley Middle school! Rick you made me cry it was so sad. I was so touched by your story. I will not smoke when i get older....
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LeeAnna
Rick, This is LeeAnna and you talked at my school today (tippecanoe valley high school) and I thought that you were amazing. You really got to me and I just dont see how you can do this everyday. You have to be such a strong man. I dont think that I could...
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stephanie
I really appreciate you coming to my school. you are a wonderful person for caring about the health of people who smoke.im sorry for your loss and i hope you are doing okay. its obvious you really loved her. im sure she was a beautiful person. but shes in...
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Danielle
Hi Rick, im Danielle from Lakeland Middle School. I just wanted to say how sorry i am for ur loss. Ur story was an inspiration to me. It got me thinking about and feeling how it really feels to lose someone that close to you from cancer. i am so glad u ca...
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Chantell
Rick,
When i heard Marie's story it touched me. You and Marie are heros. She was lucky to have a husband that cared about her so much! It is because of people's stories like yours that my mom is alive today. My mom has COPD. It is a lung disease cau...
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Kurt
Hey Rick, This is Kurt and you spoke to us about your story at Westview Jr. Sr. High School. I first want to thank you for commiting your life to getting a big message to teens. Many times I wondered why you did this but then i think you were sent by God ...
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Ashley
Hey Rick, you where at Lakeland Middle School to day and I was touched by the way you can relive you worst time almost every day to thousonds of people around the us, im vary sorry about your wife right now also, and my grampal right now has heart problem...
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Ceirra
Hey Rick, i attend the school u spoke at today. lakeland middle school. i know how u feel. mii grandpa has lung cancer in both lungs. and im so sorry about marie. i have a myspace account and i was so touched bout wat u said today. and i made a bulletin ...
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Thomas
Dear Rick, I'm a student at West Noble Middle school. I really was tonched by the way you cared about your wife. I want to tell you about my dad he smokes a pack a day and coughes all the time I have told to him about waiting, but I feel he doesn't listen...
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Tamara
Rick im sorry about your loss.My Uncle just recently died from cancer.I think u so very much for coming to our school,I think u made a large impact on students.You did on my friend.
From a West Noble Student...
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brianna
sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorrysorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorr...
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Tanner
Rick i am a student at west noble middle school. You had a major impact on me. I am involved with the anti-tobacco group that the students are starting. My uncle, aunt, and greatgrandpa all died from smoking related illnesses so i know how you feel. thank...
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Hannah
Your speaking at my school today. Lakeland Middle School In about an hour, actually. I'm looking forward to hear what you have to say. I'm so sorry for the loss of your wife. Good luck with your fight against tobacco!! Peace. ...
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Kristin
Hello. I attend Westview High school and your speech was really neat. My grandma smokes and has done it ever since her husband died about 12 years ago. My family and I love her a lot and tell her that she needs to stop before things get bad. She tried to ...
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There are times in your life when you are thankful...and Rick has definitely supplied me with that feeling. Everyone is here for a reason and Rick Stoddard is here to help stop the use and sales of ciggarettes and other tobacco products. It is truly unf...
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Alicia
Dear Rick,
I'm sorry for your loss. I hope you are doing fine. Thanks for coming to our school. I talked to my mom and dad about smoking. My mom and dad are sick of me telling them to stop smoking. They said they mite stop smoking. I feel bad abou...
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Kerensa
Dear Rick,
I am so sorry for you loss. I hpoe you are ok. The speech that you gove was awesome. I liked it a lot. Beause my brother smokes 2 packs a day and he sits on his but all day. Ti doesn't ever has a jood! All he does is play video games or...
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Mike
Dear Rick,
Im sorry for your loss. I like when you told us not to smoke. I like when you were happy to cometo see us. I can't believe you here from Massachsettes. I was thinking about smoking and I said no, but my dad smokes a lot. I was wondering ...
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jeff
my grandpa recently died from lung cancer that had spread to his brain. and we went to see him at the christopher home where he was staying. a week after we left he died....
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alex
i just wanted 2 say i like u very much.and im from lakeland middle school c ya later dude and my friend made my e mail address bey again and thanks alot u were great...
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kayla
well i dont really know u becasue i was not at the school u were speaking at but my friend goes to east noble and she told me about u and i think it is very very touching all though i do not smoke i try to get my dad to stop but u cant force someone to ch...
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Caitlin
My name is Caitlin and i go to East Noble Highschool and i was effected when you talked about the kemo and loosing hair because my grandpa is dying of lung cancer from smoking and he doesn't have very long to live.He leaves behind a wife that needs to be...
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briana
rick has changed my life! he has changed about people smoking around me @ the age of 13. my family has smoked around me when i was little and now i no the bad thangs about 2hand smoking! i have never smoked in my life! He gave me the curage to talk to my ...
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taylor
I thank you so much for coming to our school to present your story. I know you have made a huge difference in many of my friends lives snd you touched many hearts too. Many people have sat down and talked to their parents about how they cant stand the sec...
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Hello Rick, i am really glade you came to Twin Lakes High School. Thank You a lot......did you know that in ganja or otherwise knows as weed.....there are about 400 different types of chemicals and poisons..............i didn't know that.......well see ya...
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kendall
rick i just lost a grandma from lung cancer.we all tryed to tell her she needed to stop but she thought it was a joke until she kept getting sick.She kept getting sick then she whent to the hospital and she was dignosed with cancer. The last thing she sai...
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Eric
Rick I am a student at West Noble Middle School and I just wanted you to know that you did have an impact on me and my friends because we are starting an anti-tobacco group and we are going to get our school involved! I just want you to know that you are ...
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Tabitha
I got to East Noble High School, where you came today to talk to us!! I am glade that you came. My mom smokes and I have been trying forever to get her to stop, but she just won't listen to me. I don't understand why she won't, I guess cause she is the pa...
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Katerina
Rick I go to West Noble Middle school and I want to thank you because I am only 14 years old and I smoke ciggaretts everyday. I want to thank you because I am stopping right now I will do my best to keep my word and I am really sorry that you lost your wi...
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Jillian
dear Rick, thank you for coming to my school today. my grandma died of lung cancer 2 years ago and since then things havent been the same. one example is i used to go to my dads because he would drop me off at my grandmas house well no grandma no seeing ...
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tyler
hey u came into east noble on january 30 to talk to us bout your wife and i really thought that ur presentation was good i like that u dont want people to smoke cuz i dont like it either and im really sorry for your wife and i wish u the best of luck...
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Tabitha
Well Rick is a very insprital person . i no wat it is to go through a loved one with lung cancer (my papaw) had it and i was holding his hand wen he passed away. I also lite my papaw's ciggs for him because he was to week and he couldn't do it .. It broke...
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George
Dear Rick,
It has been a year since you spoke at Clarence Middle School in Western New York. My current 7th grade health education students were in sixth grade when you spoke to us. I can see the impact of your presentation on a regular basis. Students...
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Ashley
Rick really affected me and my friends by telling us the story about his wife. It litteraly had myself, my best friend, and our english teacher crying. He really had my thinking about how i lost my grandma to COPD because she smoked her whole life. Then i...
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Duran Griffith
I seen Rick today at West Noble and at first I thought he was just another speaker. The thing that got my eye was the tone of his voice he really cared about his wife. He touched not only my life but even my girlfriend, because we have gone through life w...
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Lucas
Hey Rick, I am a student at East Noble High School. You gave me a lot of knowledge about cigarretes and cancer. Well, I was speaking to my family a couple days before you ever came to our school and we talked about smoking cigarrettes. I told my brother t...
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Touched
Hi, I was very touched by what you said to us students. Thank you for sharing with us that horrible story. I'm sorry to hear about Marie!I think it's great what you are doing for students everywhere. My father smokes and I want to talk to him but i'm a...
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Liz
Thank you for comeing to Twin Lake high School. thank you by affected alot of the kids in my school. you need to come again a talk about it again to the school next year because we are getting alot of new kids. Thank you so much Liz ...
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Eric
Rick, i just want to thank u for tell'in over 1000 kids about not to smoke in different schools. I was thinking about trying smoking.But since you talked about whats in cigarettes ( like the urine part). I will never ever smell, touch, or taste a...
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Brittini
Rick you have touched me in a very serious way! you really ment something to me because when i was about 8 my grandfather died of cancer from cigarrets. You really have a way with all of your words I want to thank you for coming to our school today at Gar...
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robert
hey rick.i loved your speach at garrett today.i was the one of the kids that helped u get ur stuff to your truck.i just wanted to say your awsome.and that i talked to my mom like you said,the guilt trip,tell them u care,and that stuff..AND IT WORKED!as so...
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Robert
First of all I'm sorry about your wife, your a great person.It makes me feel really bad that something this bad happened to a really cool guy. You gave me more attention about not smoking than anything else I've saw. Just so you know I'm one of the guys t...
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brittney
hey rick,my name is brittney i go to Garrett Middle School u came to my school today. Im so sorry about marie i wish i could do something to make u better butt i no it is hard i have gone throw it before. i talk to my mom and i told her that i wish she wo...
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kele
Hey Rick, you visted my school today at garrett middle school.You showed me what happends to you and was just shocking that people just dont quiet when they see the thangs that happens or they just dont even try to.I am happy your out there to try to help...
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Casey
Rick you have inspired me to try and get my mom to stop smoking she has been smoking since she was 13 years old and she is 41 years old now thats 29 years thank you for coming to my middle school and talking to us you realy inspired me and changed my life...
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Kodie
Hi my name is Kodie i go to Garrett Middle School.How Rick affected me.. he said to not smoke or not to chew tobacco because it could u and make u die a young age like Ricks wife and it really sad that happened to Rick and he told us a lot about him a lun...
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Rylee
Hi Rick,
First thing is that I love you coming to our school. You don't know how many kids i see somking when i walk home. it really kills me. to see kids my age and younger smoking. my mom has been smoking sense she was 18. i cryed when u told me tha...
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Mataya
i started smoking at the end of my 5 grade year till up to 7th grade i was hooked but now im not getting grounded for a month and having no tabacco products handed change .and im glad im Done!!!!
thanks for the great talk you had at Garrett Middle School...
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Alexis
RIck,
You came to our school today. You have really inspired me, in a way that i cant explain. As well as my brother Trevor. We are both working for our family to try to stop smoking. Your speech was AMAZING. I cryed and cryed. It really touched me! Hop...
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kendall
i just wanted to thank u for coming and talking to my school about tobaco use. it takes a lot of guts to go up infrount of 200 people and talk about a loved one dying. i havent had one die yet but my uncle hade to have four by pass surgeries because he h...
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Avier
Some of my family member smoke. I try to tell them that smoking is bad for your health. They look at me, and start to laugh. It just makes me mad that they smoke and dont even care. I try to tell them over and over and over again. But I guess my speech is...
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Olivia
ok you have came to your school talked about smoking and i raised my hand for every question you ask! i wish you could reach out to my mother because i get horrible head aches i just wish she would listen to me your you!!...
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Kayla
Hey, i hope things are going well for you, and ive tried gettting my mom to quit, but i havent got far. im still trying though. Thank you for your support, and all the other lives you continue to touch.
Kayla
Edgewood High School
Bloomington, Indiana...
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My question is .. what was that song that you played at the end of the presentation.. i really liked it and i was jsut wondering the name and who sings it. ...
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alycia
Rick has affected me because he has incouraged me to NOT smoke ever! He has tought me that it can kill you instantley! I am going to talk to my mom about not smoking anymore today when i get home from school. I will make very intelligent decisions. I ...
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Jessica
Rick, My names Jessica and i saw you only a few days ago at Northeastern High School. To start, im sorry for your loss...and i know how you feel. You talking really hit and and one of my best friends, Sami, hard. We cried together after you left because ...
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tyler
hey rick u inspired me by ur speech my aunt smokes and she has a big family she has four nkids zach, hunter,brandy,brittney they are no where neer moving out so i don't know what to do about it so i know how you felt . GOOD LUCK...
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Alicia
I go to Twin Lakes High School and I just wanted to tell you that what you talked about took a lot of courage, def. talking about you loss and that has been greatly appreciated that you came to my school. I was talking to my best friend Merissa the other ...
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Brandi
Hey Rick! Well I am a senior at Centerville High School and i just wanted to thank you for coming! it was a really nice speech and i hope that the kids that do smoke at Centerville will at least take into consideration stopping from the story about your ...
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Bailey
Hey Rick im from Twin Lake middle school. I just wanted to thank you i told my mom the story and she promised me she'd quit. ever sence then i havent seen her smoke. i would also like to tell you about how smoking has affected my life. My grandpa smoked A...
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sarah
i luved ur speech @ our sckool(Roosevelt Middle Sckool).My grandmother died caz she smoked.My mom smokes.and my older bro & sis smoke but right now my sis is in jail right now so....
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Angela
Hey Rick! I just wanted to say that I'm glad you came to my school today! I just got through talking to an ex-boyfriend that I haven't talked to in almost a year. Well he told me that he had started smoking, but after hearing you speak today he is going ...
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kylie
I came to see him with Girls inc on day and he had me crying yes me crying and if u wach everything he put on here u would be to and it helped my dad and i hope if u see this it will help u to and he had all my friends crying to hope he helpp u to !!!!!!!...
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Aaron
Hello Mr. Stoddard, my name is aaron (keep in email if you like, i dont mind) and i was one of the students you talked to in Centerville High. I just wanted to tell you that what you said really hit home for me. I related to everything that you experience...
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Myra
Rick. Wow. You came to my school (Centerville Sr. High) and some of the stuff you said today really got to me. I really appreciate what you do and telling your story. My Grandfather died from smoking. First it was just cancer in his lungs then it spreaded...
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Brooke
Through out my life people in my family have smoked.My mom just recently stoped and my dad is tryign.I am from Mayfield High School but my dad lives in Florida so i am always afaid that one day i will get a call from my grandmother teling me that he is de...
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Mat
I really appreciated your speaking to my school. I know it takes a lot to do that everyday and having to face that many faces and judgments. Hopefully you can pull the response and inspiration that you did at our school at all the schools that you visit....
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Michelle
Dear Rick,
You came to Edgewood High School to talk to us about smoking, and I just wanted to tell you that, the program was the best one I have seen here. And I don't know how many people actually talked about getting their parents to stop or other...
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Brianna
Rick,
I think what you are doing is great, going to schools and telling them your story though it has to be hard for you. I think you have influence a lot of lives in all the schools you have gone to. I really haven't had any smoking problems in my famil...
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Jessica&Courtney
Rick, you came to Centerville High School today .. and we just wanted to let you know everything you said meant alot to us !! thanks ...
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Brady
Rick he affected me by his story and his passion to help young ppl like me understand the effects that smokinging and chewing has so thanx Rick....
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Justin
in a good way he basically saved my life i have given up smoking and started noticeing all the things around me that i need to keep healthy for and making a better person out of me...
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Alix
Hi Rick, You came to my school yesterday, and I didn’t get the chance to write you then so I am now. I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciated your visit to Owen Valley Middle School. I know it must be hard to talk about your wife all the time, but...
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morgan
you had a very emotional story and i am from Prairi Heights middle school. i thought that you showed us kids what could happen when you smoke and i thought that was a very good show you presented.thanks....
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Stephanie
Rick,
I greatly admire your abilitly to get up infront of so many people almost everyday and share something so personal. It's evident how many people you touch through your story and although I haven't had a problem with smoking in my own life or ...
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kory
Rick, I just really want you to know how much you made an impact at our school, edgewood, there have been many lives that you have saved do to you talking about what happend to your life. But I really learned a lot from what you just said to our school be...
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Mia
I really wanted to thank you for coming to South Dearborn. You gave me the courage to talk to my brother who is 20. He has been smoking for a long time. After I told him your story he said he would try to quit. No luck yet but he is deffinatly getting bet...
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Brandon
rick has affected me in anyways he has showed me the kind of stuff that can kill you in cigarettes and i am really against cigarette companies because they have killed so much of my family...
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Jamie
Hey Rick, you spoke at my school yesterday. Thank you for coming in, I think that you did a great job. I do think that you made a big impacted on everyone at school, well atleast you did with me. I am sorry about your wife, but now you can tell people you...
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allan
hello, my name is allan smith i am a student from edgewood high school i would like to thank you for coming to the school and talking to us about tobacco it really inspired me what you siad really hit home when my dad got home that night i sat down and ta...
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Clarissa
Dear Rick, I really beleive you hit home yesterday when you came to Edgewood High School to speak. Although I have never had a problem with smoking in my family I know many people who have to deal with it. If your story had such a great affect on me then ...
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Kayla
Hey,
I printed off something off your website and im going to give it to my family who smokes. Hopefully it will help. I once again thank you for all you have done for everyone and im glad you continue doing what you do. I'll update you soon. Thanks Rick...
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Tanzia
Thank you rick for somin gto Edgewood. i think you have open many peoples minds on smoking. I have relized what is really could do to your body. i have smoked for three years and now hta i have heard your story and i am goin to have to see my mom and dad ...
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Lauren
I have not been effected personally, but Rick's presentation backed me up with the information that I tell people who smoke. It was a strong, emotional convocation and I really enjoyed it. ...
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Tyra
Thank you so much for doing what you do and reliving your wife's death over and over. I don't believe I could ever do that, but I am glad that you can. I won't lie, I have smoked before but I quit like a month ago and because of your story and the lady'...
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John
Rick I want to personally thank you for coming to Twin Lakes H.S. on Monday. My dad has quit smoking on many occasions and for some reason after every few years he picks it up again, I have tryed to talk to him a few times and he is in the process of qui...
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me
i go to edgewood high school. You opened my eyes to what chewing could do to me and my family. My condolences to you and your family. what you are doing couldnt be better....
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Phillip
Rick affectted because his wife had died of lung cancars and i am so sad of rick family and all of my perys go out to his wife marie and his family.
so thank you rick for heading me down the rigth road...
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Dj
Rick you have helped me to get the courage to talk to my father and try to get hime to quit. Thank you and i also go to edgewood. And anyone who tries to chew you out for doing what you are doing should be ashamed of themselves....
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Shantelle
When you came to OVMS today I will truly tell you I had no clue what harm could be done by smoking. I knew it was bad, but had never really looked into it. A lot of my friends smoke and I'm scared for them of course, but it seems no matter what talking I ...
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Katie
Rick, My name is Katie and I go to Edgewood High School. I just wanted to say thank you for coming in and sharing your story with us. I've seen you on t.v. before, I always thought it was sad, and then when you talked to us today I realized how much more ...
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Abby
Rick, I just wanted to tell you how much you coming to my school meant to me (Owen Valley MS, 1-24-07). I know alot of kids in my grade (8th) are already smoking and I think it is the saddest thing. But when you talked today I know you made a difference, ...
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whitley
1-24-07 You came to my school ant Owen Valley. Im truely sorry about your wife. Im sure she was an amazing person. What you said today made me think about how much longer my parents were going to live. Both of my parents smoke. They dont listen to me or m...
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Lee
hay rick can i please have a copy of the things that go in to cigerits....
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Jessica
Rick,
I appreciate the fact that you use your painful story to maybe, in some way, change the future generations. I think it's a brilliant idea, and I disagree with those that say you're cashing in on the memory of your wife. By now I'm sure it's a lot...
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Rosie
Hey Rick, you spoke at my school today(OVMS) and I just wanted you to know that your story really changed my life. I used to really want to smoke, but now I don't want to even think about smoking. Thank you. I think you saved my life!...
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Annie
You came to my school today, which really hasn't been my school for very long, but none the least it is the school i am currently attending. All of my grandparents smoked when I was youinger, and so did my dad. My grandpa on my moms side died when I was t...
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Mehgan
Rick...
Today you came to my school (OVMS) and your speech really affected me and I could tell that the other students were affected also. I am so sorry for your loss it's obvious that you loved your wife I'm just so glad there are people like you trying...
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Ashley
Mr. Rick,
You visited my school on Jan. 24th. I was so moved by your speech on not smoking. I have a gradnma, two uncles that have been smoking for a long time. I saw first hand like u did what it could do to people. My papaw dies of lung cancer in...
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danielle
dear rick. both of my parents my parents smokeand ever since i've seen your presntation
i've been trieng to get them to stop. i'm afraid every day that one of them are going to pass away or get sick. my mom will say that she is going to quit every week b...
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Danielle
Yes, it was really sad. and my mom smokes and its really horrible! i try to get her to stop but she just wont! and soo if u could helpp me.?...
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Kayla
Rick, You came to Edgewood High School today and I heard your story. It has happened to me. I had both of my aunts die from cancer due to smoking. Im really going to try and help my community and get my family to stop smoking. I will update you on more la...
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Alysia
Rick, Thank you so much for your presentation today at our high school (Edgewood) in Ellettsville IN, you have touched so many lives in our school today, i actully heard people in the hall ways saying that they were going to quit smoking. You are doing s...
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Christine
Dear Rick,
Thank you so much for getting your message out to the public. I too have been affected by tobacco and its powerful addiction. My father has been a smoker since age 13 and he is now 61. I remember as a kid being told in health class the dang...
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Caitlan
Rick, Hello I want to thank you. I know how many different people you see in a day but, my name is Caitlan I got to Edgewood High school, Ellettsville, IN. You visited us on January 24, 2007. I was a bit chocked up when I shook hands with you. I have had ...
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Cindy
I only have one thing to say about your story and that's just what it is- a story.....
I have experienced the same as you, only difference is, it was my Mother.
And I'm not out there trying to make a $ buck$ from her death in a book.So maybe you think y...
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Matt
Hey Rick.. I would like to thank you so very much for coming to my school and speaking today(Hamilton High School, 1/23/07). I hope that your program was as touching for other students as it was for me. After seeing my mom go through chemo and radiation ...
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Johnnie
Frist of all, i would like to thank you for coming to Prairie Heights Middle School today. I lost my Grandmother to lung cancer from smoking. It was the most painful thing i could possibly hear. Not because i was close to her (I was) but because i'm compl...
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Jordan
Rick thank you for coming on monday to twin lakes! you have touched my heart. my grandmother died two years ago of lung cancer, i loved her so much! she started smoking when she was 10!!! 10 can you believe that? it made me so mad when she told me tha...
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Diane
Rick - I would really like to get a copy of the list of chemicals and bad things they put in cigarettes. Could you please send me an address where I could get that? You spoke here in Little Falls recently. You were the most effective speaker I've ever hea...
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Heather
You just spoke to my school (1/23/07, Prairie Heights). Your words have affected me in so many ways. The last time you came to my school i was a freshman and to this day I remember it. I have been raised in a smoking family. My biological mother and fathe...
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Gloria
I saw your commericals on TV many times, finally after seeing my brother dying of cancer I quit 8 months ago.. It's terrible that it takes so much to break the hold of the nicotine addiction. I want to say Thank You for visiting my daughters High School ...
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Liz
Rick you affected me really hard i lost my sister at 20 and am miss her all the time. so i knew how you are felling. thank you for comeing to Twin Lake High School and talk about it. thank you. ...
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Mikayla
Rick, thank you for visiting my high school. It truly touched both me and everyone else. My grandma passed away 2 Decembers ago on the 21. She had lung cancer and her death and the many months before it were tough on the family. I remember at her Funeral,...
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Emily
Rick- Thanks for coming to our school today...i felt that your presentation affected many of us today at my school. i think it is great what you do. i hope that you affected a lot of kids today because we have a drug problem in our school. i hope that i d...
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whitney
i just wanted to say that when you talked to my highschool, you changed many of our lives. At my highschool drugs and smoking are a really bad issues and i think that by telling the story of your wife, made a lot of people think twice. i just wanted to th...
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Renae
Rick has inspired me to help my dad older sister and her boyfriend to stop smoking my dad best freind Allen has recently been diagnosed with lung and skin cancer due to smoking I give him my hope but he is not doing to goodi hope he will live through it h...
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Amanda
Hi Rick.
You are an inspiration to me and many of the students at my school. You spoke to our school today (Twin Lakes H.S), and i know that many were moved by your story. It's really great to see that you are trying to prevent others from smoking and go...
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marissa
Dear rick you were talking to me today(1/22/07) and when i walked in there i was thinking oo great not another ciggerett talk but i smoke. But when i saw you and what had happened i have seen it can be true. So im making a decision and im not smoking anym...
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Kendra
Rick Today you came to Roosevelt Middle School,you affected me by showing me never to smoke! It is very harmful,you proved to me that it can kill the ones you love very much! That is why i am going to try to stop my mother and Father from smoking from now...
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wissa
heyy rick whats up i just wanted to say sry that i havent wrote to you in a long time so how have you been well bye...
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Chris
Rick, you are coming to our school in a week. I am so excited for you to come to our school. I teach 7th & 8th graders Health and I can't wait for you to share your information. Looking so forward to meeting you, Chris ***, GMS Teacher ...
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Taylor
Rick,
I have looked into alot of things about smoking and i have found all of the chemicals that you were showing:( and that is very sad. Even though people know that smoking will kill you or even that it is very bad for you i just don't understand wh...
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Brittany
I hope you can come back to Schenevus school sometime. I am sorry for your lost. I lost my granny, we called her Mrs. Schiener at school. I smoke alot, when my mom not home. I am sooo desprite I take buds out of an ashtray to smoke. I usually get them fro...
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Lee
Thank you for having the strenght and courage to tell your story. I greatly admire what you are doing. I lost my mother to lung cancer due to smoking just over 10 years ago. It is the reason that I have not smoked in 9 years. There are so many children ou...
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Michael
Rick you affected me by not going to smoke i have smoked befor and i stopped when you had came to my school. You came to Winnisquam High School and i was in 6Th grade dumm and stupid i guess and now im in 9th grade and it is very hard to not go through th...
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Jenna
hey rick u effected me so much that i am trying to get my parents to stop smoking and it is almost working. I am telling my mom all the things that you told us kids at Little Falls Middle School. She said that she was going to try and stop but she is tell...
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Peg
Hi Rick
You recently came to Mayfield Jr. Sr. High School in upstate N.Y. I'm a teacher aide there. I give you a lot of credit coming and speaking to our students and staff. Thank you. You certainly struck a cord in my heart. My Dad died 11 years ago ...
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Amanda
Hey rick you affected so much...i actually for the past 5 years ive been trying to get my mom and my friend stormi to quit smoking by having them read your book and it inspired so much but they still say that it will never effect them but my mom just foun...
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Kaitlyn
I think that you got alot of kids attetion in our Schenevus Central School. I am sorry for your lost. My parents, sisters and brothers smoke and Im hopeing they stop. I am hopeing to make good choices and not go down that road again, cause I used to. Im a...
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David
Rick thank you for coming to Mayfield Jr. Sr High School you touch my heart . Im glad Melisa ***** got in touch of you hope you kick some tabacoos indutrsys butts. And again sorry about your loss ...
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Margaret
Hi Rick now that I now whats in tabacco and drugs I will never try it or even think about it. My aunt smokes and I've seen what it's done to her! I never want that to happen to me....
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Ryan
I'm sorry for what happened to Marie. I know your life is hard without her. well talk to you later......
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Dylan
You are a insperation I used to smoke but because of you I won't touch a cigeratte AGAIN...
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kaitlyn
dear rick you have effected me by showing me whats in cigarrettes.later after that assembly at mayfield highschool i told my boyfriend that he better quit or there will be issues between us beacause i have lost my grandmother and next door nabor because o...
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Tiffany( from MACS)
Rick you so amazing. I know you miss Marie beause i miss my NANA so much. she also diedfrom smoking. She wasimmited into he hospital from lung cancer and they told her she only had a few weeks to live but amazingly she lived a year longer. She did not hav...
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Jacob
Dear Rick,
You had an amazing speach this morning, even though you are not a "speaker". I think you have effected many of our kids at the Little Falls Middle School highly. You are a great guy and I think one day you will help to prevent cigarett...
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Jacob
Hey Rick, I'm writing back again because I forgpt to tell you that you have my vote for not smoking....
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Ashley from Little Falls Middle School
I thought it would kill me to lose a beloved family member or my future husband. My mom, my step-dad, and my grandma smoke. My Dad quit just a month ago and I am so proud of him. After that many years my whole family is proud....
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Kelsea from Little Falls Middle school
Pretty much my whole family smokes and just to think that they can die from smoking any day of my life really got me going. I am so happy that you came to our school and talked
to us because if anything did happen to them I wouldn't know why even if the ...
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Demetsia
I am glad came to my school you made a diffrence in my mind.Well my mom smokes. I confronted her before and she stopped for like 2 weeks then her boyfriend put cigerattes back in her life. I want her to stop I use my aunt as an example she stopped for my ...
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nicole
thank you for coming to my school it was nice seeing u. i try to quit smoking but it does not help will u it my some tips u can e-mail me at *****************@yahoo.com thank you so much and i am sorry that your wife died but my great uncle died of smokin...
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JustAnotherMohawkStudent
Hi Mr.Stoddard. I just wanted to write to you and tell you thank you for coming and speaking at the school. I hope that those kids were listening like I was, becasue a lot of the kids at our school smoke out in front before classes start. I know how you f...
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Sandra
i have already wrote to you but I just saw someone smoking, and i told them your story. That person put their ciggarette out. You should be extremely proud of yourself. You may have just saved another life. ...
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Mike
Rick I love you, your story has affected me dearly you are awesome. THank you from mohawk school....
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Jared
Yo rick,
WE heard you today in our school.
Some people in our grade in like 8'th grade were crying... I bet your wife would be really proud of you.
Good job, and thanks for coming to Little Falls
MS
Jared, Nick, Ray, and people...
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Anna
hey you came to my school to doyour programm at Mount Markham High school i thaought about it alot . You made me me think about" Why do People smoke when they know it is bad for them?" I noticest somthing that not only is the ciggeret company is trying to...
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Andrea
hello mr. stoddard. u went to ny school today and shared your story. now, i want to share mine. two out of my three grandparents that are now dead died from a smoking-related disease. my gradpa died of lung cancer at age 69. i was 4. i dont have any memor...
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beth
Dear Rick, Im a senior this year from Mohawk High School. I heard that u came to our school today to talk to the Jr High about how ur wife Marie died of cancer. I heard ur story maybe two times out of my whole Jr year in high school. Your story about Mari...
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Kelsie
Hey Rick, today was the most amazing thing I heard today. The things that you said today in my school has changed a lot of people. I know that smoking can kill people thats why I want to thank you for coming to our school. When i was young my favorite unc...
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stephanie
thank you so much for coming to mt.markham today and speaking. It seems like you have made a difference i can tell just by the way the other students were acting and i hope this little note dose for you what your assembly did for me and make you want to k...
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Tiffany
Hi Rick, you came to my school today. I really took what you said to heart. I can kind of relate to you and Marie. My aunt died about three years ago from lung cancer, due to ciggerettes, not only was she my aunt, but she was my best friend, and now my da...
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Tim
Dear Rick, first of all i think what you do is great. i don't smoke because i'm aware of the harmful things it can do to me, and i think your presentation at mt markham helped me realize it even more. i think your purpose in life was to teach us students...
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New Yorkstudent
i want to thank you for coming to our school today i thought a lot about the things you said and i think you affected atleast some of the students becuase the class right after someone said 'wow im done with smoking' so i want you to know you made a diffe...
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Billy
hey Rick im a student from Mt.Markham and yur speech really helped me stop smokeing and im trying to stop chewin but thank you for comeing to Mt.Markham and thank you for your time and sorry about your wife marrie...
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Mt. Markham Student
Thank you so much for coming to my school... i have tried smoking before a few years ago because my brother did it.. its a stupid reason... it was "cool"... i then soon stopped when my parents found out that he was doing it... my dad has smoked for more t...
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Stacey
Dear Rick...
Hi! i am from Mohawk school and i wanted to say that your stories touched me in a way that you could not even imagined. To tell you the truth it was probably one of the most memerable experiences of my life. My grampa was a HUGE smoke...
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Nicole from Mohawk School
Hi Rick, I am sorry what happened to your wife and you. Thank you for coming to Mohawk School to teach us about cigarettes and tobacco. At first I thought it was going to be just like the rest of the talks about cigarets and tob...
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kellie
hi rick u came to my school today to talk to us . your speech made me think im gonna talk to my mom about her smoking cause my mom means alot to me and i would hate to lose her. i was the one in the front row sittin next to the girl in the green....
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Mount Markham Student
First of all I want to thank you for spending the time to come to our school. We live kinda in the middle of nowhere and the kids in our school think they are the only ones that exist. They are very hard headed and believe everything they do is right. Abo...
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Amanda
I've had a many family members die of lung cancer and different diseases because of smoking. I know what he's feeling, and I want to stop it just as bad as he does....
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Megan
Hi Rick,
You came to Fmcc Yesterday To come speak at the choices conference. My name is megan I was The girl from reality check who sat in the front row with the other reality check members. I have seen countless presentations and done many with reality ...
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Kirsten
Hi. You came to Mohawk on 1.11.07. You story was very emotional to me. My Uncle died 1.10.07...the day before you came....he did not die from lung cancer....everyone asks me if they can do anything....but I just say "You can't bring him back"....We never ...
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mara
hi rick..thanks for coming to mohawk, you really helped me and my friends know the truth about smoking cigarette's, and when you told us about ur wife. i'm sorry for what happened and i know what you went through and i think that it's amazing what your do...
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Ashley
Heyy Rick,
Your story today at Mohawk Highschool was very touching. You had me in tears. I will never ever pick up a cigarette. It hurts me inside to watch my mom smoke becuase almost everyone in my family has died of cancer because of smoking. Y...
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Alyssa
Rick, I go to mohawk high school Thank you for coming to my school to talk to us january 11, 2007 you really got to me when you told us that your wife died of smoking. my 3 grandmothers all died from lung cancer because of smoking. my mom and my dad both ...
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Ashley
Rick,
thank you so much for coming to are school. It was a great honor for you to be at Mohawk high School. My grandma had died of cancer and also one of my best friends died, but not from cancer. My best friend smoked and dipped everyday. It was horrib...
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Mount Markham Student
Hey thank you for coming into Mount Markham and telling us your story, I believe every second of you being here and talking helped a lot of people out with knowing the truth about tabacco and what it does. Thank you for coming in.. My Grandmother had c...
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Sandra
Dear Rick, When I heard that there was going to be a smoking presentation, I sighed because every time that there is one of them in the school, they are always so boring and exhausting. They were informal but boring. You came to our Mount Markham highscho...
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Christina
Dear Rick
when i found out about the presentation i thought how boring i was going to be having to sit in the aud and listen to some man tell me that somoking is bad, but when you started telling your story it touched me in some way an...
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Christina
He affected me by telling his story to my school and showed me how hard life could get....
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Rick,
I saw you at Mt. Markham today. You helped me in my struggle to quit.
Thanks...
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student from mt. markham high school
thank you for sharing your story with us on 1/11/07. i woke this morning that i want to quite smoking and your presentation today help me out and i will quite so all i can say is thank you so much ...
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dear rick,
i wanted to start by saying that your speech was very touching. im not going to say my name for my own privacy, but you said you read every post that was put on here. im am 16 and i am a mother. i do smoke, and every day i think about my ...
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Trisha
I heard Rick and Marie's story at a conference today at FMCC. For me it really hit close to home, because I lost my grandmother and grandfather because of smoking. Even though my father, aunts and uncles watched my grandfather die because of smoking th...
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Rita
Dear Rick,
Ever since you came to our school i have been on your website before and after school. Youhave really affected me and my friend Brooke. Yes we are Rita and Brooke who worte to you before, We are going to make a presentation and askl our ...
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Cynthia
Dear Rick,
Thank you for your wonderful presentation at Mayfield. I thought it was great. It made me think a lot about my aunt. She also died of cancer from smoking. Even though she stopped smoking at a fairly young age she still died at the age of fifty...
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Grace
Rick I just wanted to thank you so much for your inspiring
story. It meant so much to all of us at FMCC that day to
hear a complete stranger talk about his life and how he wants
to change ours.Your wife must have been a remarkable woman
and it takes t...
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kaylee
Rick,
you are a true hero! Your story is amazing. i feel that it takes curage for someone to come up in front of a whole room full of students and relive that day over and over, there is not many people that are like you who care anough to tell kid...
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Ray
Hi, Rick im from mayfield High School I would like to thank you for your word to day. Rick my Parents are smokers and I want them to stop. You gave me lots of ideas I will get my mother and father. Thanks to you good job and im vary sorry about your w...
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Brooke
Rick I would like like to thank you for comiong in and taking your time. I am from wells central school and a lot of people were talkiong about you all day long. I love the fact that you can give us time and talk to us and show us the importance of not sm...
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Mike
Hi Rick thank you for comeing in and talking to us today.I am very sorry for your trajic loss.I also lost a family member do to smoking...I think what you are doing for all of us is great and very couragous...Because i know i couldnt get up in front of hu...
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Kate
Thank you soo much for speaking at my school todayy...what you said...it really touched me as well as many of my friends. I sincerely apologize for the death of your wife. I have been trying to get my parents to stop smoking for a long time and everytime ...
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Kristi
he made me make the choice not to smoke. him showing me and my school that video of him and his wife and how she died really touched my heart. i was sad the rest of the day and i cried inside. then when i got home, i cried real tears. thanks for coming to...
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Paul
Hi Rick,
Your presentation really inspired me to make a difference in the world. I am still trying to find a way to do so. I am trying to help my Uncle quit smoking. I did not realize how difficult it is. Although, some of my attempts have f...
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Rita and Brooke
We are from Mayfeild High school. Your story has imspired us to help stop the use of cigarettes. We are right now working on posters to hand out and put on walls. We wish that we could do more, and if we can we will. Thank You so very much for coming ...
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naydeen
hi..................................................................bye well it was nice talking to ya...
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naydeen
hi rick how have you been "happy new year" i hope that you have had a great christmas even thought that you did have you wife to be there with you ..... i am still like realy really sry bout her and how she like died and all i still remember the time when...
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Alicia
Rick im alicia ****** i went to belleville henderson u told us bout ur wife and i just wanna say u touched me in may 4th of 2005 my grandpa passed away his b-day was may 2nd he dies may 4th.. it hurts still when i think of it and i hear ur thing on the ra...
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Monica
We have recently discovered our 16 yo son has been smoking cigarettes. Is there anyway that you could be in touch with him to talk to him about the dangers of smoking? We have talked and talked, but fear he is not listening and I find your story particula...
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leanna *******
Rick,
when you came to my school (GMS) last year I didn't know what to do. At first I wanted to cry. But that made me feel kinda like a baby. Then I wanted to talk to you 1 on 1. The main reason I am writing you is to tell you thank you. You save...
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katelynn
rick,
i think what your doing is great but the presentation wasn't all that great. i mean come on who wants to listen to some guy talk about his wife dieing. sry rick i didn't mean to insult you. what ever though. l8ter...
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Leanna
Rick,
I have seen alot of guest speakers at my school and I would like you to know that I enjoed and respected your presentation the most. to me doing what you do is saveng lifes. To me thats one of the most important jobs of all. Thank you Rick.
...
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Leanna
Rick,
You are one of my biggest heros. The day you came to my school changed my life forever. Both of my parents smoke and when I went home that day I knew what I had to do. I told my mom you'r story and she looked at me and took out her lighter an...
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naydeen
hey rick its been like a really long time since i have sent you anything but i apoligize. today the 6th graders all went to the mall i have a blast i still think about your wife and i am still very sry my mom said that after new years she is going to stop...
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studenet
its been almost 4 mons since you came to are school and i just wanted to tell you that you have changed my famely lifes for ever i shoud my mom your list and she fliped. that same day she put down her sigerate pack and hasent picked up since. thank you!!!...
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Someone....
Hi you came to our school tri-county bout a week ago and it really touched me bout what you said....i will never smoke in my generation....
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Brittany
Id like to start off by saying your story has really touched me and it also made me realize how hard it was for you to lose your wife because of ciggeretes. Because of you, id like to make a difference in the world and try to get my mom to stop smoking. T...
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I'm not sure how to express in words the way I felt during your testimonial at my school, so I will just thank you. Thank you. Thank you for actually giving a damn. You both looked so happy in those pictures. I can't wait until that happens to me. ...
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Wilton
I'd like to start by saying thank you. Having just lost my aunt to cancer caused by smoking the previous weekend, i completely understand what you went through. When you started talking about what your wife went through, i almost started crying, because m...
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Alexandra
You have effected me so much. I"m really going to try and make a difference in the world!! I'm really taking your speech into consideration. I really hope your o.k. about your wife. I feel wicked bad and hope your message can keep going around the world....
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Danielle
Hi Rick! I just wanted to let you know that your story has had such an impact on me. You came to Newton North today, and when our teacher told us that we were going to this assembly, the class was a little unsure about going. I can positively say that aft...
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mary
thank you for coming to my school. this really hit home, and it is a true story. with real people. rick inspired me to try and help my loved ones quit smoking! thank you! ...
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Ashley
Rick has affected me because that helped to not do drugs when I grow up and for all the people out there please do not do drugs.Thank you Rick for coming to our school and showing that hurtful story cause my friend was crin cause she said that her mom smo...
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Quanisha
Rick effected me because he is so amazing to me.I am so sad that your wife died. I hope that you have a great blessed day just to be honest with you and plus I seen you at our school it is named Oak Hill Middle School.I know 1 thing when I grow up I will ...
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Tori
Heyy Rick, umm yea i saw your presentation today, the 13th of December and i just wanted to let you know that i was almost crying because i didnt go to school yesterday because i found out that my great uncle, Pokey is slowly dieing and they gave him some...
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haley
well today you came to my school. i think that your story has really affected alot of people today especially me. everyday i think about my mom and how shes going to die young because she started smoking when she was fifteen. i think that your story and t...
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Liz
Hi Rick. My name is Liz and I am a freshman at Tri-County in Franklin, MA. My entire life I have gotten speech after speech about not smoking, but never before have I ever really listened. I will never pick up another cigarette again, and I just wanted to...
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Mark
Rick, your presentation at my school truly put a tear in my eye. It means so much to me that you take your time to tell students your story. I hope that the message you gave was taken by all. I know without any doubt that I took it in. Even though I had n...
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Hayley
Rick i was very moved by your presentation. It really made me take notice on how dangerous smoking really is. A lot of people in my family smoke but no matter how hard i try they wont quit. When my dad tryed quitting he was really mad all the time and i d...
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chad
dear rick
im doing a school project and i need some information about smoking please help with this ...
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Nate
Hi Rick, you came to our school last yeat, I go to Riverview Middle School, in Huntington, IN. You helped me alot on about smoking. And now you could be a big help. I am doing a Project on smoking, and I need to know if you could give me some INFO. on it....
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Nate
Hey Rick, Thanks for coming to my school last year. I go to Riverview Middle School, IN. I am now a 7th grader, when you came I was a 6th grader. I did not know smoking was so bad for you. I was wondering if you could e-mail me and tell me stuff about Smo...
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Natasha
Rick really affected me by telling us all that his wife died at the age 43. I was always against smoking and he incouraged me to keep going. After that convencation I incouraged both my grandpas to stop and one of my uncles. Thanks a lot...
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Monica
You haven't effected me at all but I need some help. At school we are doing a report on why smoking is bad and why it should be banded. I thought that you could help me out with some information on this topic. Thanks for your help, Monica Riverview Middle...
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Victoria
Rick came to my school, Tri-County, and talked about how I could talk to people in my family that smoked. I really want to talk to my brother about it and I will because I don't want him to die. And I needed to find a way to talk to my friends about qui...
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Freya
Thank you for the great presentation at Tri-County. You really had everyone's attention focused on this extremely important issue. Appreciate all your efforts on behalf of our youth. -Freya ********, School Adjustment Counselor ...
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Brendan
I was already against smoking but Rick's speech at Grafton High School in Massachusetts really strengthened me. I feel sorry about you're wife, and I think your speeches really have affected everyone in our school. It was no joke. Everyone took it serious...
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Harrison
How's it going Rick,
You came into my school today (Grafton High), it was amazing how quiet the students were when all you did was ask for respect.
Even my physics teacher said that you were the best speaker that has ever come in while he was here.
Yo...
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makenzie
when he came our school in boonville, indiana he affected mi by talking about hhow his wife died rom cancer and how it affected him and wat was in ciggarrets it was just so sad i almost started crying :) thank you rick for showing mi wat happens when u sm...
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Arielle
Hi. The story you told about your wife really reminded me of how much smoking affected the lives of other people. My dad died when I was four and my brother two. He did from I think a tumor in the brain. I'm not sure, but I do know it was in the brain. It...
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Teanna
Hi Rick, You came to my school in Cooperstown New York just last week. I just wanted to tell you how who touched everyone in my school. It didn't take everyone long to strike up a conversation about the assembly we had two periods ago. In my history class...
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Anthony
Rick you have efected me in so many ways. You have changed my life around. And I thank you for that. Now I always look at thing a different way. I always look at what could happien instead what I see. the world is a much better place with you in this ...
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Brina
Rick you have affected my whole school. Schenevus and I would like to give many thanks to you for coming and speaking to us on smoking and what are the side affects. Thank you also for the list of ingredients inside a ciggarette! We will cherish this like...
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Michele
Hello Rick, I'm Michele from Sherburne-Earlville NY. You came to our school last week. I just wanted to say you story has inpacted everyone and was so emotional that no one was joking well not as much as from other assemblys. Your story inpacted me becaus...
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Alisha
My boy friend quit somking because i told him about the assemebly we had and i told him what it could do to me and do to him and i also told him that i didnt want to lose him and i felt really bad because of what i said but really its what rick said he is...
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Jacquie
First of all, I would like to thank you. You came to my high school a couple of years ago, and I thought your presentation was great (probably the best one we've had over the last four years). Right now I am working on a Senior research paper on the tob...
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Nicole
When Rick came to our school, it really hit me. I've always known smoking is bad, and I never would do it. My best friend isn't even 16 yet. Her mother had lung cancer, and now she has brain cancer. Tumors in her brain. My best friend sat with me during t...
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Donna
My profession is a Inpatient Smoking Cessation Counselor. I had the pleasure to meet with Rick...his story is very powerful....
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Donna
My profession is an Inpatient Smoking Cessation Counselor. I had the pleasure to meet with Rick...his story is very powerful.
I experienced first hand the horrors of watching a loved one go through cancer. My daughter was 16 when diagnosed with Ewing...
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Emily
you came to my highschool, Cooperstown Ny. and i must say when we all heard it was an assembly about smoking many kids expected to hear the same old things. "just quit" or "its bad".
When you showed us your story and told us real things i dont think ...
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Angela
Your website was posted on the Quitnet today. I just want to say thank you for doing all that you do! I have sent your site to all my friends and family. Another very popular site to help smokers quit is www.quitsmokingonline.com - maybe a good additio...
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Holly
Rick, gotta share another great web site that has helped me quit smoking. I didn't see it on your list of links.
www.whyquit.com
...
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brii
rick realy impacted my life he made every word he said mean something to me im not suree the younger kids understood fully how bad cancer and tobacco is. but it was an awesome presentation i know u have to answer alot of emails so dont feel obligated to w...
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Patrick
Rick, I am Patrick ********* from Sherburne Earlville Central School...You visited us last week sometime. And it was very emotional for everyone. I saw a lot of people crying. Well I'm emailing you because I know how it feels to lose a loved one...My gran...
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Kelly
My Great Grandfather died January 8, 2000. We weren't even really close but I remember that day soo clearly. He died from lung cancer. He would smoke 3 pack of cigarettes a day. It was that day I had vowed never to get involved with tobacco of any form. B...
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Camron
Rick you are a great guy before you had came to canton school to speak i already had made my choice that i was never going to smoke but your story made me even hate it more your wife is in a better place now and i know you miss her... i loved the comment ...
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Amber
I JUST WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW YOUR STORY HAS TOUCH ME AND MANY MORE PEOPLE ,I KNOW HOW IF FEELS TO LOSE A LOVE ONE FROM LUNG CANCER SIX YEAR AGO I LOST MY GRANDFATHER FROM LUNG CANCER IT WAS HARD FOR ME TO LET HIM GO SO THE DAY YOU CAME TO THE I WAS VERY ...
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Willie
Mr. Stoddard your presintation was really touching i have 2 parents that both have smoked since they were in their teens and i hope that they will quit soon. I know its been a while since u came to my school Delaware Academy in Delhi New York. I am not kn...
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Janai
Rick,
i thought your asembally was fanominal you toched alot of people and i just wanted to say thank you for coming to Worcester Central School! You said you aren't a speaker and that your a carpender but you the way you spoke that day was great and...
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Corienne and Ashley
When rick came to walton and told us all his story i felt really sad for him. I sat by one of my good friends and we were just about to cry for him because of what happened to Marie and aslo what Rick and his family had to go through for Marie. I felt lik...
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Melissa
When rick came in i thought. oh my god. another thing about not smoking. blah blah blah.But rick seriously taught me so much. and i want to thank you. Afterwards I thougth about all the people that are dieing from smoking. and im wondering why like every ...
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Mackenzie
Heyy Rick... I am from the Oneonta Middle School in New York.. I just wanted to thank you for coming to our school and telling us about your story... I felt so bad for you... I think that it's great for you to go around to other schools and try to promote...
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Lisa
My Dad had a heart attack and I was so scared but came throw the operation and I was happy he is still alive now I think people should not smoke it is bad for your kids to see you die and you can tell people love you a lot Iam so sorry for what happpen t...
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Joshua
When I was younger my dad used to smoke about two packs of cigarettes a day because he was so addicted to them. When he stoped smoking I was glad because I did not want him to die....
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Keenan
I looked at your website and the video you have on it and it reinforces my decision to quit. I haven't heard you speak, but I respect what you are doing by being proactive. I do deal with the fear of although I have quit smoking and I have no cancer tha...
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Alisha
Rick effected me because almost my whole family smokes and my boyfriend is just quitting but he effected me because of my family and I don't want my family to die of cigeretts its really frustrating for me because im really close to my family and my dad c...
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crawford
rick u helped me change my life cuz when u came in my S-E school i throught it was one of them smoking things again but it wasnt it made me 2 think about smokin and i will never smoke again. my mom died and she was 36 years old and she also had seisures. ...
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Alisha
He also effected me because exactly what julie was talking about but my uncle is dieing and it will change my whole life if he dies and i will be upset for like ever maybe but i know that it will upset me for a while because hes the only person that i can...
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Kathryn
I have never thought so strongly against smoking as I did after Rick came to my school. His story about his wife was amazing and i know i will NEVER smoke! and i will raise my kids to not smoke. i cryed the whole entire time... and i couldn't hold back th...
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Taylor
Mr. Stoddard, Just 20 minutes ago, I was sitting in my schools auditorium listening to your story of Marie and her battle with cancer. It was an honor to be able to shake hands with the man who just stood in front of 150 kids and told the story of this. M...
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Woojin
He made me sad and not to smoke. It reminded me of the time i saw my dad smoking 1 cigar. Me and my sister were angry and tod him to stop. Now he has never smoked since....
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Gianna
Thank you for coming to my school...I learned a lot about smoking..I found out that my Uncle had 6-10days left in his life but he lived for 2 more weeks and then he said i had enough so god toke his hand and brought him up to him and god said take my hand...
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Sean
I am glad you came to our school and shared your story with us. It was a very sad story to tell. In a way i sorta know how you feal because my grandma and dad died from smokin and drinking...
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Amy
Rick came to my school (Cooperstown High) today, December 1st....what he said really struck a deep note in my heart. My mom had breast cancer, my grandpa died of lung cancer and my uncle died of smoking related issues too. I want to do everything I can to...
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South Kortright Student
Rick has affected me alot because he came to our school and told us his story and he takes time to do this because he cares well its really.... its nice when we had the assembly it touched me alot actually i cryed....its sad..My grandmother passed away be...
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Sarina
Rick came to my school today and shared his story to everyone of the S-E highschool students and id just to thank you so much for coming to my school it was my pleasure to introduce you to my school i felt you help to make some of the kids here truely thi...
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Melissa
When rick came in i thought. oh my god. another thing about not smoking. blah blah blah.But rick seriously taught me so much. and i want to thank you. Afterwards I thougth about all the people that are dieing from smoking. and im wondering why like every ...
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Shelby
Rick, came to S-E today, at first i thought ohh here we go another lame story, but this one. this one was different. it made me stop and actually think what smoking can do to you. I looked at it in his view. what if i was him? Hes one strong man to be goi...
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OMS 7th grader
You really spoke to me today. I know I will never smoke!! Thank you soo much for coming to our school today!! You really told me alot!! My sister and my mom smokes. But I can' do anything about it. Im really sorry about your wife. You did everything for h...
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Kara
he came to our school and taught me a very valuble lesson that if we were to smoke then it could ruin our lives like it did his wife and i realli felt bad when i heard that i cried and i just wanted to say to him its ok i have had someone die from that to...
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Baillie
Mr Stoddard,
I really appreciate you coming to our school, Sherburne-Earlville. I see that one of my fellow students has already beat me to leaving a message, however, I would like to personally thank you for coming to our school and talking with us. Y...
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Dana
Thank you Rick for coming to Sherburne-Earlville. A lot of my friends there smoke so I hope that your assembly has touched their hearts as it did mine. My family also smokes and the second I got home I sat down and disscused everything with my mom. ( You'...
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Laurel
Today,11/30/2006, when I heard about your story and how Marie was the love of your life and how she passed away i was so sad because it is painful but we all go through this. don't feel like you're alone, because your not. Life is valuable. I will fight o...
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Sierra
Wow, your story is so tragic and amazing at the same time. You visited our school, Sherburne-Earlville today. I think about 35% of the students left the gym crying. I was one of that 35%. You see, my grandmother was diganosed with cancer in early May last...
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kelli
Mr. Stoddard...I stumbled across your name one day when I decided to quit smoking. The death of your wife Marie must have be so difficult for you. My heart cried out for you and your family. I am a 41 y/o woman with two boys aged 16 and 20. I am happy to ...
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just a waitress
finally went to your website..haven't stopped crying yet. 7 weeks today without a butt and it s****!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i have been a dedicated smoker for 31, yes 31 years. as i go through you web site it brought me right back to t...
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Jon
Thank you for coming to my school at S-E today. I have never had someone in my family die from tobacco use, nor have I ever smoked myself, but my grandfather has smoked pretty much all of his life. He is now on oxygen and he is living in a nursing home. H...
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OMS 8th grader
i know what it's like to loose somebuddy because of smoking. when you came to my school today i thought that it would be boring: then once you got talking it really got my attention. i feel really sory for u. I wish that there was a way to protest or some...
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Jason
Thaks for coming to my school your spech really touched me inside. i am really sorry to hear about your wife thanks agen for coming to my school...
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Emmily
My dad is currently dying from cancer and my grandmda and one of my uncles have both died from smoking. I understood everything abouth the chemo and radiation. of course ive always known the dangers of smoking but the way rick tells his story..it made alm...
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Bianca
Rick affected me by giving me the information and confidence that I can change my generation, and I am going to talk to my mom. My mom has been a smoker for six years now, right after my dad was in a bad accident she started smoking and i am very worried ...
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Justin
Me and my girlfriend are both 23 and i dont think of ourselves as middle aged. She smokes constantly, i do not and i want her to quit more than anything in the world. This website will give me one more reason to bring it to her attention. Thanks ....
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Royce
Rick you came to my school today 11/30/06 your words and your life story made me think of all my family members that have smoked and died from it so from now on u are the motavative specker in my life
REMEMBER EDMESTON WE ROCK!!!!!!
Than you so much....
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Kasia and Steff
You really moved me and my friends at school today. I thought that the information you gave us ws helpful. I dont think i will ever smoke now because i dont want to put they ones i love in danger. You made me think of one of my favorite songs called "live...
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XOXOXOXOXOXO
Hi Rick I just want to tell you something. It might hurt you a little and you don't have to publish it or anything. I really do think your wife died for a reason! You saved so meny lives and you don't know it! If your wife didn't died I don't think you wo...
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Lillian
I was so happy that you came to my school. It made me really understanding of everything! I hope I will be able to make a difference in the world. I really hope that I will be able to try and stop people from smoking. It helps everyone so please anyone wh...
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kaleigh
he made me think twice about smoking and i will never smoke in my life because my mom and grandma died of smokin and my mom had seicures all the time and i was scared that she was goin 2 die and she did die she had a seigure when she was takin a bath and ...
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kaleigh
he made me think twice about smoking and i will never smoke in my life...
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Julie
Thank you Rick for coming to my school and telling all of us about yours and your wifes story....a lot of kids in my school think smoking is fun and sit outside our school gates smoking...i can tell you i have never smoked anything in my whole life and i ...
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Brendan
I can relate to the story you told on November 30,2006. My gandfather died from second hand smoking. He was 47 years old when he died. He was a police officer and some of the men he worked with smoked. People in the world that smoke caused his death and ...
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Natasha
If your looking for someone to express his feelings, with no regrets, and no looking backs, but with dignity and respect. Rick Stoddard is the person you need to use. Rick came to my High School in October of 2006, it was pretty neat to see his emotions, ...
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Mitchell
today I saw you at my school and it made me cry listing to your story about your wife. My dad is a smoker and i will tell him about the things I learned from you in the 60 or 70 minutes you were speaking. And your thing about this generation being able to...
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Bill
Rick you can to my school today 11/29/06 and you realy hit home with your story. My dad Mike now needs a heart transplant and has a Pacemaker in his chest, all because he smoked for 27 years. Your Words just put it all in perspective when he saw your adds...
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Alicia
hey Rick, you have just visited South Kortright and youre presentation was amazing.. I give you so much credit to talk about your wife everytime that you visit a different school.. I hope that in a few years you will come back and visit.. I think that the...
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casey
alot of people in my shecool have stop smokeing becase of what you have done i got your letter mail you sent me for reality check ok i wil keep you udated on that...
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paige
it is amzing how many people you have helped stop smoking by looking at the letters they have wrote to you i dont ever want to smoke ever in my whole life thanks to you!
*~PAIGE~*...
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Macy
Hey Rick. This is the second time e-mailing you. you came to my school on November 2nd. It is now November 27. Your words still stay with me. When ever i see someone smoking i walk away because im even more afraid of dying from second hand smoking more t...
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paige
thanks for coming to our school it was rele amazing to know all those big huge words that are bad for you. My grandma smokes and i tell her not to she doesnt listen but when i went to see her i told her not to smoke around me and she said ok and then i we...
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Maggie
Rick, you have affected me so much. Both my mom and dad I am afraid that they are going to die because of lung cancer. Know I know that I will NEVER smoke EVER!! I dont even know why people smoke?!?!?!? Well thank you for coming to mexico middle school. H...
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Tiffany
Rick, You have touched my heart! Thank you so much . You are such a great person, You must feel so great about yourself. You must feel so great knowing that you save so many lives just by telling your story. You probaly saved at least 25 lives at our scho...
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dustin
he made me think of life and how i treat people better and that it could happen to anyone...
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Lisa
When you presented at Ballston Spa High School about how they advertise to young kids it reminded me of those candy cigarrettes. I remember seeing people eatting them when i was younger and on cold days people would breathe out and you could see their bre...
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Chris
Rick has affected me yet, but I just made arrangements for our school to benefit from his speaking performance.
Ironically the Cancer Association had just cancelled a guest speaking engagement so this will fit in perfectly.
I can't wait to have Rick c...
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Jena
Rick, We had such an amazing time getting to know you. I hope you and your wife Chris and grandsons have a wonderful Thanksgiving!! Sarah is here with me, and she wanted me to tell you that it has been a month and counting since she quit smoking. She is v...
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ashley
hey rick i was just writting to let u know that when u came to our school u gave me the corage to wake up and realise what smoking can really do to a person but mostley what it can do to a person as young as me i also realised that i need to quite smoking...
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hilary
When you visted my high school about a 3 weeks ago in indiana that really got me thinking on how many people die from cigarettes my mom smokes.I really wouldn't like her to die i tell her every day that she is putting tar into her body and that she is eff...
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Beth
Thank you 4 visiting my school my cousin smokes,drinks,and anything else possible and she agravates me so bad because im sososososo alergic to ciggrettes...
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April
He came to my school (Thompkins Middle School) and told us his story.I realized how everything was true.Four out of five of my brothers smoke and drink.my dad and uncles smoke and drink too.Im not sure about anyone else.It really bothers me!I have told th...
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Seneca
Hi my name is Seneca and I know exactly what Rick is going through. I lost my mother in October 2 2006 and I still haven't gotten over that. Thank you for visiting our school (Lowville Academy) I wish I could do more....
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Alex
Hey Rick,
I really liked how you taught everyone i've tryed to stop some people to quit by using alot of those mesages lol well ill let you go bye...
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Jessica
today (November 17) you visited my school.(Ballston Spa) I wanted to thank you for you talking with me and my friend. It ment a lot to me to have such a great and touching story in my life. I am going to sit down tonight and talk with my mom abnout quitti...
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Jessy
UMM he mad me cry because my dad smokes and i am really scared that something can happen to him and i think about it everyday...
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Stephanie
Omg! Thank You Soo Much For Comin To Rensselaer! I Was About to cry! My Dad Just Resently Passed Away Of Lung Cancer In Both Lungs & A Sroke & Paralyzation in his right side of his body! & Soo Has All My Aunt & Uncles Nd Grandparents on His side! So I Hav...
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nicole
rick thank you so much for comming to boonville jr. high... your story was so touching i know how you feel my aunt smokes and my mom is doing every thing she can to make her stop but she just wont.. and i really dont want to lose her but everything happe...
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bryan
hey rick, you were great at our school and also you said the truth and only the truth well see you later....
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Manda
thankyou for coming to mexico middle school i am 11 years old and i just wasnted to thankyou i think u touched alot of hearts i knew i cried
...
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Darienne
dear rick,
u came 2 my highskool in massena and u hav changed my life. i went online to yahooooooooo and sent a respct story about you and marie. i hav a thing calld an online stardoll and u get 2 have a blog. in my blog i put in ur story and stated t...
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amanda mae
thankyou please try to write back thankyou for comming to mexico middle school...
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kenzie
hi rick,this is kenzie 4m mexico middle school.ur story was so sad but also it was also inspiering.so i would like to thank u 4 coming and talking to me and my school!
thank u
kenzie ...
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Ashley
When i was 5 my dad stopped smoking, and now i am trying to get my grandma to...
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Michelle
Wow Rick, I'm from Voorheesville and when you spoke at our school, i was astonished. I knew smoking was bad for you but I obviously had no idea. Both of my grandmothers have died of cancer, and all of their parents before them. My aunt on my dad's side ju...
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Lindsay
Dear Rick, I am glad that you came to visit my school in Voorheesville. You made me realize how terrible cigarettes are,and not only how they affect the person who smokes, but those that are close to them as well. Your speech was tremendous and eye openi...
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Jennifer
I heard Rick speak at Central High School. When I walked in the auditorium I thought it was just going to be another boring speaker that wouldn't matter if we listened or not. But I did listen because his story interest me. He said that he was with his wi...
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Emily & Brittney
Hello Rick,
You resently visited our school. My Friend and I were thinking about you prsentation later on that day. We thought that wouldnt smoking be considered suicide or even murder. Suicide becuase smoking kills you and murder because second hand...
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Alexa
Today you came to my school and you really inspired me to get eevryone I know to quit smoking. The only thing was that I think you lied to us. You are a speaker, when you said you weren't. You inspired a lot of my friends and myself. My aunt died because ...
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Michaela
Thank you for coming to Voorheesville today. You changed my life. My brothers college friend smokes how should I help him. The pictures you showed of Marie are beautiful. I'm sad that she died. Please Write back soon if you can....
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Jay
Rick has really affected my life he has just spoke at my middle school and I have really learned how many things there are in cigarretes. I think it is terrible that the tobacco industry tries to get us kids to smoke. Thanyou for speaking to our school....
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hello, when you came to my school and you told your story it made me feel really sad because my mom smokes. i tryed to get her to quit and she said "i will someday" and now i wont stop bothering her about it and shes smoking less now, i really wanted to t...
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brian
im really sorry about ur wife i loved how came to our school never ever thought u would kuz our schools real small im so glad u did thank very much it was imsperractional...
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Stephanie
Rick, you came to my school a couple weeks ago and I appreciate it. I think you truly touched alot of people including me. I am 16 years old and my father died in January of 06. When you told the story about your wife it made me think of my dad. He also d...
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Stephen
Thanks a lot Rick for coming to Albany High and sharing you story, it affected me and I'm sure it affected others as well. You are a great man and keep up the good work....
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Kirsten
Hi Rick my name is Kirsten and really are inspiring and tough.I mean to get up and tell your story about your wife dying wow that must be really hard.My friends and I were crying.You are a great role model and keep it up.My Great Grandfather died about 2 ...
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Jason
Rick, today you came to Voorheesville Middle School and I on behalf of the school would like to thank you for what you did. I am in eighth grade and my grandfather is currently suffering from enfazima at age 74. He started smoking at age 15. Every day I w...
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Hi Rick, I just wanted to tell you that you are doing a great job, and even though you said that you weren't a speaker, you definately sounded like one and you did a great job. I don't know that many people that smoke, but if I did, I would certainly tell...
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adam
my mom smokes so thanks to you i am trying
to stop her she wont listen so how do you make her listen i would be sad if she died so please listen to me and help...
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amnda
he affected me very well i knew not to smoke because both of my grandfathers died of lung cancer my granfather on my dads side died on my b -day a year ago than my moms dad died when i was 2 yearrs old that story made me cryy i didn't lett anyone else...
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Samantha
hi, my name is sam ****** and i am 11 years old.i think that it is great that you go around telling kids that if they smoke it will ruin their lifes. my mom smokes and i would like her to stop. she said that she would quit on halloween but she never did.i...
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ricki
I think that its great that rick is travling around and going to schools to pervent them from smokeing.....everyone in my family smokes except me and my dad....i have 6 people in my house and 4 of them smoke.Me and my dad are sick of breathing in smoke...
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amanda mae
i kno alot of people that smoke like my whole family accept for my aunt lori and my uncle dan but everyone else on my dads side smokes my grandpa died a year ago on my birthday my grandma still smokes my cousin who is 18 my cousin who is 20 smokes my w...
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Michael
Dear Rick: Hello my name is Michael from Clifton-Fine Centeral School i am 13 years old and i like you speach not smoking and stuff like that. My dad smoked and he went in the hospitial in potsdam in November 2006 because he had a blood clot in his leg. H...
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Tyler
Hello, my name is Tyler ******. I'm 12 years old and go to South Jefferson Middle School. I loved your presentation. Rick you've changed my life forever!! I want to thank you sooooooo much. I've probably seen 1 million presentations in my 12 years of livi...
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Jessica
Last time u had came to our school i got really upset knowing that both my parents had smoked. that night i had sat myparent down adn told them what i thought and told them about that u had said about thing in smoking and what it does to love one. My pare...
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amanda
it was a very sad storyyou just came to are school (mexico middle school)
this story affected a lot of my friends one of my friends is 12 she smoked for a while and then your story got her to quit and i thank you shes in the hospital right now and gettin...
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Amanda
Well you made me cry becasue of his wife dying. She was pretty and she looked good. But, i am mostly affected by which she had radiation done so many times. ...
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christin
i loved the story.i am only 12 and once i tried smoking. but now i know the truth i quit as soon as he came to my school. thanks for saving my life rick!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!...
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Sarah
During your presentation I cried. My grandpa suffered the same way your wife did. You really touched my life. My heart was already set on not smoking, but you made me look at cigarettes in a different way. I want all the tobacco industries out of busi...
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Marissa
Dear Rick, I am realy sorry about your wife and i realy liked your presintaion.Thank you for coming to my school. I hope you can come back in the spring mabey. Your AWSOME!!!!!!...
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Amanda
my mom has been smoking since she was 16. about 3 or 4 years ago she tried to quit. it worked for about 2 months. then about a year later, she tried again. she had been smoke free for 2 years, and our whole family was happy and proud of her. but about 2 w...
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Marcie
Rick,
I am a teacher in New York, where you came to speak to our students last week. I wanted you to know that students were talking about the presentation and you are making a difference. I gave my husband a note to ask him to stop smoking and I sent ...
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wissa and samantha
heyy rick this is wissa and samantha we have wrote to you for the past 3 days we think that you are a very good incperation to all of the kids in the u.s wissa is staying at my house and we both wanted to say thank you for all of you have taught us like s...
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Faleshia
Dear Rick,
Thank-you for yesterday`s preasantation about smoking. Out of all the people that taught me about smoking
your presentation was the best. I am so sorry about what happened to your wife Marie. You are the coolest guy in the world!!! I hope one...
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wissa
♥ ♥ ♥ heyy,rick its melissa again me and my friend sam have been writting to you affter you talked to our school i wrote to you yeasteday i dont know if you got it so bye talk to you tomorrow ♥ melissa :)...
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colleen
dear rick,
i think your story about marrie was greta! i think it really helped all the kids and me at my school help themrealize the dangers of somking. my grandpa smoked when he was younger and when he was 64 he died of pancrotic cancer. now my other gr...
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Katie
Rick,
Thank you for coming to our school and telling us about Marie. Your wife seemed like a lovely woman! Just remember if she was with you now she'd be suffering a whole lot. But right now she doesnt have to suffer anymore. Please keep telling America ...
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Alex
Rick came to speak in my school and his story was very touching and eye-opening....
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Nicole
Dearest Rick,
I cannot thank you enough for coming to speak to the youth in St. Lawrence county. Working in the prevention field is very difficult when not much progress is seen. It is very touching to know that there aer people like you in the world t...
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Nicole
hi rick. i think you are really brave to do this for your wife. i remember when you came to my school, you are a really good guy for doing this for Marie. and i am very sorry that she is gone out of your life. But i think she is very happy that you are do...
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Alyssa
dear rick-
i don't know if u remeber going to Doe Creek Middle School but i do i'm proud that you are going around and telling ppl about how that can affect you. I learned very important things from you. I promse that i will NEVER smoke:]].
...
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Tom
Rick:
I would like to take this occassion to thank you for the dynamic presentation you delievered to the adults in Lewis County two weeks ago. I believe that if we could clone you we would be further ahead in the tobacco war. As you know we had 77 peo...
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samantha
dear rick i am so sorry about your wife i wish that i can bring her back for you but i know that i cant today you have tought me alot about your wife marie she sounds like a great lady i wish that she was there to tell us her self i think that you are ver...
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Ryan
I think your presentation was great, and had affected almost everyone that was there. It was November 8th. I thought that your speech was worth it, and influenced me to stay away frm things like cigarettes. (I didn't have ANY thought of starting anyway he...
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thomas
you have made me feel bad for those who lost a loved one because of smoking and second hand smoke. you went to massena ny on nov 8,2006, you made an impression on all of my class. it was so nice of you to speak to us even though your not much of a speaker...
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melissa
Rick you are brave to tell peple about your life. Your wife she was very pretty it was a shame to lose her from smoking. im glad you brought that list of chemicals to massena high school it should us if we start to smoke how much stuff is going into our b...
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hi rick i know it has been hard on u whem marie died u are doing a great job of helping children not to smoke or chew tobbacco your assembally on November 8,2006 i know it has been hard to think of the thought of loosing your wife marie I remember when u ...
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Brittany
dear rick i am brittany ******** and i just want to say that i am really sorry about your wife she was so pretty.when i saw you today i thought you were not going to teach me any thing but when i sat there and herd evey thing you said that mad me think i ...
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Ashley
hey rick i just wanted to let u know that u are a great roll modal for teaching kids not to smoke.My grandma died of cancer because she smoked to much and i wish she never picked up the habit because my brother smoks a lot know and can not stop....
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Jordan
hi rick my name is jordan ***** and i now wat its like to lose a loved one my uncle and grandfather both died from lung cancer and my other grandpa has conjestive heart failuer and he used to smoke allot my grandma and my mom also smoke allot and they bot...
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samantha
hey rick this is samantha ******* agian i just wanted to inform you how much of a roll model you are to me i wish that you can teach a non-smokers class i my school i go to jefferson elementary it has been a plesure for you to tell every one of the kids a...
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Ethan
Dear Mr. Stoddard,
Your presentation opened a new world to me. A world that needs help like you. I want to help. My mom smokes and works at a cigarette factory. I talked to her about everything I knew, but now I can tell her thi...
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kendra &samantha
you have shared with us the reality of the world and the drugs we have to learn to avoid. we really appriciate you taking your own time to come to our school and help us understand what can really happen. like you said we recall saying "that can never hap...
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Brooke
Hi, you came to my school today in massena. thanks for what you said. i have smoked. once. i quit a while back because my throat hurt after. its really skrewed up that people do smoke. is it really worth it!? you can buy soo many things with that money (i...
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zachary
Thankyou for showing me how dangerous smoking can be and what it can do...
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samantha
hi rick this is samantha i am at home it is 5;33pm i just got done watching your vides aboutyour wife marie and my mother was watching it with me she had a vey serious look on her face it suprized me i want to inform you about my life i am from canada and...
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Lindsey
Hey Rick,
I really appreciate you coming to Carthage High School, in new york. Some people may not have shown you the proper level of respect, but what your doing is great.My father has smoked since he was just a kid, and he really suffers the reprocusio...
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samantha
rick think that you are an incperation to all kids throught out the u.s. i also think that you have done a very great job convenc ing to people in the massena high school aditourium not to smoke i will tell you what i have done a good job on me i really t...
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Jayden
Ha Rick,you affected me so much.It had the same affect that when my own dad was informed that he had a tumor in his liver.
The story you said on November 8,2006 about your wife Maria made me cry about my dad. your story was beatiful....
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Donald
HI Rick, you came to my school november 7, 2006 hammond central school you are an insperation to me because i was caught smoking and i regret it because of what you said today i really believe i can make my grandparents stop smoking but they will not list...
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Casey
you went to my shcool to day heavelton central! i am 12 and i dont smoke but my friends do and that makes me sad my dad used to smoke until i went up to him and said dad your killing your sef and that means i will have no dad and he said ok i will stop an...
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Nicholas
Rick affected me so much i'm going to be like him and help the u.s. to get rid of all tobacco products in our country!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
P.S.- i'm glad you came to Gouverneur Middle School !!!!!!!!!!!!!!...
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Bruce
Rick,
I was the teacher you called on stage today at Heuvelton central. Your emotions were true and I have to say my mother smoked for thirty years and quit because she had a lump off her lung removed. That was enogh for me.I hope that my siblings will...
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Leonna
Rick, you have inspired me so much. You visited my school in Carthage a week ago and I'm sorry that I am just now getting to write this. I should have done it sooner. I believe that there is hope for you and whatever you do, DON'T GIVE UP! I have been t...
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Taylor
Hey rick, Thank you soooo sooo much for coming to our school (Mexico academy schools) in central New York. We appreciated it very much and even though you came when i was in 5th grade like 3 yrs ago, your 2nd presentation was G-r-e-a-t!!! I hope you come ...
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Lesley
Dear Rick,
I know how you feel everyday. My grandpa lives in Hermon Dekalb,NY and he had a stroke when he was in his 30's from smoking and his right arm has been paralized for at least.... Well, i'm not really sure but it has been paralized from wh...
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brigette
Hi rick when u came to canton today i felt like i was going to cry. Im very sorry about your wife and i want to do whatever i can to help you put that gross tabacco industry out of business! Abour 4 years ago i lost my favorite aunt. Her name was debbie s...
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Mike
Hey I'm Mike, you did a hell of a job today man...I know wut it's like to lose someone you care about. I lost my girl a couple days ago. I was dating her for 3 years and now were done. My brother smokes alotta stuff, crack, cocaine, and tobacco. It's...
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Jessica
Today is November 7th, 2006 on a Tuesday. I just wanted to say your story affected me so very much. Both of my grandfathers died of lung cancer. They both started smoking early. They left both my grandmas heart broken and lonley. I don't want to see thi...
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Donald
HI Rick, you came to my school november 7, 2006 hammond central school you are an insperation to me because i was caught smoking and i regret it because of what you said today i really believe i can make my grandparents stop smoking but they will not list...
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RANDY
hey rick im Randy ******* you visited my school(norwood norfolk school) on november 6 2006 i admired your speech and it changed my out look on life.and the teacher you called up was my teacher mr.fetter. randy ...
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Josh
Hey Rick, thanks for coming to our school yesterday. I really took what you said to heart about smoking. I really thought your presentation was great and i hope you keep trying to keep teens from smoking....
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Travis
thanx rick for teaching me not to smoke. when we were headed to this assembly i thought it was going to be really boring because all the other presentations ive been to they have benn really boring. But i really liked ures and i think that really taught s...
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Eric
On monday november the 6th Rick Stoddard visited Canton Middle School in upstate N.Y. He preached a message of anti smoking, and i dont think theres a person in the aduience he did not reach. 350 kids sat mesmerized As he told the heart tingling story abo...
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Brittany.
Hey Rick, you just came to my school on November 7. Your presentation was very touching and opened my eyes even further about the truth and consequences of smokeing. My grandparents both died of smoking and and it was very sad to hear the toll smoking had...
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ashley
hi rick i just wanted to let u know that the speach u gave us today really helped me think more about quiting smoking ...
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Paige
Dear Rick I am grateful that you came to the Gouverneur middle School to explain the major change in your life, and why it is a bad idea to smoke. Your story has encouraged me to to make the effort to try and get my grandma to stop smoking.My grandma's co...
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briana
hey rick, you really did a great job today!! and i got teary eyed but, my mom smokes and has been for about 20 years and i want her to stop because she has this awful cough and i am worried about her. So can you also send me a list of all the stuff that i...
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Emily
I loved your presentation, it was very touching and im really glad that you came to our school today because it made me relize even more than i already did about how bad smoking is and how sick it is to smoke. It also made me think about mi uncle that ha...
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Tori
Hi Rick, my name is Tori Beecher and you came to my school today. Today is November 6, 2006. I was very sad to hear about your wife. I am also worried about my mom because she smokes. My grandpa smokes about two packs a day and he has been smoking sin...
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Shaunah
Dear Rick Stoddard,
Today, November 6th, 2006, you came to the Gouverneur Central High School. I just wanted to let you know that your stories really touched me. My Grandma just passed away one month ago from cancer. She never smoked a day in her l...
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Elizabeth
Rick has affected me so much. I feel bad for his loss. My dad smokes, I wish he didn`t. His story will help me not to not smoke. I will keep trying to get my dad to smoke. I will never lose hope trying to make him quit because i love him soo much. I will ...
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------------------
Rick influenced me in a very powerful way. His way with the words and his seroiusness was great too. I was stunned when he told us about his wife, and how smoking did that to her. I now know even more reasons why smoking is extremly dangerous...
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Kayla
Rick,
wow what can i say...well you cmae to Norwood-norfolk today and when you spoke to us it really affected me..you see my step-dd smokes and he is very sick and it sucks cuz i don't want to lose him cuz i already lost my real dad...well i just hav...
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Adam
Mr. Stoddard has affected me by showing me the effects of cancer, and how it hurts the people who live with a smoker. My mom and dad used to smoke, but they quit. I am very happy that they did. You came to my school Pulaski Jr. Sr. High school. Thank you ...
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Michael
Hello rick, you may not know me but i was at Central Square Middle School when you came to visit. I would like to thank you and let you know that when you talked about reality check I remembered that my sister was in the group! She might not be with then ...
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Morgan
Dear Rick,
I was woundering if you could send the list of stuff in cigeretts to th e-mail adress below so I can show my dad and his girlfriend what is in cigeretts so maybe they will try to stop smoking around my sister and I?...
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Alexis
Hi rick. You visited my school Friday at the Fulton Jr. High school. My grandfather is very active. We do everything together. We fourwheel, we go skiing at Song mountain, we pretty much do everything together. Evertime I go to my grandparents house, he i...
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Samantha
Dear Rick Stoddard,
You Came To My School About 4-5 Days Ago...(Belliville Henderson Central School)
I Loved Your Speech And Will Always Think Of It! You Were Very Nice Too Come And tell It Too Us..I give Love 2 Your Wife Marie, And Will Never See someo...
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Courtnie
Rick, I'd just want to thank you for coming to our school.[pacs] Your story was amazing. I hope you can come again because you probably just saved at least 5 peoples lives by sharing your story. Well thanks again and especially thank you for sharing your ...
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Kelsey
Rick you have affected my life alot. I told everything that you said yo my parents, and a old friend who was just getting in to smoking. Im from the South Jefferson Middle School. My friend thanks me and you alot. She now realizes the dangers of smoking a...
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Casey
Well both my parents smoke. My mom has stopped many times but still she is affected. I just want my dad to be alive when hes 60. ...
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Mary
You cam to the Gouverneur middle school today and i saw you !! well..My mom has heart daises and she might die sooner than other ones !! thanks for the sapport !!
Love always
mary ...
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Heather
Rick..you inspire me soo much!!!... my dad smokes and it's sad..i want to talk to him but iam afarid..my mom quit...but after i told her that you came and i told her the storying that she started smoking again...she smokes 1 a day....iam really afarid tha...
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John
Hey, Rick you were at my school today, Canton, I think you really affected alot of kids in our school that is all everyone talked about all day. Your story truly made me think. My Grandma just started again after we talked her into quitting. Well I nee...
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Danielle
hey rick, you just came to my school on November 2. Central Square Middle School. my mom and dad both smoke and 2 out of 3 sisters. my aunt told me she wud stop smoking but then she started up again. I joined the paper clip sheet that you passed around. t...
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Katie
Rick u have affected me so much and some alot of other people in Mexico Middle School.
My cousin died at age 25 this year from breast cancer but she also smoked.She had a 5 year old little girl.Thank you soo much for coming to our school....
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Marissa
Hey Rick, Today, November second, you came to my school, Pulaski Academy and Central School. You touched close to home with you speach. My uncle passed away over the summer from a heart attack triggered by smoking. It hurt, and now, after your words, I re...
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Erica
Mr. Stoddard,I'm a freshmen at Carthage High School. I thank you so much for coming to our school. I'm sure you affected many students. I know many people that smoke, including my mom. My mom has smoked since she was a teenager. I tried it myself and got ...
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Joelle
youWhen you told me your story alli could think about was my mom she has smoked scinceshe was17...
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jon
i am very grateful you came to our school and talked to us about tobacco use. i can imagine it must be hard for you to talk about your wife and what happened to her. i know what its like to lose someone. and again thank you ...
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Taylor
Thank you Rick I really felt that in my heart and I will never forget you or your wife. I lost a love one too,from smoking. I had a great time yesterday listening to you and I would like to help you in anyway to get those smoking adds out of papers and ou...
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Joelle
Thankyou!When you told me your story all I could think about was my mom she has smoked scince she was17. She is tring to quiet.She hasent smoked for almost a month.
My family owns a body shop called Paridise Collision. My Step dad owns it and ...
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Tiffany
Thank you so much for coming to my school on November 2nd 2006. You touched my heart and everyone elses there. It is just a shame to know that so many young childeren get exposed to smoking through things like movies. I wish they could make it illegal. If...
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Alicia
your coming to or school was a good thing to do.I am tring to get my mom to quit now but i make her smoke outside because i knew about second hand smoke. I am sorry that your wife died of smokeing. I had an uncle that died from cancer but not from smokein...
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Macy
Hey Rick!! My Uncle Dave died in 2003. On Valentine's Day. He watched me every day when I was little. He watched Barney with me, played with me, cooked me lunch, and took my nap with me. When he started taking oxygen I was devistated. I talked to him and...
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Laurie
hello rick, my name is laurie and i am in the mexico middle school. i was the one in the front row laying down most of the time and i appologize i was crying expecily when you started to play the music i have stopped smoking but my mom does it still i am ...
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Abby
Dear Rick, you have done so much like to not start smoking or to do any drugs. i hope that other ppl that you go to will have the same affect . your story was so sad that so many ppl around me were crying but i was so sad i almost i cryed a little . i hop...
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leesa
hi rick thanks for coming to talk to us at mexico middle school your storie realy touched me because i realized that all that happening to my grandma right now and it made me cry when you told that your wife went though that and suffered like that becaus...
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Mariah
Rick, What you said that day i Told my brother he Smokes and I asked him if he could stop. My step dad used to smoke but he quit for our sake. You have really changed alot of peoples lives and you defentally have changed my life I will never Forget you Ri...
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Maggie
Thank you Rick for coming to Mexico Middle School. You affected me so much. When you played the music at the end and said :Thank You" I cried. Thank you so much for coming. I will definetly not smoke and talk to my family about trying to quit somking....
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leesa
rick thank you so much for coming to mexico middle school and sorry for your loss and the same thing that happened to you is happening to me right now and i just lossed a aunt 2 years ago because of cancer and a uncle 7 years ago because of a car crash bu...
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Meghan
rick the day you came to Mexico Middle school on November2, 2006 my aunt died 2 days before that and she went thourgh the same thing that your wife went thourgh .That day when you came to talk to use i felt like crap but then you made me feel like i coul...
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Lyndsey
I really liked your presentation at the fulton jr high school. I'mm in 7th grade and I lost my grandfather 11 years ago when I was 2 due to smoking....
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anonymous
I am from Fulton Junior High,and you really impacted me and my freind.FRIEND.I dont think that only about 10 people were actually paying attention and were impacted by your speach. After you were all done everyone was just interested in finding their frie...
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kenzie
Rick, i want to thank you for coming to my school in Central Square. You really told me deadly things about smoking I did not know. Your presentation was great and you story was inspiring to help fight against the tabacco companies. Hope your grandson has...
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morgan
When Rick came to our school I wasnt really excited. But when I saw the first slides of him and Marie then I knew that this was going to be a terrible thing about smoke and cancer. Thank you Rick you made it clear to me about what i should do with my life...
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Brenna
rick I'm so happy you came to our school because I didn't know that smoking can put a lot of pressure on your life. My uncle smokes and my grandpa smoked but he passed away because his lungs queit. But I do know what it is like to have someone in your fam...
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Melinda
Rick, thank you for coming to my school[MMS]. I think you have accually got it through most of the people at my school that smoking it dumb and worthless. ...
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Lauren
I'm so sorry for your loss. Your message really hit it home for me. I started crying thinking of my own recent loss. I lost my grandpa in August, right before a big basketball tournament. He had emphysema from smoking since he was young, he died at 67....
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Jordan
He has told me not to smoke and what he has told me is very special because my grandmother had lukemia and the told her that she has 4 months to live in July and she is still alive today and healthier than ever. She has lost so much weight and today is N...
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matt
rick, you visited my school today located in central square NY. you told us about your wife and how it has effected you. i would just like to let you know that your hard time and effort toward letting the news out about tobacco companies to youths is work...
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matt
my granmother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer 3 years ago. my family has created a website and you are more than welcome to put it on your great links page.
www.omafoundation.org...
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Danielle
Rick
your story touch so many people at mexico middle....after your story many people cried including me.... i was very touch i have seen you before.. but the second time it really did hit me ..... people in my family smokes and i don't like it and t...
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Deanna
You came to my school yesterday. to Sandy Creek,NY. At the end dof your story about Marie I was crying. Thanks for coming to are school!...
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Rick,
Thank you for coming to our school on November 1 at South Jefferson in Adams, NY i understand completly I have had so many family members die of lung cancer and other types of cancers but mostly lung cancer because it runs in the family and ...
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Colleen
Rick,
When I first started writting, I thought about telling you about my dad who lived with a 15 % chance at life. Or I could tell you about Jada, my cousin, who died of cancer at three years old. Or I could just thank you so much for inlightning me t...
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Goble
Thanks for coming to Mexico Middle School today. I appreciated your transparency and your passion. Thank you for working so hard to make a difference in the lives of our young people! Bless you!!
...
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michelle
rick i told the people that smoke in my family and i think things will change THANK YOU SOOO MUCH you will change my life and i am from mexico middle school ...
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Justin
Rick has been a big help getting my mom to quit her smoking, he recently visited my school in mexico ny and shared alot of information.>Justin...
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michelle
rick i told my parents to stop smoking and i thing things will change thank you so much you and i am so sorry about marie and i will respect her totally i now i know that is can happen to anybody and know i dont wan6t is to be me or my family how sad were...
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Katie
Rick u have affected me so much and some alot of other people in Mexico Middle School.
My cousin died at age 25 this year from breast cancer but she also smoked.She had a 5 year old little girl.Thank you soo much for coming to our school....
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Marissa
Hey Rick, Today, November second, you came to my school, Pulaski Academy and Central School. You touched close to home with you speach. My uncle passed away over the summer from a heart attack triggered by smoking. It hurt, and now, after your words, I re...
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Nichole
Hi Rick,
you have infectted me by opening my eyes to see that smoking is very bad for you. Im gonna incourge my parents to stop smokeing so i wanted to say thank you.
Thank You,
...
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Iris
Dear Rick,
Hey. You have come to Mexico Middle school two times. Or was it three? Either way, I was there for all of them. I've had already eight people in my family die from smoking, and as I write this, I can smell tobacco from my dad's Buds in the ash...
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Veronica
Well my mom died of a turmor in her brain that they couldn't take out.And it was caused by smoking.She died on October 4th 2006 at 8:35 in the morning.When Rick came to my school and talked about how he lost a very important person in his life.It kind of ...
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Shannon
Rick has affected me by now knowing what will happen if someone smokes too much ciggeretes.It now makes me know if i dont tell someone about the causes of smoking it will be there funeral.Thats not how i want someone to end up so im telling everyone that ...
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Erica
Mr. Stoddard,I'm a freshmen at Carthage High School. I thank you so much for coming to our school. I'm sure you affected many students. I know many people that smoke, including my mom. My mom has smoked since she was a teenager. I tried it myself and got ...
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Nicole
I am very sorry about Marie. Every night from now on I am going to pray for you and Marie. I know what it's like to lose a loved one from some sort of disease. On September 11, 2004 my grandma died from a kidney disease. Her name was Bertha Marie LaVigne....
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Christine
Dear, rick thanks for comming to help us learn about your wife and your story I told my mom about it and I showed her your web site she sad that must have been really hard to get over and that she is going to stop smoking THANKS RICK FOR HELPING MY MOM QU...
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Chelsey
Wow, where to began? Im a 14 year old freshman at Carthage High School, I have been smoking since I was 11. I thought it was kool at first then I couldnt stop, That was all i thought about all the time, I listen to you speak and I cried becasue I knew tha...
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kendra
Hi rick,
my name is kendra. im from adams center, ny.
You came to my school today and i want to thank you for coming and showing and telling things about smoking. im really sorry about your loss. i understand completely about you story. my aunt is going...
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Danielle
Dear Rick, Thank you sooo much for comming to Carthage School. I am truly sorry for your loss, and I will never forget how the assembly that you gave to us all truly touched me. I'm trying to get both of parents to not smoke, because my grandfather use to...
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Crystal
Rick, Thanks so much for comming to Carthage High and talking to us about tobacco. I am very sorry for you loss. But your story was truely an inspiration. I lost my uncle a few days ago to lung cancer and now my grandmother is fighting it and has been su...
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kendra
Dear Rick, when you came to carthage high school, your program really affected me. I am very sorry for your loss. i took your advice and talked to my mom who smokes and asked her why she couldnt live for me and i know it affected her. Thanks for coming t...
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Tiffany
Rick, you have been one of the best speakers that I have ever heard. Your story wasn't saying that smoking causes all cancers, it was just simply stating what happened to your wife. Thank you for being able to see you. I hope to see you again....
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Erica
hey rick,
im astudent from cathage high school and what you said really affected me a hole lot . im a smoker well now trying to quit because you had that big of an affect on me. it really got to me and and the tears of fear just rolled down as you were...
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Brittany
Rick my name is Brittany I'm from Crawford Co. I'm the one that came up to you after the presentation crying about my mom. I just wanted to take some time and say thank you so much. It meant so much to me, my mom is now quiting smoking and so is my dad....
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christian
rick,
i want to thank you for coming here to carthage central high, i really appreciate what you did, i respect you for the amount of courage you have, i will continue to practice tobacco awareness...
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Missy
Hey rick i just wanted to say hi i enjoyed your speech at my school. i have been trying to get my aunt to quit smoking for years and what i have seen her father go through because of smoking i just wanted to let you know that i would never smoke and your ...
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Hope
Rick,
i go to school at carthage high, you just came to our school on halloween. Im so sorry for the loss. And i think that the fact you go around telling people how bad cigaretts are. It takes alot to do what you do. Some of my closest friends have p...
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Thank you for sharing your information with Case Middle School Students. Some of the storys in the pass have been boring but yours really caught me. Now that I heard want happened to you I will never smoke or do any drugs. I am so thankful for everything ...
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katie
dear rick, your story really touched me. i am soooo sorry it happened to your family. you made me think about my mom and if it was her that was the one who died. my mom and dad both smoke and i can't stand the smell. my grandma died 10 yrs. ago from smoki...
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Whitney
you affected me in many ways u helped me understand how tobbaco.cigggrets and other addactiants can be very harmfil and i really apriceate u coming to case middle school and look fward to getting a call b/c i signed the form to be a member of the smoke f...
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Tiffany
Rick your story was awesome today. it really upset me and i feel bad for you. I started to cry actually. But now that i know tobacco is so affecting to family and loved ones,i will NEVER smoke and i will talk to all of my family and loved ones about quiti...
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Bryon
Rick has affected me deeply. i joined the rea;ity check after hearing his speach at Case Middle School. My mom, Step dad, 16 year old cousin Gino, 16 year old cousin rosa, and 18 year old cousin Josie all smoke. I lost my aunt Etta (short for elizabeth) t...
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Mr. Stoddard I want to thank you for comming to my highschool today(carthage high school), and talking to all of us, and sharing your story. Today hearing your story has helped me with greiveing with a loss of a love one a little over a year ago due to sm...
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u have no idea how much i loved your class tobacco has afected me and my faimlys life so thanx for coming to lowville acadamy...
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Chase
You came to my school in Indiana, Oak Hill Middle School. I have a whole list of names of people I know that have some sort of cancer. My grandma and I go to the Evansville Cancer Center to help out to help find a cure for all types of cancers. Maria's st...
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Elizabeth
hey rick your story really did touch me it was so sad. My eyes started watering when you was talkin to my school Crawford County Jr. Sr. High School.. The words you said was just awosome i hope you really do good in your goal and reach out to as many peop...
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eli
rick you have really affected my life on how to make my own dicestions on if i should smoke or not....
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stephanie
hey rick!! your story really touched me. i started crying while you were talking to my school(bjhs). i dont know what to say.you are the most amaizing man i've ever known. other than my father he pasted away in febuary. he had conjestive heart failier. of...
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Ashley
Dear Rick, You made me think about telling my brother and my boyfriend that they needed to stop smoking i didnt know smoking was that bad even though i lost my dad to a heart attack from smoking almost all his life he was only 58 when he died thanks for ...
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Sam
When i heard you speak at SDHS it helped me to see what is really important in life. I thank you so much. You gave me the courage to talk to my mom and now my friend who heard you speak too has decided to stop smoking. THANKS 4 YOUR HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!...
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Emily
Rick, you have shown me, that I must get my mother to stop smoking. When you came to Crawford High, and relived the horror you went through with you wife yet again. I felt the pain that you felt. My mother smokes maybe 2 packs a day. My dad smoked for the...
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Jessy
Hi Rick. I just wanted to say that I really apperciated how you came to my school today and spoke to us about your story. My papo died back in 2002 from smoking ciggaretts, and it really broke my heart. When I was younger, my dad wasnt around much and my ...
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Sabrina
Rick, you have changed my life coming to South Dearborn yesterday. I cried all last night thinking about why I smoke as well as my friends around me. I have decided to quit the bad habit, and think about my health, and everyone else's that I am ruining. I...
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Heather
Rick I want to thank you so much! I got my friend Ethan to stop chewing/smoking and what you said helped me out. You opened others and my eyes to what could happen, I didn't know all that. I'm sorry for your loss also, I know how it feels, I lost my grand...
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Christy
You came to Thompkins Middle School. I was touched by your presentation. That was only my second day of student teaching and I was impressed with the way you effected the audience.
My aunt was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. So when you talked...
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lizzie
dear rick..i want to tell you that i apreciate you so much for coming to south dearborn high school today, you assembly touched me greatly and ill admit that i did cry..i know that iim just one person, but you have changed this one person for the better f...
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cash
I just wanted to say thank you so much, Rick. Your presentations and your story is appreciated more than even all of these people say. You are making a difference, you are saving lives, and your message matters. Thanks for coming to my school and I'm hopi...
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Shawna
Hey Rick you came to Boonville High School on Tuesday the 24. You were really great. I just cant believe how you could do that.That was one of the greatest programs I had seen all year. When you started to explai your story I just started crying. It reall...
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Lynsey
Dear Rick, I jsut wanted to thank you for coming to South Dearborn today! i want you to know that your talk was very inspiring and very touching! a few months ago my grandma was diagnosed with lung cancer, she started smoking since she was 16 and she is ...
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Carly
Rick...I just want to thank you so much for coming to our school. You said we were the last school you were visiting in the Evansville area..and I'm glad you didn't cut the last school. I'm really sorry about your wife and I didn't talk the whole time i...
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Chase
Hey Rick you were at Reitz High School earlier this week. It was the second time i had heard you but it was still great. Thanks for taking time out to stop by the school.
Chase...
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Josh
Dear Mr. Stodard, I want to thank you for comming to South Dearborn High School and talking to us about the affects of tabacco use. I know myself that it can cause great losses. I lost my uncle two years ago because of smoking. It has been very hard for u...
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Joey
Thanks for coming to South Dearborn High School and talking to us on Oct. 26. It was nice having you here. A friend of our family died some years ago. She had smoked for a long time and always had to carry around an oxygen tank. Please come back again and...
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?????
Dear Rick....
Today you came to my school. You did very very good. Alot of kids, i mean alot, went back to class crying. I am soo sorry about your wife. My dad smoked for years and years. He kept it from me and my brother so we wouldn't start. My dad pas...
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Tiara
Rick you were at my school yesterday..and after you showed me those pictures and told your story i almost cried! when you were talking i was tinking of my mom's boyfriend clete. he has smoked for ever and i for one hate the smell but my mom never does any...
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Angie
Hi Rick, you spoke to my school South Dearborn High School just today. I am so glad you decided to come to our school. Your story really reminded me of my life. I recently went through one of the most difficult things in my entire life. My aunt passed awa...
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Olivia
I don't smoke and I never will thanks to you! [i never planned on though] Thanks for coming to thompkins middle school! I almost cried.
my state is Indiana...
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Shakira
Rick, I saw you today at South Dearborn High School in Indiana. I had to leave early and I was very disappointed. Your story really touched me. My parents are both smokers and I only wish they could have saw you speak. Later this afternoon I did rent some...
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kayla
hi rick,
i just wanted to say THANK YOU your speech at my high school today deeply touched me and especially when the girl in the front started crying and u cared so much to actually walk her to the back of the room you have deff touched my life and i j...
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Alexandra
Rick thank you for coming to Boonville JR. High. Your speach was unbeleavable. You have really set something for me. THANK YOU!...
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Connor
Hey Mr. Stoddard. Thanks a lot for visiting Castle High School. We all really appreciate what you do.
Once again, thank you....
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Michelle
Today you visited Castle High School and i was so touched with your program i also loved the one you did last year but i deffinately related to the program you did today more than the other. I want to be able to affect so many people just as you do becuas...
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Sarah
Rick,
It was a pleasure meeting you. You don't know how much you have affected my life! I have smoked for 15 yrs now and after having our talk and hearing your story, I decided to quit. It has been 5 days since I have had a cigarette and I have only y...
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Amber , Haleigh , Amber
Hey Rick. today you came to castle high school again...even though you shared with us your concern of your message, we wanted you to know that you didn't seem nervous at all. You made such an another impact on all of us, everyone couldn't stop talkn about...
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Tabitha
Rick came to Castle High School today and it was not the first time and I'm truely hoping that it is not the last. He changes people's outlooks on life probably more than what he thinks. I could never get tired of this man. I think he is wonderful. He tru...
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Emily
hey rick! i wanted to tell you thati really enjoyed your presentatiion at bjhs today!
my dad has tried to quite so many times.
I told both of my parents that the ONLY thing I truly want for xmas was for them to stop.
having them in my life is way more ...
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Desiree
My Mom And My Dad Smoke And About 35-40 Of My Family Members Died From Smoking And Lung Cancer And It Hurt ME So Bad.But Worst Of All. It Hurt My Family And It Hurt The People That Did It.They Smoked.Time And Time Again!.And Today When You Came To My Sch...
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Aaron
He came to our school Oct. 25,2006. His wife died and i dont want anybody to go through what he did that day marie died. My grandmother smokes around two packs a day. i love her aand dont want her to go....
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Matthews
I wanted to thank you Rick for coming in to BJHS and sharing this story. I know most of us didn't want to file into the gym to hear this speaker everyone kept talking about, but man did you get our attention! Keep up what you're doing, 'cause you're helpi...
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Samantha
hey rick thanks for coming to mii school today (Boonville Jr. High School) you made alot of people including me see how smoking is bad for you and the people around you! so i just wanted to say thank you!...
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Dawn
hey Rick I think it's great that you are doing this. It is really cool that you'r satnding up to the tabbaco co. I'm tring to talk to my dad about it but just can't I'm kinda scared. I'm thinking of what to say. It's really hard. I still think it's really...
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Khadijah
rick, your speech really impacted me. I never want to know about another living thing that had to go through the same things as you and your wife did. I am so sorry about you loss....
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Candace
You put my life on pause when you came to Boonville Junior High. I didn't know that that many people's family has died from smoking. My mom does drugs and smokes and everything and everywhere she goes she has friends that do to. My stepmom also smokes whi...
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Briana
Hey Rick, I just wanted to write you and say that I am very sorry about your wife. You came to Reitz the other day and talked to us. I know some people probably didn`t listen, but a lot of us did, and I know you touched many hearts with your story. Thank ...
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sam
hey this is sam from oak hill middle school. u came here a couple of days back and i think i really needed to hear your message before i got into something i shouldnt get into.ive always thoght smoking anything was really bad but about two weeks before u ...
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Megan
Dear Rick,
You have touched everyones feelings, including mine!! When you showed us that little movie clip, I almost started crying, it was so sad. I can't handle it when somebody told me or I read in the newspaper that someones loved ones died, or ...
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Devon
hey rick i just wanted to say thanks for comming to my school today ( BOONVILLE HIGH SCHOOL!). your speech really touched alot of people lives and it was awsome i can't belive you can just stand up there and talk about what has happened to you and your wi...
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Erica
Hi Rick u came to Bosse High School today.I really liked the assembely.You talked about how ur wife died and about how smoking effects people.Not many people would have the courage to get up in front of people and talk about how there loved ones died.I th...
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Amy
I've learned from him how bad smoking can actually be.Even though both of my parents do smoke I never have tried a cigarette & I don't ever plan to!!...
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Jake
hey rick. you came to oak hill middle school yesterday and i think its great what you r doing ! it might even be the most important things we will learn this year.i have seen the one black and green magazine back u had but i never noticed the xbox thing y...
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Cory
Today you came and spoke at Boonville High School in Indiana, and i just want to say thank you for attending my school. Both my parents smoke and I am going to talk to them about quitting. I tell them they should quit, but they never listen to me. Your ...
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Kelsie
Hi Rick, I just wanted to tell you thank you so much for doing what you do. I saw you today at Bosse and I though that everything you had to say was so amazing and it was all very well said. We've had a lot of speakers about smoking, and drugs, and alcoho...
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Kortney
Today you came and spoke to Bosse High School in Indiana and i can honestly say i think thats the quietest our school has ever been at an assembly. My dad unfortunately smokes and has since he was 13 he is now almost 55. He probably smokes a pack and a ha...
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haley
today you came to boonville high school. your story brought tears to my eyes. i wish that ciggarettes were illegal. thanks to you i will never ever SMOKE!!!! your story just killed me... thanks for sharing it with me....
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Trasity
hey you were at bosse today. it was an amazing assembly. i've been trying to get through to my mom for years about how she needs to stop smoking. it disgusts me that her and millions of other people decide to throw away their life and money and even ot...
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Jessica
i have saw you twice now and every time i learn something new. my mom and dad smoke and im afraid of loosing my mom and dad but more my mom shes all i have got an di love her. every time i see her light up one i think about you and marie and how your life...
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Erika
Rick,
When you came to Bosse today, I thought you would be like a normal speaker, coming in to scorn us about drugs. But I was beyond wrong.
Even though I haven't lost a loved one, and I cannot blank out and tell you 'I know how you feel', I just w...
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michel'le
hello rick, yes you came to bosse today and your speech was cool. i hate when my mom smokes and i wish she would stop. although my dad use to, but i ask him when i was only like 8 or 9 to stop and he listened.
it is sad that your wife is gone, but she is...
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Christina
Hi Rick! My name is Christina and I'm a senior at Boonville High School. I just want to say thank you for coming to my school. I am a smoker myself and I've been trying to quit. You touch me the most. I never really think it would happen to me, but now t...
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Troi
Hey Rick.
You came to my school today (Oakhill) and I ahve to say, you are an amazing person. It's incredible how you've turned such a negitive expeirence such as loosing you wife into somehting postive by informing people in my school. All day after yo...
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brooke
you just came to our school in wichita ks and i thank u for speaking with us i think it made an inpact on many people! thank u sooo much!...
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Max
You just came to Oak Hill today, you really made me think about smoking and really how it affects us. Tobacco Industries should stop dead in their tracks. NOW! I hope you feel good about what your doing Rick, I hope you know what your doing is amazing. I'...
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Brittney
rick youcame to myschool today oak hill and you made me really think. i talkedto my mom and asked her to quit and u know what she said she would try,that makes me feel good inside.im sorrey about your wife Marie i know you miss her thank u soooo much ur a...
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daniel
dear rick today[10 23 06] you came to my school oak hill in evansville IN. Thanks to you,i have learned about horrible deaths and diseases that have happend to many people that smoke. I have learnd several thigs about smoking danger. All of those ingredie...
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Jill
Hi Rick,
You came to my school today [oakhill]. your story made me sad, but you added some laughs into it and that was good. I took your story seriously and i'm sure most people did. Its amazing how many people can die from smoking! Well just ...
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Keri
10/23/06
Hey Rick
You came to my school today (Oak Hill)and you story made me want to cry there were some sad momments and some happy one to i no you looke dfimaller when you got there and then i saw you were from tv and i feel so bad for you my mom sm...
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Keri from oakhill
Hey you came to my school today Oakhill in Evansville and i just wanted to say that i took your story in and you should come to North next year and tell it again thats when ill be a freshmen and just writeback...
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David
As a teacher at Central High in Evansville In. I just wanted to say; Rick, thanks for the message today. It is a very powerful one that all need to hear. I think there are a lot of stories out there. I have lost friends, and I know from experience just ho...
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Teresa
Rick I've attended meeting held in Wichita Kansas, on Oct. 20th, There was a card that you share with us that was giving to you, You read it and I was not able to write down, it was called the Power of Integrity, Do you mind sending that to me, that poem ...
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Janet
Rick,
I am a teacher at Oak Hill Middle School, Evansville IN. Thank you for your mission of spreading your personal story. The students told me they saw your commercial and thought you were just an actor. Now they know your story is real! I am the o...
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Brooke
i was touched by your speech and i just really have thought about it more just because of your words. i mean usually the assemblies are really Blah and they dont really make you think about it. think about it REAL deep that is...
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Devin
hey whaz up ur speach was kool,if u member lol i was itting behind u when ur played ur videos,well anyways im really srry about ur wife i feel for u ik how it feels to lose a luved one no a wife but family well see ya later buh bye...
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Laci
Hi Rick thanks for coming to our school. I am Laci *** from Clifton Clyde Middle School. We all enjoyed listening to you talk. We all want to thank you for coming we really appriciate it. Thanks again. Laci ...
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Carley
Hey Rick, every time I talk to someone i love that smokes they just ignore me what do I do? ...
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Ginger
Today you visited my daughter Ambers school at Allison Middle School in Wichita KS. I really want to thank you for being such a great influence on her life. I am a registered nurse and have first hand seen the lives that smoking has damaged. I have three ...
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Amber
Rick has touched my life and saved it. Now I understand the ways it can harm me my dad smokes and in all my power I will try not to let him end up like Marie. I have waited to long. . I don't want him to go through the pain even though life has consequen...
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madison
you changed my life you are the best speaker i have ever heard my dad chews and i really want him to stop i dont want anything to happen to him he means so much to me and i dont want to loose him over some stupid cancer i will never be able to live withou...
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Zachary
Rick that was a very great story and it made me think about what cigaretts can do to you and how mean and dirty those companys are. you are a graet person and so was your wife you realy inspired me. thanks for every thing.
6th grade student at bms Zac...
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Malie
10/19/06- I was in the front row when you were speaking at Meade High School today, you probably don't remember me, I was to your far right, and though I've never lost anyone to smoking, most of my dad's side of the family smokes, my grandmother used to s...
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Carly
Hey Rick,
Hey!..I just wanted to say that when you came to Pratt High that you really affected me, and im sure more than half the school. I know you know that not every highschooler seems its important and i also no that they will come to their sense...
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Jordan From Doe Creek
A few weeks ago Rick came to Doe Creek and touched us all with the story of his wife. We were all sad for his wife, but we were amazed how he could share such a heart-breaking story. Afterwards we talked to Rick and found he is sad,but happy in what he is...
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mandi
you made me really think about what most of my family is doing to themself and what i don't want to do to mine it toched me in a way that i can't explian what i feel like. My whole life has been filled with the effect of secound hand smoking. You coming t...
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Aelita (its a code name)
Rick,
You were at Bluffton Harrison Middle a few weeks ago and I haven't written yet so here I go. I think that you were the best person to ever come to our school. I can't thank you enough for coming to talk to us. I mean, we've had some good people com...
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Dj
DearRick,
I have enjoied lisening to you at Liberty middle
school on October 18,2006.I wish some other
people would lison to you ,like adaltes.Don't you think?
Love
Dj...
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heather
Hey Rick, today u just visted my school in Kansas (10-18-06). You have really taught me alot about the harms of tobacco and i wanted to know more about that because my mom smokes and i really want her to quite. But u were such a good modivation. You reall...
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Rick - Today you came into Burlington High School. This morning when I heard that we had another assembly, I thought to myself, "no, not again, not another boring assembly." This one was different, it got to me and I can honestly say I will never smoke. ...
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Mason
Hey...that was a great speech..And i respect you so much because your not going to let other people go through your tragedy, your going to try and make people relize that WE CAN fight back and WE CAN WIN....and im so thankful for people like you and you m...
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Gary
I loved your comments you made at Burlington High School about the Appleby's in Emporia! I live about two blocks from there. I love to go in the place ever so often, just so I can a big "thing" about leaving! I like to ask them, "Isn't having a smoking se...
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Jayni
you made me relize that i need to talk i need 2 speak out thank you rick!...
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Gary
Rick, We just finished your presentation at Burlington High School, where I am a teacher. I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed (if that is the word) what you had to say to our kids. You reminded of some years back when a controversial book was pub...
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Tammi
Just wanted to say that what you are doing is fantastic, saving lives for alot of young influencial people! They will thank you someday, if not right away! Now, If we can get someone to talk about the dangers of drinking as it is going on at such a young ...
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Jake from Osage City
Thank you for coming to osage city. Right after the assembly i took ur card and went home for lunch. i wrote to my dad, i told he should go to this site and see what its like to lose someone to smokeing and maybe he will feel what is gonna happen to me. S...
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Alice RN USD 105 school nurse
Rick, I wanted to thank you for coming to our school in Atwood. I was sorry to be out of town that day. In asking how your presentation went, I've heard the students were well engaged and took the information very seriously. Despite the efforts over all t...
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Cory
hey Rick, you came to my school. You were soooooo great. You tought me a lot abount cancer and smoking. Thank you so much for all your help Rick....
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Taylor
Hey Rick! I met you today for the first time ever when you spoke at Concordia Jr.-Sr. High School. (I signed your sound case!)Your speech really made an impression on me. It was very emotional. I learned some things. The list of additives was unbelievably...
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Stephanie
Hi Rick, just to say thanks for coming to Clifton-Clyde Middle School today. Your speach was very emotional and moving. It takes a lot of courage for you to be able to retell your story so many times. And that list was really long and had a lot of big ...
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Rissa
Hi Rick, You may not remember this but i heard you talk in Washington D.C. This summer in July at the international tobacco and cancer control confrence (phew) and my Dad introduced us. And My mom is Dian McNichols, from Concordia. She was there with you....
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Jim
Rick,
Just a short note to say thank you for all you do. Your message was very powerful and moving. Keep up the good work.
Jim Schroeder
Undersheriff of Rawlins County
607 Main
Atwood, Kansas 67730
...
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Jordann
Rick-
I just loved your message. The sad part about it was seeing something right after we got back to school. My Best Friends Boyfriend got in his car and started smoking. She joined him. I wish your message would have given her some sense but unf...
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Lena
Hi Rick how are you doing i am fine i just wanted to thank you for every thing you have done for me and my family. My mom has ben smoking since she was nine and she use to smoke a whole pack a day but now since i have talked to her she has been trying to ...
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Julie
Thank you Rick for bringing your powerful and heartfelt message to our high school students. How wonderful that you've taken a devastating experience and turned it into something so positive! It has to be difficult managing your time between this passio...
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Jocelyn (Palco High School)
Rick, I am really glad that you came to our school today. You were an insperation to all of us. I never thought that the use of tobacco could be that bad. I am sorry about your wife. I am glad your going around telling everyone about this I think you are ...
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Quaide & Ashton (Bluffton Middle 6th grade)
Rick,
You did a wonderful, fantastic job @ our school. You really touched us and made us cry alittle.(its ok that you did that) Quaide's Grandpa died from lung cancer in the year 2005. You also made Ashton realize how afraid for her Dad she is. Not to me...
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Rebecca
Hey Rick I just wanted to say that you changed the way I thought about cigerrets and I did sit down with my mom and talked her about her smoking and I'm really glad you came to my school today...
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Becca
well Rick i really wanted to thank you for coming to mt.Vernon middle school, what u said and showed the teens really made me relize how bad smoking can be. i mean i know people who smoke and i didnt really relize it could be that bad. Im real sorry about...
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Trevor Bluffton Harrison Middle School
Rick you did a great job speaking to our school and i hope that u had fun doing it and im also sorry for the way that the girl was talking to her friends instead of listening to you that was very rude of her and i appoligize if that mad u feel bad but i ...
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Naomi- Bluffton Middle School
Rick, your story really moved me,and I was really close to crying. I can't imagine going through something like that, I am really sorry about Marie. Ever since you came to our school last year,and this year, I really felt like helping people, and I did. I...
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Emily (Bluffton Middle School 5th grade)
U were awsome.My Dad,Uncle,and Aunt all smoke.My dad never smokes in front of me though,my brother doesn't belive me,when he says that it hurts,same with my uncle.But my aunt does it all the time,my cousin asked her how she got into smoking,and she said h...
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8th grader at Doe Creek Middle School
Rick's story was very inspiring and affected me very much so. It makes me want to tell kids about the dangers of smoking when I get older. It was a great story to tell to really get kids to listen. I want to let you know that I walked away with an amazing...
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Emma 'n Katie (Bluffton Middle School)
Hey Rick,
u were awsome. U really affected my life by what u said hopefully i can get my grandpa to stop smoking a pipe. U really touched some of the kids at our school. I am hoping my grandpa will stop if i tell him the story of u and marie. and i am so...
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Austin ( Bluffton Middle School)
Rick u did a great job at my school. U really touched me and a bunch of my friends. I have a story to tell u but it isn't really a story. My Aunt Kathy died on July 5, 2005 from lung cancer. Then three days after Christmas from lung cancer, too. then wat ...
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an 8th grader at doe creek
Rick you really touched me because my grandpa has been smoking since he was my age. One night he woke up and was rushed to the hospital for a pan in his arm. He found out he had a blood clot. The docter said if he didnt stop smoking he would probably die ...
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Jordan From De Creek
A few days ago Rick came to Doe Creek and told us about his wife that died at age 46. I was very sad and sorry about that. When he showed me the list of what's in ciggretes my jaw dropped and I knew that if my mom saw it she would stop smoking she has tho...
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Camille
Mr.Stoddard,
Thannk-you for coming to our school. I go to Doe Creek. I knew where you were coming from with how your wife's death affected you. My grand-father died of lung cancer. I was really colse to him. We did everything together, most things fou...
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Huntet (Doe Creek Middle School)
Rick you affected me because my aunt about six mounths ago died because of lung cancer i was ther for the last two weeks of her life (She lives in KY) so when we left she was probably going to die in the next mounth (they guessed) so whe thought well come...
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Caitlin (Doe Creek)
I cried after your program on Oct.4, in Math Class, thinking about what you had said and thinking about my dad , he is 31, and has been smoking since he was 11! I tried to write him a letter, asking him what you told us to (don't you want to see me gradua...
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Paige (from doe creek!!!!!):)
Rick you have touched my heart in every way possible. I'll tell you the same thing I told my teacher. " He really did touch all of us and now I'm afraid to loose my Grandma." :'( My great aunt did this year from lung cancer and she wouldn't take her meds....
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Mackenzi
Hey Rick,
Thank you so much for coming to Doe Creek Middle School. You put an influence on my life considering my grandma, my aunt,and my uncle smokes. I was very lucky to get my step brother to stop smoking. He was one of those kids that said that he wo...
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Camille
Mr.Stoddard,
Thannk-you for coming to our school. I go to Doe Creek. I knew where you were coming from with how your wife's death affected you. My grand-father died of lung cancer. I was really colse to him. We did everything together, most things fou...
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Taylor (From Doe Creek!!)
Hey Rick!! You really touched my heart yesterday in the convication!! Please, come again!! I will pray for you and your family each and every night!! Thank you!!...
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Emilie ((from greenfield middle school))
HEY HEY RICK!! I'm really hiper right now so i need to get some energy out so i just thought that i would go leave you a comment thing!!! MWA HA HA HA....Thanx for everything Rick! We love you!!! ily!!! ...
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Shawn
Rick-Thank you so much for speaking to our student body. You are an inspiration and I hopeful that many of our students took your message home to their family members. I admire you and the message that you send out. I hope that you stay strong and real...
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Mrs. Kyle Miller
Dear Rick,
I am the art teacher at Mt. Vernon Middle School. I shook your hand right after the program to thank you for sharing your story with us today. What stands out in my mind as an art teacher is the way that artists and advertisers deliberatle...
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Amanda from Doe Creek!
Rick made me realize how much smoking can take away. So many people just think...o well what can I lose... Just think about what Rick lost! I was looking through that list of cigarette additives and I was wondering why the legal smoking age is 18 when the...
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Joey
Hey Rick! When you came to my school on October 4, you really got me thinking that my generation needs to do something about this whole smoking thing. Cigarettes have taken over parts of my family. My grandma, grandpa, two aunts, and uncles use tobacco pr...
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sydney
i think your story has touched kids everywhere i want to say sorry about your wife. tobacco sould be illgel in the us. i did not know your story until my brother christian got touched and told me. ...
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Rick
today was a very good day for me because you tought me something that i thought i knew really well but it turns out that after today i learned a whole lot more. i thank you a lot for telling me the story you told me even thougth it was heart br...
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Jenny
Rick has helped me in so many ways. I already knew that smoking could kill you. But i never knew that it put all of that nasty chemical stuff into your body. Rick has influinced me to talk to my dad about smoking. And i also told my little sister about th...
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alex
He affected me so much in every aspect of my life. I'm trying so much harder now to get my dad to quit, and now, since hearing his story, I'm determined to make our generation smoke free at any cost. I will never give into tobacco....
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Jordan from Doe Creek
Hey Rick I wrote a while ago and I forgot to say thanks for telling us about your wife and we feel very sorry about your wife. We enjoyed you coming to our school (Doe Creek). I would also like a list of that ciggerete ingreients.Write me bac...
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Josh Doe Creek Middle School Rocks
He made Up my mide i am never going to smoke. EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Rick's storie Touched me Deeply....
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Kelly
Rick affected me in many ways. His story was so emotional and it really hit colse to home b/c my mom and dad smoke and my grandma died from lung cancer from smoking in 1999. I have heard about Rick before (on commericials and advertisements) but i have ne...
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Tyler
Hi Rick, my dad smokes and has tryed to quit but he can't. when he stops or doesn't have one for a while he gets really stressed and mad i will try to get him to look at the paper but anyway thankyou so much for coming to Doe Creek. Rember 1200 people die...
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Billy from DOE CREEK MIDDLE SCHOOL
THANK YOU!!!!!! so much for coming to my school today. The story you told me made me cry. So I just wanted to say thinks for coming. ( I'm the one that said my grandpa has been fishung for about 55 years). THANK YOU SO MUCH.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!...
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Mackenzi
Hey Rick,
Thank you so much for coming to Doe Creek Middle School. You put an influence on my life considering my grandma, my aunt,and my uncle smokes. I was very lucky to get my step brother to stop smoking. He was one of those kids that said that he wo...
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Sara from Doe Creek
Rick did a GREAT job at Doe Creek today! He really made me relize how bad somking is! I almost cried during it! I didn't relize all the things it had in it and how much it can hurt you and your family. Thanks Rick for the AWESOME presentation!...
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Emily
hey rick thank you soo much for coming and speeching to our school today.i have learned soo much from u and today roght when i got home i told my parents about you and they will do there best to quit smoking after i told them your story about your wife. t...
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Emily (Doe Creek Middle School)
He has really inspiard me to talk to my dad! I took one of the paper and i am going to give it to my dad!!!...
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Kara
Dear, Rick you have affected me because my grandpa died last october from smoking. and i am realy sad and it made me feel better when you cxame to our school and talked to us. Thank You GreenField Middle School...
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Emily (Doe Creek Middle School)
He has really inspiard me to talk to my dad! i am so sorry about your wife!!!! I would also love to put the tobacoo company out of bussnis. I took one of the paper and i am going to give it to my dad!!! THANKYOU SO MUCH!!!!!
P.S. I SAW YOU TODAY AT...
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Jordan From Doe Creek
I saw Rick today (10/4/06) and he inspired me so much I'm going to try to help him in his unending quest for the youth of America and to stop everyone I can from smoking and to quit smoking!!!!!!! P.S. I was the kid who kept bugging you in the cafeteria!!...
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Katie
Hi Rick, today you came to doe creek middle school. I wanted to thank you for comming to Doe Creek Middle School today (10-4-06) I was amazed at how you can go up and talk to all thoses people andburst out in tears.... i was very moved and movitated about...
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Morgan
Rick really touched me today. Yes his story was sad but it was also a good lesson. Rick has gone through a lot. Both of my parents smoke and i wish i could get them to stop. Rick told us that Marie was tough and by the story he told Doe Creek Middle Schoo...
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i was wondering how you can get those little stickers you were talking about because i would love to put them every where so people know about bot smoking. ...
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Hi Rick. thank you. our whole school appreciated your talk and we were so grateful. i think all of us will think twice before ever smoking and i hope you continue what you are doing because it is a chain reaction because kids no not to smoke and then they...
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Kaitlyn
Rick-
I just wanted to say thanks for coming to Doe Creek. No, actually, I want to say THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!! You gave my brother and I the courage we need and the inspiration you gave us to talk to my dad. He chews tobacco. Maybe he thinks we don't know...
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Jessica
My step mom smokes and after hearing you speak it really made me want to help her and my grandma smoked most of her life and now she is losing her hair and goes to treatments sometimes, and now she gets sick and both of my grandpas died from it and you r...
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Ciara
Dear Rick,
You came to Doe Creek Middle School on 10-4-06.I am a 6th grader .I just wanted to let you know that when spoke about your wife,and what you both went through, I felt so deeply moved and motivated.I now want so badly to do something.Also, I wa...
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nick
well ive been thinking about it and i should get my grandmother and my mother to stop smoking and now i know how to do it thanks rick ps. i liked ur speech today at doe creek middle school new palestine indiana
...
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Christy
Rick, I no how u feel. I have lost 2 or 3 people from smoking. And the most recent 1 was about a month ago. I thought i was ok with it but then my mom told me a story about him sitting out on his porch and said that he wouldn't move till a guy who was har...
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ashley
Hello rick! when u came 2 my school 2-day (doe creek) you made me feel very sorry 4 u. i'm sorry about marie. i want to talk 2 my step dad about him smoking but i dont think he would listen 2 me. i told him there was animal urine in cigs but then he just ...
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haley
rick has affected my life a lot because how his wife died was so sad. i was so sad when i heard that his wife died. it sounds that his wife and him were realy close. i hope your leadership goes well in the future and it progresses into something bigger th...
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haley
rick has affected my life a lot because how his wife died was so sad. i was so sad when i heard that his wife died. it sounds that his wife and him were realy close. ...
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Mary
Dear Rick, I was so pleased to have met you at the commit tp quit smoking session in Greenfield Tuesday evening (Oct. 3rd). You really have given me more inspiration to really "kick the habit". Every time I think of one of those nasty cancer sticks I thin...
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Ashten , Anna , and Nick A (JMS
The Roos saw you speak at ITI camp this year. We thought your speech was very inspirational. For our Red Ribbon Week at school we would like you to come and give your speech. Please email us back with a response. ...
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Mitchell
Hello Rick, you came to my school today too (Greenfield Middle School). Let God bless you on your way to reaching into children's minds and keeping them from smoking. I want to give you my deepest thanks to coming to my school....
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Alicia
Hi Rick You Were At My School Today((Greenfield Middle School))I'm a 7th grader. I have Smoke Since I was about 10, most of the time i just igonred what people said about smokeing. but you moved me so much that i'm going to try to quit 1.for my health. 2....
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Brant
I just wanted to let u know how i feel for comming to your school at eden in greenfild and we are all thinking about that speech u gave us and we are thinking about u and your wife think you for your time....
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Jacqueline
You have changed my life and my dads. The day you came to Greenfield Middle I went home that day and told my dad. That night we saw your show on TV. My dad stoped smokeing. I told him i loved him and that i wanted him to live. He said that he wanted to to...
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kheely
Hi Rick i just wanted to let you know that you have effected me.Last year when you came to Maxwell Middle School.I was at the time smoking and so was my friend Bryan.But after that speech me and Bryan both stopped smoking and we both promised each other t...
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Jacob
He affected by telling me alot about smoking. i have never planned on smoking in my life. But still, after i heard him speak today at my elementary school (October 3, 2006) he made me want to let people know more about smoking and how it's bad for you and...
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Ashley
You have made a lifetime change in my life. The people that i want to try to stop from dying are my Aunt&Uncle, Grandma, and my grandpa. i had one grandpa pass away from brain and lung cancer....
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Kenda
Rick-
you have made me hate cigs even more than i already did...thanx for that.=] i haven't tried smoking and i don't plan on it. i am very sorry for what happened to your wife...it is good that you can talk about it though. my school really appreciated ...
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Emilie
HEY RICK! I just got done watching you speak about an hour ago. You were amazing. I'm so sorry for what happened to your wife. She sounds like she was amazing too. I think that it is so cool how you can go talk to kids about cigarettes, and how bad they r...
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christopher
rick u have changed the lives of every one at my sckool u had made kids that i know who smoke say im going to stop right now. my friends and i want to say thanks and so on marshall school we all say (THANKS!!!)...
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Izzy
HI Rick! I heard you speak to day at Tobacco Control Coalition in Owensboro, Ky. You story really toched me. After you were done me and two friends came over and talked to you if you remeber. Thanks for coming I hope I see you next year. ...
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Stephen
Rick has helped me see that smoking really can hurt me....now I am writing a report on not smoking....He has really been a major help me and my family...
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Sherita
Rick has really made me think...considering my dad smokes and its hard just sitting and watching him take a puff....im sooo scared that im going to wake up and he wont be there...Rick came to speak at ITI and Teenpower and each time i heard the same story...
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Fantasia
Well hi again Rick. I just wanted to tell you i have told people and my friends alot about the facts that you told us and they all said ewwww and said they dont want to smoke and every time they hang out or have friends that are bad influences on them the...
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Fantasia S.
Hey Rick, its Fantasia, i was in your group at I.T.I. and the first time i heard your story it inspired me and it inspired me the second time even more...and my mom just stopped smoking like a month ago....and im very glad she did too....and i already kno...
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Susan from Blackford County
Kids - Rick's message stopped my cigarette habit dead in it's tracks after 30 some years of smoking. Now...I still have to wonder if I will battle lung cancer. Please, don't even pick up that first cigarette. It will cause you a lifetime of regret. Th...
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Anne
My students were so moved by Rick's story that they want to come to school one day at the end of the summer to plan a pick up your butts event during the school year. During a workshop at ITI while the students were picking up butts and writing letters, ...
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Melanie
Rick, I was at the ITI Middle School session, and I just wanted to tell you that your story has inspired me to try to help get my parents to quit smoking. I just wanted to say thank you for speaking at ITI. Thank you Rick Stoddard!!...
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Shelley
Hi Rick! I am very glad that I was able to spend time with you at ITI. It was a wonderful learning experience that I will keep with me forever!
Thank you so much!!...
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Krystin
I just wanted to tell him that after the ITI High School Session, I came home and confronted my mom about the whole smoking deal and the next day she got all the things she needed to quit.I used all of the things that Rick tought me and explained them to ...
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Desiree Thomas
I was at ITI when Rick came and shared his story with all of us. I was amazed at how passionate he was with us, and how much he shared. My family has been affected by cigarettes in some way. Wether it be second hand, or simply their own stupidity. I was a...
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Courtney S.
Hey Rick, I just wanted to let you know that I support you in everything you do. I had fun at ITI high School session 2006. I am glad that you do what you do just to make the message get across. THANK YOU!...
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Chad H.
My dad had throat cancer when i was a baby due to cigarettes, but because of radiation treatments he survived... if he would of waited about a week longer to do something about it, i'd be seeing him in the graveyard from time to time. because of that, ...
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stephanie
i recently heard you speak at the teen power camp in evasville ,IN and we watched the video of the guy from the tobacco talking and i was wondering where i could find that so i could show it to my dad. I'm trying to help him to stop smoking and somehow gi...
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nicole paige
he has tought us to stay away from drugs and stuff i go to etms most of us had put our hand up for our parents smoking ?? well i learnded a important lesson!!
...
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Shannon
Rick,
Can you give me a list of ingrediants for dipping? My husband dips and I am trying to get him to realize what he's putting in his mouth and body. Are the ingrediants similar to cigarettes?
Thanks for the website!...
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Pat
hey rick could you leave me part of the list that you showed us at Case Middle School. My sister smokes and I am trying to make her quit. I told her if i can get a list of ingredients of a cigarette ill show her and she will have to stop. It would be ve...
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kayla
you had a huge affect on my school and espeacially on me see my friends smoke and im only in 7th grade but all of them do and i was going to but when you came to my school and made that speech i knew it was ok to say no and so i did and not all of those k...
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Kristi
Rick you came a while back and I wrote to you already. Your presentation was amazing and it touches everyone more than you will ever know! I am so sorry about your wife and I know that no matter how many sorrys you get, it will never bring her back, but I...
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d imino
i stop strangers on the street all the time and tell them the effect cigarettes have on people i have no family left except for my sister[and she has asthma and respirtory problems because of people smoking around her!] my mom , her sister and both there ...
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Samantha
Rick,i wanted to say thanks for all your help, you have given an insprational effect on me and alot of my friends i never really realize how bad smoking could effect someone weather or not they smoke or are just around the , influence of it id write more ...
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Anonymous
Hi Rick, I did start to smoke a little but then I heard what you had said. I am very sorry for your lose. My mom had actually gone for 17days without smoking. And then she said that me and my brothers had put too much pressure and stress on her again. So ...
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alissa rounds
no he made me think about my familys actions. im sad because my sis, dad mom step mom and my step dad smoke. rick will you listen my family smokes and im sick of it i wish they would stop it annoys mem so much. please kep in touch with me at *******@yahoo...
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misty
hey rick i havnt talk to you it seems like for ever. i hope you didnt forget about me. i was the 14 year old from busco and talked to you about my problem. well i just found out that my grandma has cancer in her kidny and it is spreading. my best friend w...
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Terra
Hey Rick, I wanted to send you this email to let you know that it was my sincere pleasure to meet you when you were in Watertown, NY. The work that you are doing is changing the lives of all the people who hear your message. I am so sorry for your loss, M...
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charles
Rick has efectted me to stop smoking an chewing tabacco at age 13 when he came to my school southlewis it was cool and exiting ...
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TMF
Rick you came to mt school in upstate New York about 4 months ago. Before you came I knew i would never smoke but now i really now im not going to smoke. You changed my life and many of my friends and i would just like to say: THANK YOU...
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Ashley
Hey its me again I try to tell my mom and my dad how smoking can take your life fast but they have not been listening to me though.It will make me cry if my mom and dad dies soon because they don't listen to me or my brothers.It will be sad if she dies ea...
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anonomous
Hey Rick! I know about some of that because I smoke and everyone in my family smokes including my bofriend. Why does smoking even have to kill you? If I could only find a way to quit I would. But it is kind of hard when you have everyone around you smokin...
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~*M.O*~
Rick,
You've touched not only me, but plenty more around. Your story was real touching, yet inspirational. I'm awfully sorry for your loss and from what you went through, it must have been tough on not only you, but her family as well. I started s...
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Tyler
Hi Rick, i dont smoke but both my parents do and they have dont it for about the same time as marie did. I really hate it they have to go smoke in the garage or outside but i just dont want anything to happen to them. My mom is a great person and she does...
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Mike
I never wanted to smoke in the first place, but I never knew the effects ran so deep to make a grown man almost cry. I do not want to be lost as a result of smoking....
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Ashley
Hey Rick its me Ashley.I was crying through the whole thing. That is why I don't like anyone smoking around me or at all. It takes over your life and kills youy very fast. Then people ask why are people dying very fast. My grandma died 9 and a half years ...
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Kayla
Hey Rick, you did a great job at my school..you said that my school was your favorite..lol yea thats true..but anyways after you told us about Marie I took it in to the heart and after 3 days later I quit smoking...well its only been a couple of days but ...
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Amber
Hey after you came to our school my friend and her Boyfriend have both quit smoking. Your story has effected them alot. it showed them what smoking can really do to you. thanx you alto for coming and speaking. ...
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BB
Hey Rick...
first of all let me just say im soo happy and blessed to have listened to you.It touched me how much you cared about you wife Marie. To share alittle knowledge with you...I smoked when i was 11 for about a year...then i confessed to my mom. I...
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Melia
You coming to South Lewis changed a lot of people's minds about smoking and tobacco use... thank you very much for coming to our school...
Melia...
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Courtney
Rick, first off I'm sorry for your loss. Your story was not only touching, but very emotional for me to listen to. I look up to what you do and i bet Marie is looking down and is very proud of what she sees. Keep it up! From what I know, Marie was a great...
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Mackenzie
Rick,
My dad use to smoke but stopped when I was born. I am really glad he stopped but still has one once and awile. Your story touched me and I am glad you came to talk to us at South Lewis Middle School. I hate when people smoke and try not to be an...
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ashly
I like Rick! His story was also not the only one that affected me though! But his story also affected me too!...
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ashly
Rick I liked what you said! I too also lost a loved one. He was a friend of mine. I meet him when I went to Los Angeles for vacation. I found out a week later that he selled drugs! He said he needed the money! Next summer I found out he was murdered! His ...
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Skyeler
Rick when you came to my school (Batesville Middle School) a few weeks ago your story really touched me and all of my friends. My grandma smokes and I really want her to quit I told her about your wife Marie and she was very touched. Thank you for sharing...
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andrew
i think that your story about marie was a very sad story and it has tought me to never ever tuch a ciggaret in my whole life. I will never tuch them because i do not want what happened to marie to happen to me. if anyone ever asks me to smoke a cigarett ...
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Patrick
Rick, two days ago you came to our school, Case Middle School. You encouraged me to not smoke ever. Also, I am very sorry for your loss of Marie. Im sure she was a loving wife and mother. Thank You for all your support Rick. Keep on giving speeches. You d...
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Emma
Rick,
Your speech for Case Middle School was fanominal!! It touched me very much. Im very sorry for your loss. I know how it is, my grandmother died just a few months ago, a few days before my 13th birthday, and it was caused from heart disease. And i...
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darci
rick yesterday u came 2 my skool witch is case middle skool.an u spoke up aginst somkeing. u told almost our hole skool about what happened 2 marie your wife i am so srry about what happened 2 her.my papa went thought chemo 2 an he died of cancer from som...
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Andrea Hevner
Rick i absolutley loved what you do, i mean how you speak up against smoking. I am really sorry about what happened to your wife, but, i have a feeling that this all happened for a reason, and that reason is to create a smoke free generation that could st...
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Katie
hey rick this has affected me by nowing that now i can tell my mom all of the thing inside a cigaret that can give her cancer and really in my family we all have been telling her that it is bad. i am sometimes upstet because i can't be around her because ...
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Taylor
Hi Rick this is Taylor I go to Copenhagen and i hate the smell of smoke. I wish it was not around. Well my dad chews and my stepp mom smokes and i want them both to stop but my stepp mom does it out side. My dad told me he stopped but he did not nad i am ...
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Alex
you effected me so much i went home and told my mom and i dont normaly do that
Rick you changed my life!!!!!...
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anonymous
hey rick wuts up? nuttin here i think ur assembly was interesting. but im not quit tabacco it is to addicting. DO NOT START USING TABACCO. what about marijuana ??? its reall ygood...
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jason
hey rick i have been smoking cigs and dipping since i was 10 i was working last night and thought i would write you ...
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Cassie
Thanks a ton for coming and talking to us at Copenhagen. You touched everyone that was sitting around me and meny more. Both of my parents smoke and i went home and told then ur sad story. I asked them if they would die for me and they said "yea" so i sai...
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Nicole
Thank you for telling me your story about your wife. I was really sad about that. I thought that was really bad. I feel sorry about your loss. ...
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cj
rick not just afected me but he effected all the schools he whent to i think he is a realy cool guy. ...
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cj
rick you realy realy affected me and my school all my friends are thinking of marie and your whole family thank you for comming to copenhagen
cj ...
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nicole
I hope that every one listened to you that was in Copenhagen so they won't get cancer. I am sorry about your loss....
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Alissa
it made me feel sad because i had a loved one that died in 2000 of canser. it also made me think about all my loved ones who smoke an di feel they will get canser too....
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Aj
hi iam a 6th grader in south lewis middle school. The speech u gave us was amazing. iam never going to smoke thank u for the speech. sorry about ur wife....
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shyann
hi u came to my school may 25, 06 ... me and my friends rili liked ur presentation ... we really thought of what smoking could do to ... and im really sorry about ur whife ... well i showed my mom ur web site .. and told her some stuff that u tought ...
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Sophia
hi! i just want to tell u how touched that i was from ur speech. i am so sorry for ur loss. i would be nervous to go to a school or any place and talk to 1 or even a bunch if people. I hope that u r able to come to our school next year and speak to again ...
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Nick
Rick my name is nick ***** and you presentation at South Lewis was great on 5/25/06. My Sister is Currently in the Hospital because she just had Surgery done. My Sister Christina has got Breast Cancer and she just got surgery done for the Breast Cancer. b...
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Ruthanne
you have showed me and my friends how much it effects people. my friends didnt believe me untill they saw you today. and almost everyone at south lewis smoked or chewed so it was just great....
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kathleen
Thankyou for coming to are school i will pray to your wife marie.my mom is somking how do i tell her to stop....
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Brooke
Hello Rick. I liked your presentation today 5/25/06 at south lewis middle school. I thought it was sad because of all the things your wife went through. My mom smokes and got really really dizzy in the middle of work. We had to take her to the emergency...
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kathleen
Thankyou for coming to are school i will pray to your wife marie.my mom is somking how do i tell her to stop.how are doing today? i live with my dad because me and my mom get into fight lot....
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cj
hey rick its cj again i dont think alot of my family members smoke so i will never ever smoke my friend j r says that he loved yor speech ive got to go
cj...
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Kayla
Rick, hello! I am a sixth grader at South Lewis Middle School. Thank you for all the compliments. I really liked that we were the best school you would want to end the school year with.Even if it was just from the tractors(today was "bring your tractor to...
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Tom
Hay Rick im from south lewis middle school and i no how you feal. I to lost some one vary close to me becuse of the big tobaco industrey's.My aunt spent the last few months of her life going direcktly down hill not being abole to eat becuse it hert so muc...
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Lindsey
Rick your story was sad and it got the point across! My Nana started smoking at 16 and just stopped last year at 72 years old because it was makeing her cough and weez and she could'nt take it anymore.I am very thankful for that because if i lost her i do...
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chris
hey rick i think ur speech about marie ur wife was the best speech ever. that is seriously the first speech that i listened to because all the other people just say the smoking is bad and dont do it.... you got the facts and actually showed us what really...
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P.K
Rick I think you are very insperational and very brave to do what you have done.I also have lost 3 grandparents do to smoke I am glad I still have the one Grandfather I do have. I also wanted to let you know now that I have seen what smoking can do and al...
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Whitney
Hey, thanks for visiting Case Middle School (Watertown NY) today! I thought of your wife's story most of the day afterwords, and it touched me. I have had plenty of relatives and friends die from tabacco related cancers. I truely hope our generation or th...
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Ashley
Hi, when you came to my school today(case m. school in watertown new york) it really affected me. Because last year my great uncle died of emphysema...I cried today.. I hope you do better......
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Kadie
Rick...Thanks for coming to Copenhagen Central today (5/24) Your presentation was awesome...and hopefully it made a difference. Sorry for your loss... Thanks again!...
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Caitlyn
Rick,
my name is caitlyn im from Case Middle School and im here to tell how sorry i am that you lost your wife....
Katie...
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megan
you have affected me very much today(5/24/06). when u came to my school (case middle school) and told me your story it really touched me because i thought of my mom that smokes and she could get lung cancer any time becaus she started smoking when she was...
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Ashley
Hey~!
im from watertown and i loved your presentation today~! dispite all that you've been through your so lively and upbeat~!! your story made me cry and you are very strong to be able to live with that burdon everyday of your life and to be reliving...
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savanna
dear rick, today i saw your show (5/24/06). my school is case watertown middle school. your show is amazing. it made me cry while you where talking about your wife. i apricate you coming to my school. it was nice to have you there. i also wanted to tell y...
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Heather
Rick, I'd like to say thank you for coming to my school today (Copenhagen). Everything you said touched me and I know exactly how you feel about losing a loved one to cancer. I lost my great grandma to cancer and both my mom and my step dad and even my gr...
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brandon
i think u are dumn R rated movis would mean we couldnt go to them...
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ty for the presentation in c-hagen today "steve" i have a ?, is quiting smoking actually bad 4 u, ive heard that it is, my madre and padre smoke and i want them to quit cause i dont want them to die of lung cancer like my grandpa did anyways e-mail me bac...
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Brianna
Today May 24, 2006 you came to Case Middle School in Watertown and shared your life story about your wife. This inspires me because you would actually have enough cuts to stand up in front of hundreds of kids and talk about your wife. At least its for a g...
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Michael
Rick this isnt a way on how u have affected me but when you came to my school (Case middle school in Watertown Newyork) you had reminded me on my mothers death. My mother was a very strong women as well. She was one of the most influensive people in my li...
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Mike
I just want to thanl u for coming to my school Copenhagen(5/24). I to have lost people close to me that smoked. Just last year I experienced a death that was my first. A person that I sean every day. She when she died only had one lung to live on. Seeing ...
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Tiffani
Rick,
As soon as you started to talk about your wife and how it effeted your whole family you had my attention and I knew that this was going to be a very EYE OPENING assembly. You had my attention even more when we began to talk about the ciggarette ...
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Chelc
Thank you for coming to Copenhagen School and sharing your touching story. Hopefully you have helped many of us realize the suffering that you could deal with if smoking. Your story truly touched me because my grandfathers were both diagnosed with lung ca...
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Tamara
Rick, i really enloyed you presentation at Beaver river central. I am very sorry about what happened to your wife. I think What you are doing is great. Best of wishes!...
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Chelsea
Rick,
I go to South Lewis and today(5-23) you were nice enough to actually come and share your nice story with us about tobacco and what it has done to u and your loved ones. ive lost loved one to that stuff to, its not easy to talk about it. im glad tha...
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Melissa
Rick you really got to me today when you came to see us. Everything you said hit home for me. My grandmother died when i was nine from lung cancer and then my aunt when i was thirteen. my mom still smokes and my dad still chews, even my boyfriend smoke...
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marcie
do ciggarettes really have urea in them....wut animal urea? thats gross yes that makes me want to quit when you announced that...........today.....at south lewis...the best hick school you'll ever see...
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Andrew
Rick your presentation was great. I learned a lot. Thanks... it really changed my outlook on smoking.
...
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Mike
Rick,
Your presentation at South Lewis today was great! Just one month before I was born, my grandmother died of lung cancer from second-hand smoke. She never smoked anything in her life, but unfortunately my grandfather smoked cigars from a very y...
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Brianna
Hey Rick you had just came to my school (Beaver River)today (May 23,06) and I am very sorry about your wife. My grandma has had cancer and made it through 4 times,and she is still alive today. If you want to you can email me at **************@yahoo.com ...
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Leeza
Hey Rick, your presentation at our school was amazing, I think that it had a lot of effect of many people. Last year my father passed away very suddenly, this was not caused from smoking tobacco but alcohol. I know they are two totally different things bu...
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Marissa
i need to thank you a lot for coming to south lewis, hopefully your words can help me to get my sister to stop smoking. i am really sorry about your wife, you made her seem wonderful tho. i also hope that the kids at my school will take your story to hea...
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frank
rick really taught me that smoking is the number one thing that kills so many americans. my mom and dad smoke and it is disgusting. the smell is horrible. i try to get them to quit and all they say is why quit.. it will just kill me faster than if i keep ...
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Samantha
Dear Rick,
I would like to thank you for coming to our school it means alot to me and my friends! I lost my grandmother 2 months ago because of cancer (bone and breast) even though it was not because of smoking i still HATE anything that can cause th...
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Jamie Lynn Spears
Hey Rick! This is Jamie Lynn Spears and i got your book on the burning truth from my aunt. If you don't believe that i am actually Jamie Lynn, send me an email to *********@*******.com. You advice is really helpful and I really thought your words in the b...
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Patty
Rick,
Me and my daughter attended your class at Daniel Webster College the other day and it has changed my way of thinking. I smoked in my teenage years, gave it up, then from time to time went back to it, then gave it up again.Alot of my friends smoke, ...
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Olivia
Hey Rick,
I wrote you before and told you my grandfather quite smoking. Well Tuesday he had a heart attack and now he has to have heart surgery. This might of been caused from smoking practically his whole life. This and your story about Marie has change...
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Jade
Thank You!!! You really helped when you came to my school . My friend has stoped smoking, and her mom has too !! She would have wrote you but she is always so busy.Thank You !!!!!!!!
...
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Alyssa
Hi Rick! Thank you for teaching my mom and I that smoking is very bad and i always new that smoking was bad, but I now understand why it is bad. When i came into your class today at project safeguard i thought..."oh boy just another person saying dont smo...
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Olivia, Regan, Riley
Thank you for coming to our school! We learned about talking to the ones that have smoked, and we actually made are grandfather quite!!! Thank you for coming!...
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Donald
Hey Rick I'm really sorry what happend to you. But everyone dies from it I tell my mom to stop but she can't....
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Tori
I am sorry to hear that your wife died to lung cancer. Mr. Schuler suggested that I e-mail you since I am doing a project on Lung Cancer. the reaso that I choose Lung Cancer is because my grand father died of Lung Cancer. So we both know how it feels to h...
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Kelsey
Rick its me Kelsey again. When you came to Brookville Middle School you told us about your emotional story. well i got on here and read your story to my family. they all felt a lot of sympathy for you. Some of them are trying to quit now. and it was all ...
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Lindsay
Hey Rick, I felt so sorry for you when you had to tell you stary to us at BMS. Doesn't it hurt you to have to always tell Marie's story? Well, anyway, I am so glad you came to our school because you influenced a lot of people including myself and my broth...
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Shelby
Dear Rick, I don't think you have affected me that much. I think your advice was really helpful. I wish I could just stand up to my grandpa and my autns. I know that I will chicken out. Then I will end up being embarrassed.Well I'm really glad that you co...
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Abby
Rick,
Smoking has been a part of my family's lives for as long as I can remember. A cigarette was always a companion to my mom, dad, brother, and sister as well. I am the only one in my family who hasn't taken a liking to it, in which I'm gratefully...
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Pam
Thank you for speaking at OFA. Your program has inspired the Middle School to make a memorial installation on the front lawn of our school. We were amazed when 90% of us raised our hands when you asked who knew someone that had died from cigarette relate...
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Bobby
Rick I appreciate what you did at my school. I know that was hard on you to tell that story and that made me wanna quit smoking and chewing....
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Tyler
Thank you so much for coming to BMS. I am expossed to smoke everyday and the thought of tobacco makes me sick. My mom, and my grandpa smoke, and my grandpa smokes even though his doctors told him not to because he already has health problems. I cannot sta...
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Austin
i think that what you are doing is amazing and it really has an effect on kids my age (12-14) i heard all my friends saying that after they heard you they were talking to there parents about quiting and its amazing how much of an in pact you had on me My ...
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Jadian
I feel very sorry for your lose. My aunt is smoking and I afraed to talk to her. My Grandpa has heart cancer and he had never smoked and my grandma doesn't even smoke. I don't want him to leave my well thanks for your time. THANK YOU....
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Chelsea
Hello Rick,
I just wanted to tell you how touched I was by your story. You wouldn't see most grown men traveling to school after school each day to help influence people like myself, to not get started on tobacco. Parts of your story seemed to remind me ...
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Patricia
Hi Rick, I'm from batesville middle school. When you came and talked to us about tobacco it made me think alot about my uncle who had passed away in January from lung cancer. My aunt still smokes and she smoked around my uncle when he was diagnosed. First...
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Tom
Hey Rick,
I think it was a great thing coming to our school. You touched many people. I am sorry for your loss and am happy u r trying to prevent anyone else from suffering from the things ur wife did....
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Shelby
Hello Rick,
i was really touched by your convocation that u brought to my school. I love your sense of humer and your ability to go around and talk to children my age and touch their lives the way you touched mine. i hope that alot of people relize what ...
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tiffany
he came to my school today and told marie's story it affected me b/c my grandpa smoked all his life and died of lung cancer... im afriad mydad is to b\c he wont quit!!...
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katelyn
he affected me by showing me all the things that can happen to anyone who smokes ...
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katie
hey rick! you effected me greatly with your story...my brother smokes and has a heart murmer. i don't think he choose the best path in life. im glad you came to my school. you have built up my courage to comfront my brother and tell him how i feel. i neve...
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Jenna
hey Rick it's me again!!! I just want to tell you that you haeva made a huge impact on my heart. You have left something for me to think about. I want to thank you so much for everything you have said. It really means something to me. You are a grea...
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Jenna
Rick has effected me because my mom use to smoke. I always bugged her and bugged her to quit because I knew what was going to happen to her if seh kept smoking. I didn't want to lose my mom. I wanted her to be there for my graduation and my wedding and...
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Kyra
Rick, your speach today was very inspiring to me. I was thinking about smoking for many years because I thought it was cool. I have smoked a few cigerettes in my life time but not enough to get addicted. my mom quit after 30 years and shes doing great....
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brian
hi whats up rick. i'm a 7th grader in bms. i thought u touched my heart. i can feel ur pain inside me. i think u will touch people's heart like you touched mine peace out....
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Kelsey
Rick you came to my school and told us about your emotional story. I started to cry when i heard that. I HATE tobacco and i try to make my grandma quit. but she wont. she tells me not to bug her about it. some day she will die and im prepared. Your speec...
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Nicole
You really taught me alot today about drugs. I hope it helps me in my future to try to talk my friends out of it, if they want to try it. Thank you very much for coming to Batesville Middle School....
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Brennan
Thanks for speaking at my school (Batesville Middle) today. I enjoyed the ads and the dalmation one is just horrible... If I had smoked, I would have stopped right then. I feel you changed my life, and I will never look a smoking the same way ever again.
...
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tqtness
rick when you came to emerson everyone was just about ready to break out in tears I really appreciated the talk hopefully it through to some of my friends.every since Ive been watching out for the people I hang with Ive also been trying to get my godmothe...
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Sam and Amber
hey hey hey rick!! It was very inspiring to see you come to Holcomb Middle School. It must be very hard for you to go around to tons of schools and talk about what has happend. We wish the best of luck to you because your speech about Marie was so sad.
...
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misty
hey rick im back.and i finally heard from that lady you was talking to. but i cant get on her site i dont know why but my coputer is messing up well i got to go. ttul to my #1hero/fan write me some time if you have a chance k? see ya...
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Sandy
Hi! I was fortunate enough to be in the audience when you spoke at our local middle school. You are definitely living proof that one person can make a difference. I was wondering if there was any way that you could e-mail me the quote about character that...
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Jacob
I chew snuff and i really like the stuff and i wonder if Redman has the same stuff in it as Cope and skoal...
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Jordan
Rick,
My mom has been smoking for over 20 years. I tell her how much I hate it when she smokes and that I cannot stand to be around it. I tell her how bad it is, but she says I know. I beg her all the time to quit, and she always someday I will. Someday ...
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Jordan
Rick,
When you gave your presentation at my school (Edward Town Middle). I thought of my mom, and how she could get sick.
...
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misty
hey rick sorry i havent beenon for a while but i have something to tell you....i started to smoke again my grandpa went into the hospital for a open heart surgery and my other grandpa died from that 2 years ago and that was to much. he is my last grandpa ...
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Christopher
Keep up the good work Uncle Ricky. Now all you have to do is come down here and yell at my mom some more to get her to quit....
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sunday
hi rick, ive read your letter to us and thank you for saying such nice things about us. CMS#1...
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Kriss
Meeting Rick yesterday made me realize the power within the human spirit. The call on our lives, even in our darkest moment..and our answer. Rick demonstrates the ultimate in self sacrifice for others, a Divine calling.
Rick, I enjoyed meeting you an...
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KEITH
Ricki was sad to here about your wife it was a very touching story u told the kids at lackawanna high school and like you i had someone in my family die from smoking she was my grandmother she smoked so much the Docters said here blood was so thick blood ...
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Veronica
Rick your story moved me so much for you to come in and talk about such an emotional story witch has touched everyone in a special way. I am proud to say that smoking,drugs etc are not and will neaver be a part of my life. Thanks!...
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Chjris
Dude u are so cool and i feel really bad about marie and u do look like stone cold! Good luck!! and go clarence middle...
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Ashley
Rick,
you are a new inspiration to me. You take time out of your schedule to visit thousands of schools to warn them about the dangers of smoking. Unfortunatly, I had lost a relative from those dangers. I never met him. He would have been my Paw-Pawl, b...
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Colin
I lost my aunt to lung disease when i was only about 7. I feel that if i had known, or if she had known half of the things i learned she would still be alive.
GO CLARENCE MIDDLE SCHOOL
!..!(==:==)!..!
...
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Debbie
Thank you so much for dedicating yourself to such a good cause. I am sorry someone you loved had to die from cigarettes in order for you to go on with this mission. I truely believe you are making a difference in the lives of the people you speak to. I...
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Joe
By listening to you at Clarence Middle School for my internship, I have stopped smoking. Thank you b/c only god knows what could have happened if I would not have stopped. I thought that smoking helped release my stress but it really doesn't I just feel l...
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Alison
Rick, you were soooooo awsome when you came to my school in Fredoina,NY on 4/7/06. You really changed my life when I heard about your wife's story. My aunt started smoking when she was only 13. Last year she quit smoking at age 32. My 2 uncles smoke, and ...
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Chelsea
when he came to my school pine valley he taught me a lot about smoking and what it can do to you!
I have a dad that smokes a cigarette one after another constantly! I also have a step mom that smokes. When i told her about it she is starting not to smo...
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Jenna
rick has taught me a whole lot.I have a kid in my class who started somking at the age of 5 and still is i told him about you and now he is quitting. You have changed his life and mine and other people...
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Jon
You have taught me how to try to get my entire family to quit smoking... I have been trying to do that ever since my grandma died of cancer. I have gotten my brother to start quitting... and it's all because of you! THANK YOU RICK STODDARD!...
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GAYLE
Good morning Rick, found your web-site,very impressed. Loved the pictures. Hope you're home safe. Love, your favorite sister-in-law!! Gayle...
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latiara and jeandaiha
he has taught me that smoking is not the right choice to make during my lifetime now i know that smoking is not the right way to go....
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John
You are a true patriot, doing what is in the best interst of Americans.
Except for The Cigarette Industry, America has always fought enemies with equal or greater force. Terrorists killed 3000 Americans on 9/11/01. The Cigarette Industry kills 3000 A...
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jill
my father had recently passed away form lung cancer, one month ago. why don't we hear more about lung cancer research like we do about breast cancer etc???...
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shakai
he has helped me realize that smoking is not the right route to succed in life growing up and having a life with out nictotine in my life is the route to succed...
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Mrs. G's Course 4 Math Class (Pine Valley)
Rick was an aspiring speaker at our high school and his message was taken to heart by many. He is a strong man to deal with the cards he has been dealt. We wish the very best in the spread of his very emotional message. THANKS RICK!!!!!!! ...
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Jeff
Rick, you do great work. I am 36, never smoked, but my father passed away on June 14, 2004 ate age 63, after 42 years of smoking, 6 weeks after his diagnosis. He died two days after my son's 1st birthday. He wanted so very much to be a grandfather, but...
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muhamed
Thank you for coming to my school that was a realy great speech. It taught me a lesson not to smoke. Thank you for saving my life.YOU ARE THE BEST PERSON I EVER MET. ...
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Dear Rick,
Your story at Pine Valley today was amazing.....I couldnt' imagine going through what you did. I really hope your story about Marie affected the smokers that were sitting in the crowds....i know it did to me....I smoked for 3 years and i...
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Tracy
Rick,
Thank you so much for sharing your story with the students at Clarence Middle School. I really feel as if you made an impression on many students! I spoke with my classes after the assembly to find out what they thought, their comments were very fa...
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Lisha
Mr. Stoddard you spoke at my school today in Fredonia Middle School in Ny. Your story was very sad i got teary eyed many times. I thought about every thing you said and how much i agree with you on every thing! My mom just stoped smoking about 10 days ago...
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Julie
Rick,
You came to my school, Fredonia Middle School, and spoke to us students about the dangers of smoking. I don't know about the other kids, but your story and facts about smoking really affected me. I think you did a good job getting the message acro...
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Yorgie
Hi Rick! you are really awesome! you've touched me and affected my life and I'm sure you'll affect so many more! I emailed this site to my aunt who smokes and I just really hope it makes her think twice next time she picks up a cigarette....
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Charlie
Rick,
Your presentation at Pine Valley Central School was right on the money. My co-worker and I have been trying our best to teach our elementary physical education students about the dangers of smoking. We brought them to the High School assembly a...
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Arianna
You just came to our school (Clarence Midddle) a couple of days ago, and I really thought that you were just so inspirational. I always thought smoking was disgusting and pointless but ever since you came now I really see all it does is kill you. I want...
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Dillon
hi rick im 11 and you came to south whitley and told your story. It effected my mom, aunt, and me. since your making a difference so do i and i trying to get my family that smoke to quit and i almost have my one of my aunts because i told her son and daug...
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Stary
My name is Stary, you are the coolest person ever!!!!!!! :) Sorry about your wife...
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Christie**
Hey Rick!! Your speech really touched me. My 23 year old sister smoked since she was 12, and well...she isn't with us anymore. I wish she could hear your speech, because I know she would've listened. Well, thank you for making all of those speeches. ...
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Ronda R.T.
Rick, Hello :) I had the pleasure of introducing you at the Western Kansas Regional Network Conference. As a teen smoker and child of smokers(and now a mother of a smoker), I will contiue to keep trying to run the Tobacco Industeries out of town with you....
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misty
hey rick im still hanging on but slipping im trying so hard but....i'm getting so confuse and that lady that you said will help hasn't talked to me. sorry i havent been on for a while. well i got to go my boyfriend is getting mad ...
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Sammy
Hi rick! you are soooo... cool! you remind me so much of my dad! you said you like motorcycles, so do me and my dad. he has a harley davidson fatboy 2001/3 (i can't remember)...but he smokes. no matter what i say i can't stop...can you help me?
~SAMMY~...
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Travis
Hey rick you were at are school a few weeks ago in Norton Ks the Norton Junror high school the baby incadent is still going aroud the shool and that is prety inpresive.......Well just wnted to say good luck to helping america I am with you all the way I ...
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Cari
Hey, there, Rick! I'm one of the student you spoke to at Alden Central High School, near Buffalo New York. I was deeply touched by your story. I was also pleased to hear that you have read "The Purpose Driven Life". It is a very spiritually uplifting book...
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jonah
rick, your speech was great. we were all affected by it at clarence middle school. we are going to try to be a smoke free school. no one was bored during your presentation. we all look forward for you to sometime come back to our school in future generati...
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melinda
after he told me what happend it changed my life.I now know that i am not going to smoke ever....
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matthew
he was insirational and he encoraged me to stop my family from smoking....
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SHANNON
HI RICK. I ACTUALLY JUST CAME ACROSS YOUR STORY ONLINE AND IT INTERESTED ME SO MUCH I HAD TO LET YOU KNOW. I LOST GRANMOTHER TO LUNG CANCER 4 AND A HALF YEARS AGO AND IT HAS BEEN REAL HARD ON THE FAMILY. SHE SMOKED 2 PACKS A DAY AND EVEN WHEN HER COPUG...
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Motoko
Hi! Today you came to my school (Clarence Middle) and talked to my seventh grade class about your story and the negative affects of smoking. What you said really got through to me and my friends and I wanted to thank you for such a moving assembly today. ...
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Tara, struggling smoking mom of 2
Hi Rick! I came to see you at Riverview Elementary in Tonawanda tonight. I told you my story about how I quit in June when I had a tooth pulled and started up again after my husband and I suffered a miscarriage. Funny how I can be so against smoking an...
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Linda
Rick, I wanted to say thank you very much for sharing you very personal story with us at the Orleans County Office Building in Albion, NY the other day. It is a special gift you are sharing with everyone you speak to. I hope this is what works to help ...
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Dylan
Dear Mr.Stoddard i want to thank you for your time that you spent at lackawanna high today i was very touched by your story about what you had to go through with your family. I have been trying anything to help my aunt quit smoking. I've tried everything ...
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ryan
hey rick, my name is ryan ***** from lackawanna high school. your story today has really affected me. i have always hated smoking. my grandparents smoked and i hated it because i have lost all four of them now and it was all from smoking. your story moved...
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Jess
rick, that was amazing how you came to our school. i really thought of what could happen to me if i started smoking, but now i know i am never ever going to start smoking even if my friends do. your story really touched my heart, it was hard for me not to...
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kayla
well rick you came to my school in attica the other day. i was just writing to you to say i kind of know how you feel. my granpa died from cancer 3 years ago. the storys and pictures you sowed us made me feel very sad and reminded me about my grandpa and ...
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Ryan
Hey Rick you came to Attica high school and your speech that you gave was awesome I am a smoker and you have inspired me to quit smoking I didn't realize that smoking was that bad and Mr Hale and Mr spink were right this school is the quietest school and ...
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SANDI
Rick, I just wanted to thank you for the time you spent with me at your seminar at Roswell Park Cancer Center speaking at the Kick Butt Campaign for Smoke-Free, New York. I admire what you do and hope that I may be able to assist you in your efforts if I...
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Ashley
Hey Mr.Stoddard, my names ashley *******, from lackawanna high..you spoke at our school today and i have to say that,that has to be one of the deepest stories i heard. I respect everything that you've been doing to get the tobacco companies out of buisnes...
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Chelsea
Mr. Stoddard,
You story made me relize that why would someone smoke up there life? I lost my grandpa last month because of lung cancer. when you told me about your stroy I though "I'm not alone and someones got to stop the deaths" YOUR DOING THE RIGHT T...
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Holliday
Rick, I'm a student at Batavia High School, and I'm sorry that you were disrespected by that student. I have never had the desire to smoke, and your story just made that feeling stronger. I was hoping you wouldn't judge our school by the one person that a...
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Jason
Thank you Mr. Stoddard for visiting our school (Alden High) today. You made me think about a lot things that maybe I wouldn't have. I am an 18 year old Senior at the high school. The only person I know of in our family that we have lost to cancer from smo...
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Mr. Stoddard, I would first like to apologize for my school's behavior on April 3, 2006. Although you said that you do not judge a school by one student, I'm sure you will always remember how the Batavia High School student acted...especially when you we...
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Kayleigh
I am sorry about your wife. MY mom and step dad smoke and he coughs so bad all the time and I tell my mom to stop smokking all the time. I am a foster child and i never have done drugsor anything. My grandma and my grandpa have recently died from lung can...
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ashley
you have talked at my shool and i was very sorry about your story with mari and i was so sad. i have been trying to get my mom to quit. now with all of the info. that you gave us i am sure that bothof my parents will soon quit!thank you so much for coming...
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Jenica
Hey Rick, I was very amazed at all the truth you told about tobbaco at my school and I just wanted to let you know that my Grandma was just diagnosed with breast cancer and is just know starting to get her hair back. I am very happy that she had the oppe...
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Alli<3
My grandmother died of lung cancer from smoking when I was around 7 years old. I think because I didn't understand her death at the time, that I didn't really get to cope with the fact that she was one of the 1,200 people that died that day due to smoking...
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nick
rick affected me becuse my mom smokes and he told us to talk to r famliys and i always do but my mom does not even try to quit smokeing
...
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Theresa
Hey rick,
Thank you for coming to our school. You are right about how they should shut down the tobaco industries...Sure there would be riots breaking out everywhere but I would rather have that than my faily members or people close to me sying...Ju...
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Lee
You made me shed a good number of silent tears for all the loved ones I have lost in the past few years. Smoking IS an addiction...I learned a long time ago that I DIDN'T need to SMOKE to live. Keep your presence alive in the schools. I know my nephew a...
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mary
thank you for visiting attica high i thought your story was very touching and i wanted to let you know that all the hard work you put into this mission really makes me and im shure many other kids feel very important cause somebody cares enough about th...
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Kayla
Rick, you have really touched my heart. I'm sorry that you went through suck a tough tadgedy with your wife. if it makes you feel any better, my granfather died of lung and skin cancer. I also want to thank you for coming to our school, ETMS, because you ...
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annie
it made me thing about my uncle. he is in the hospital with smoking related heart disease...
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thank you for comming today. I lost my neighbor to lung cancer only a few years ago. I didn't know what the treatments were like, and the descriptions of them were very eye opening to me. I appreciate you spreading your knowledge on the subject to kid...
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Sandy
I learned alot more about cigarettes than I knew - besides how addictive they are and that they kill - both of which I've known for years. Too many, Unfortunately having started as many as a teen ager! I'm inspired by your desire and drive to make a diffe...
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Hey Rick, that kid got kicked out of your presentation at BHS because he he got blamed for something that the kid next to him said, so he told the teacher to yell at the right person, and they removed him. It had nothing to do with your presentation....
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Ian
Well, I was somewhat touched by your story. It is sad and 5h17, but it I see it as a scare tactic to keep people from smoking. I do not smoke, but I couldn't care less about the Anti-Smoking groups. Smoking is one of the many industries that keeps our cou...
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Chris and Brandon
Hi Rick, this is me and my friend Brandon. You talked to us recently in Attica MS. I can relate with what you told us about Marie. The only replacement for my loved ones is pain. The pain of knowing they're gone forever. I'll admit to it, and I don't wha...
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Angel
Dear Rick,
Thank you so much for coming to Attica High today (April 3rd, 2006). It means a lot to me to know that someone cares enough about the young people of today to come and relive that kind of pain, just to spread the messege about tobacco. I'm...
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Dear Rick,
After your presentation today, I just wanted to say thank you. Thank you for caring enough about the people around you to talk to students like us. You are a very influential speaker, and I wish the best for you and your family. You said today...
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Keith
Dear Rick,
Your presentation has touched many of us here at Attica High School. I would like to tell you that I greatly look up to you, after today. Your story was very hard to sit through and many of us including myself were fighting off tears. I ...
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Briana
your story was very touching.
i am sorry for your loss.
my grandfather died of lung cancer.
thank you for coming to my school.
i think you made everyone think twice about smoking ever again....
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Lee Anna
well the assembly really affected me because my mom is a smoker and hearing your story really made me think about how lucky I am to have my mom and that so far she has been lucky enough to still be living. It also had a great affect on me becuase some of ...
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Laura
hey my name is laura and im 14 you came to my school on April 3 and I remember sitting there and hear you talking and i was like what is this guy doing here and why is he trying to tell us to not smoke then you started to show us a video and tellintg us a...
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Andrew
Two years ago my grandfather died from lung cancer that he got from smoking when he was younger. He had only smoked for ten years, he quit as soon as my dad was born it was really hard to see him go through with it...
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Megan
Rick,
Hey waz up,down,or all around?Well my boyfriend,and I broke up,because he smokes and I tryed to get him to stop , he wouln't stop so I broke up with him!!!!!!...
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Nicole
You came to my school this morning. Attica High school on April.3, 2006. Throughout your presentation I had all I could do to hold back tears. I haven't been through half of what you have because of cigarettes but I know you like people to share. Last yea...
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Brittany
hey... you came to BHS today and i really learned form your speech... i am deff. going home and talkin to my family i have alot of members that smoke :( i have to talk to my dad my aunt and my grandpa.. i dont know who it will go but you really inspired m...
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Alisha
Rick when you came to Salamonie I thought it was so greatful for you to take time and tell people about your storie and making people relize not to smoke....
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Matt
Hey Man...whats up...theres not to much here...im from norton...and i just wanted to say that ur story really affected my life...because..when i got home i went up to my mom and i told her to please stop smokin because i know that its not good and that yo...
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Sadie
When you came to our school I thought alot about my grandmother and my friends mom. When you said about 1200 people die everyday from smoking I almost started crying because I thought, what if my grandmother was one of them? My friend was crying after the...
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brina
rick i havenot heard u speak but maybe in Hays Kansas u should come here we have alot of teenage smokers and my son has tried it and i have told him what it does to u but i have seen the effects first hand as my mom has empysema and COPD from smoking 30 +...
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Ryan
His story was very touching. He wass funny. Now that I know the dangers of smoking and chewing I will get my Grandma and my Step-Mom off of the stuff....
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~*Maria*~
Rick, you are a great person! Your speech was so amazingly awesome! I have family members who smoke, and I try to help them out by telling them your story.Your story made me realize how bad and addictive smoking can be and how bad the affects are. It real...
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Justin A.K.A. Coffee Boy
I think it affected alot of people on how kids look at sigarets and how urine is in it.
god bless
...
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Travis
Hey rick you came to our school on March 31 2006 and you made a big difference in a lot of lives I am ksorr your wife has past. I will try to help you in any way i can to stop tobaco factorys I think you are doing the right thing May God bless you ...
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Kristin
I just wanted to encourage rick, because he has done so much encourging for other people. I goto school at Columbia city. You just recently spoke there. And I could tell that you were a christian man. The purpose driven life.. awesome book. Im so proud of...
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Miranda
Hey Rick. I just wanted to let you know that I really enjoyed having you over for dinner last night. It was very nice of you to spare an evening for us. If you're ever this way again, please let us know; we'd be glad to have you over! (This time I pro...
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Christi
Rick your story has really toughed me. I look at how my grandpa would have died and I think that maybe I could have got him to stop smoking. I really wish that I could get through to my parents, but its not that easy. My parents have sat here and said tha...
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Hailey
Hey Rick! How are you? well... i just wanted to thank you. For all that you have changed in my life. I have a friend and he smokes and i just sat him down and talked him out to not do that. And he promised because he said your story mad him regret all tha...
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Charlene
I'm the chair of Clean Air Manhattan in Manhattan, KS www.cleanairmanhattan.org
Could I get permission to add your web site to our web page?
...
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misty
hey rick what is up man? i still havn't had a cigarret every since you and i talked. you are like the coolest guy ever and i hope tha6t you will allways keep up the great job!!! I am so proud of you and your progress! I love you man. email me if you can a...
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Shane
Rick... Thank you for bringing your story to Kansas. I enjoyed talking with you and hearing your story. Keep saving lives. Hope to see you back in Kansas again....
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Jessi
RICK IS AMAZING AFTER HEARING HIS STORY IT CHANGED ME SO MUCH!!!IT DIDNT MAKE ME STOP SMOKING BUT IT ALSO MADE 3 OF MY FRIENDS AND MY MOM 2 STOP SMOKIN...........RICK I JUST WANTED 2 SAY THANK YOU AND I WAS TRULEY TOUCHED BY YOUR STORY WHEN YOU CAME 2 RIV...
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aubree
hi rick you came to my school in satanta kansas and you were awsome omg you inspired all of us after you got done talking we were all talking about how you touched us and i know what it feels like to lose somone believe me so if you ahv ethe time which yo...
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kelsey
Well you came to our school 3/29/06 and you have inspired me and my friends to set down and talk to our parents about smoking( o and yes we did tell them what is in it) haha!! eww
Well ur awesome and a great speaker, we all injoyed ur story about u and ...
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He has shown me how hard it is to explain things about people who died in my family from cigarette use and i don't want anyone else in my family dieing from smoking or using tobacco so everybody who smokes or uses tobacco i encourage u to stop...
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Allyce
So...
Have you thought about it yet???Well, i was reading some of your emails and you have alot of immpact on peoples life!!!!YOU help them and your story helps them!!!It will be greate if you could come to MA to talk to my school!!!Send me an e-ma...
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MariahAnn
Hey Rick!.. how are you!? --hopefully doing great:) When you were telling your story to us at RMS i couldnt help but cry .. because both my grandma & dad smoke..&ive told them your story ....but they didnt really give it much thought which kind of hurt me...
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misty
hey man thanks for everything tomorow is the big day when i know ill quit for real!!!! i saw my boyfriend today and he said that he loved me and my decisons!!! rick you are awesome and the greates man on earth God bless. to my #1 hero (Rick)!!!!...
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k.f.
Your speech was GREAT! Its amazing to know that you have the strength and courage to tell your wifes story over and over again. Its awesome for us kids to know that you care enough about us, to research all the facts and to give us the real "dirt" on tob...
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Tiffany
Rick i thought you did a really good job when you came to ellinwood ks to tell us you and your wifes story. I really enjoyed listening to it and i am very very sorry to hear about your wife.
Well thanks for coming to Ellinwood, K.S our school really enjo...
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Julie
Rick i just wanted to say thank you for spending the time to come to Columbia City High School and sharing your story with us, you seem like a very kind and thoughtful person to do that. It must be hard not to be able to see your family that often, and to...
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Ash
It was amazing just to hear your story. I am so thankful that you came to our school to talk to kids about this addiction and the complications they may have from smoking. I told my aunt about your story, and it gave her more of an inspiration to not smok...
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Tanner
Rick, your story I will always remember. It made me think of my grandpa when he died from smoke cancer. I wish you did not have to go through what you did go through. You taught me some things about smoking that I did not know(like those really hard words...
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-sarah jean-
Wow. Rick, your story is amazing. It's so crazy how everything can be perfect then, with a blink of an eye, someone you love can be gone. Your story has inspired me to come of the dark and talk to my mom about her smoking. I've tried it before but it just...
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Magdalena AKA Maggie
Rick i would like to thank you for takling to my school Satanta SR JR high School Since you left i have really thought about what you have said. All of my friends thought about it and we are all second hand somkeing by parents and sisters and brother. 4-2...
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aubree
dear rick you have touched all of us with the speach you gave i am going to use your advice and try to get my mom stop smoking because she is all i have and my sister but my dad has passed away and he was 46 email me and i will tell you about it i know yo...
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Myrna
I'll never forget the first time I saw the TV ad that Rick did for the Superbowl. I had lost my husband, Tony Goff (May 12,1992) to Multiple Myeloma (bone cancer) and even though Tony didn't die of lung cancer, he died at the tender age of 50. I felt li...
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kyllie
hey rick when you came to my school to talk to me about smoking and your wife i thought of my mom and sisters. what happend is i lost my mom and two sisters becuse my mom got my sisters into smoking so now i don't get to see them.i has been 3 years scence...
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Dylan
Hey Rick, I thought you were really cool! Man, I would never smoke or chew tobacco. I didn't even think about. I thought your speach to us today (March 28, 2006) at KHMS in Garden City, KS was really touching I didn't think it could cause all that; I thou...
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Gabrielle
HI rick how are you? I'm new to this site a friend told me about you her name is misty....Well i have really bad anger problems and i can't control them.Some times i get som mad i want to punch my mom,sister or friend. Can you help me?...
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Christine
Hay rick,
Wanted to thank you from coming to our school(Ellinwood) and spending time trying to help this generation out. Very sorry to here what you have had to go through. Can i make a suggestion? Go home and see your family, from what you told us,...
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Cassie W.
Wow. I was truly touched by your story Rick. It not only touched me, but it also made me admire you! That takes such strength to stand in front of a gym full of people and tell such an emotional story, over and over. It amazes me how so emotionally strong...
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Keaton
He really told a true live exsperiance and that really touched me and my friends my dad smokes and when i told him that it had animal pee he tried to quite put he cut down on smoking . Thanks a lot for coming to are school in Ellinwood KS....
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K.
I have never done anything involving the habit of smoking, drugs, or alcohol. I just wanted to compliment you on how well you send out the message to people in schools. You may not convince everyone you talk to, to stop smoking, but you manage to reach ou...
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Brandon
You afected me when you came on monday 28 06. thinks for coming to our school, i think you efected every one expetly my.
THINK YOU!!! ...
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T.J. from elllinwood ks
Hey rick i sorry for what happend to your wife. Man i do not know how to keep my dad from smoking. I am scared to talk to him because he is really big and was in the army. Could you help me figure out what to do. Thanks for coming to ellinwood....
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Billy
You are a amazing. you are a great and strong man. Now i allwas tell my freind to stop. he does it not a lot but he does it to be cool. I beet if that kid was at school that day he whoud of stoped. thanks a lot. ...
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HI
hey thanks for coming to ellinwood to tell us what is all in cigarets. i went home right after you told us about cigarets and told it to my parents both my parents use tabacco, my mom is trying to quit and my dad stoped smokeing his pipe and started chewi...
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J.D.
he has really influenced me on the tobbaco facts and statisitis, i have family members who smoke and they try to quit....
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Jared
I was really glad you came to ellenwood schools to talk about tobacco. I know someone who smokes. I will try to talk to that person and get her to stop....
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Jacob
First of all I want to thank you for coming to Ellinwood, Ks. Your story was really insperational to me. I lost a uncle to cancer. Since you came to our school my brother has stopped smoking and only uses chew rarley. I wish you luck on the road and hope ...
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C.J.
Rick thanks for coming to ellinwood KS. Your story really ties into my life. October 10, 2005 my father Jerry Gene "Luv" ******* Died from a heart attack from drinking too much coffee and cigarets. You did a wondurful job coming and speaking at our school...
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Shel
Oh my goodness! You came to our school today and i have to say, we've had many people try to come and talk to us about smoking and the dangers of drunk driving. You covered one of those topics and i learned more today than i have anyother day! I just thou...
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misty
hey i havent had one for almost a week itsso awesome! thank you rick and "just a parent" you guys are so awesome!!! Im sorry that i wasnt one two days ago well i got to go see ya!!!...
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ashley
Rick.. You have affected me in so many ways.. you're story about you wife was so moving.. it made me think so hard that night it made me cry.. Thank Goodness none of my family smokes... but my friends families do and it hurts me so much that they have to ...
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Kyle
I sorry for the loss in your family, but I'm glad you are going to schools and talking to children. I didn't know that there was so many ingredents in a cigirett. I'm glad you decided to quit smoking. I'm also sorry about the wind we had in Kansas, but I'...
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Traven
I was sick the day you came to our school, but I heard a lot about you, and you sound like great man, thanks for coming to our school, Come again real soon!!...
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Kimber
Hey Rick! Your story was amazing like many others said...My mom smokes and she wont stop!! yes, I have tried talking to her about it and i have tried breaking her ciggs and doing anything i can think of. I went home and told her your story and she pushed ...
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Briseno
first of all Rick i had a good time with you and now i am triying to tell my uncull to quit smoking cause i told him that thier is more than 1,200 peaple that die every single day and that there is a ton of *hit in tobacco so THANK YOU VERY MUCH Rick Stod...
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Zaid
Rick gave me some ideas to tell my dad to encourage him to stop smoking....
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Nick
You made me relize that there are A LOT of NASTY things in cigirets. Like urine. Who would wank to breath in pee. NASTY!! Any ways, you made me want to tell EVERYONE I see smoking to stop. I might just carry one of those lists around and show it to every ...
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Hope
You affected me bc my mom, brothers and my stepmom smokes. I know the risks of smoking and I dont want anything to happen to them. I feel so sorry for you bc of what happened. I remember seeing your commercials on tv. The first time that I seen those ...
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Amy
Hey Rick. First of all, your story was very touching, and i realize that im very lucky to have a mother that cares about me and doesnt smoke or drink. Your story really touched me, and i feel like i should do something like maybe even start an organizatio...
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mikayla
hey rick the storie that you told of your wife reminded me of my grandpa he used to always smoke he couldn't go an hour without smoking. when i was five he died of a heartattack.i couldn't understand why. i told my parents that he couldn't die because he ...
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Taylr
Hello Rick. It REALLY meant alot to me when you came to my school. I am a member of SADD at my school which is a group of kids teaching other kids the dangers of their decisions. Such as, smoking, drugs, tobacco, ect. It really touched me when u came to m...
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Kelli
Thank you so much for coming and talking to us at Ellinwood Kansas. Your story really struck me. My boyfriend of over two years has a smoking family. At first it didn't bother me cause his mom smoked outside but then I met the rest of his family that smok...
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Goldie
You did a great job at Ellinwood according to my grandson> I to am an ex smoker who lost my larynx ...
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Nick
Hey Rick thanks for coming to Holcomb, Kansas. I knew that smoking was bad but I did not Know that it was that bad. Both my mom and dad use tabaco products. I told my mom about all of the things you said. It really hit me hard about that this could happen...
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Thank you so much rick for comeing to Holcomb K.S. Your story truely has got to me not to smoke. I have heard a lot of speakers and you were the very first one who's story really told me the things I should have known a long time ago. People in my family ...
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D'chelle
Hey rick you came to my school on the 28 of March and why you were talking it got me thinking about my boyfriend and how he smokes and how much i want him to stop but he wont....
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Alicia
Hey Rick...man i miss you already....its seems just like yesterday that we spent the week at ITI it was so great to have you here at Whitko! I truely hope you the best in all you do! I wanna also thank you for coming to Whitko! It truely meant a lot to ma...
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one of the many
hey rick, thanks for coming to our school in the little country town of Ellinwood, KS. your story reached me and i'm sure a lot of other kids today. you're an inspiration and what you do is great. i read some of your journal entries, and you always say th...
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Amber
Hi, you were at my school this morning, and you really got me thinking about my father. He has been smoking for 29 years, and it is killing him. No he dosent have cancer...but he does have very very very scary illnesses. And saddly but surely, its from sm...
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misty
thank you so much! i'm almost in tears i felt like no-one even cares that i quit. i told my boyfriend about me smoking and trying to quit he said that he's proud and that i have all the support snd love from him. thank you to the parent that wrote that to...
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Keely
Rick you were at Columbia City High School on Friday March 24th. As i sat with all the students and listened to your story. I realized i lost my mom when i was 16( not related to smoking)and there was no way i wanted my 3 girls to loose there mom at an ea...
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donnie
he has told me what is it like to have someone you love living with you that has cancer and how much pain you have to go through. i am so glad that he has came to our school and shared his personal life story and i hope his story affects many more people....
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Brittni
Hey Rick,
I just really wanted to say thank you so much for sharing your story with Hoisington today. You really healped me out, by pushing me to make a difference in this world by helping others. Thank you so much. I really enjoyed your time with us...
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HILARY
You all are right!!!{smokings bad for you all}So dont smoke and stay in school love you all....
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***
Hey, I am 15 and I smoke, do drugs, and party alot. And I have never known how that stuff could hurt me. No one ever told me that the things that they say will hurt you really will until you hear a story like yours. Thank you so much. I am working on quit...
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misty
hey rick i just read your journal and the little words you said help. thanks for the support and beliveing in me. you are the coolest person ever. i get on your site every day hopeing that someone one here is like me so we can support each other. your our...
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jorden
he has tought me not to smoke or chew.
i am from sowthern wells!!!!...
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Natasha
~Hey Rick~ First off i want to thank you for coming to C.C. High School and speaking to us. You touched my heart in a amazing way. Well how are things going? Pretty tuff here. My Grandmother and Grandfather have smoked like all their lives. I am so ...
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Haley
First off, I have to say that you're a very brave person Rick. To tell your story over and over again must be very hard... And hearing it isn't easy either. I actually don't smoke or anything. I know plenty of people who do, including my grandma. I do...
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Vanessa
hey thank you so much Rick for coming to Whitko High School and sharing your story it really got through to me. I know i became interested in smoking because the adds looked good and it looked like the right thing to do.. but recently ive started tennis a...
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Just a Parent
Misty: We don't know each other but I'm proud of you for your determination to not smoke. I'm praying for you and you have my support. When it get's tough, think about Rick and Marie's story. Rick: I have been reading the notes from the students and ...
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Adrian
My grandma quiet smoking when i told her
about Marie.Thanks for coming to
Churubusco Middle School.
...
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Mother of two & hospice nurse
Thank you for sharing your life and Maries with the kids from Salamonie School, you truly are making a difference! My husband and I quit smoking 3 years ago and it was the best thing we've done for ourselves and our children. Being a nurse I've seen wha...
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Victoria
i am a sophmore at columbia city high school,IN and wanted to thank you so much for comign to our school and giving us your input on smoking. it actually got through to me and i went home to talk to ym mom about it and ever since we had that talk she hasn...
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tabitha
my grandma and aunt died of cancer. after my aunt died my whole family stopped smoking. then my sister left with my nephew, and they started again then i saw a card at the store with Marie's story and it helped them stop again! thanks for coming to my sch...
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misty
hey man whats up? nmh jc. its day #4 and i feel great.you are the best guy ever. im really happy for you and what you are doing. and for all the people that gets on this site i just want to say congrates if you decied to quit smoking. its hard but togethe...
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Aleesha
You affected me in many ways Rick. My dad chews tabacco. He stopped about two years ago, and started up again. Your presentation at Riverview touched me and made me think that I don't want me dad to die of mouth cancer. I want him to make it to when I ha...
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misty
hey man whats up? um.....im craving really bad and i need help im taking anger out on my animals and getting really bad head pains. im also getting mood swings and when people smoke around me i just remember what it felt like. i need advice really bad and...
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TAYLOR & JARED
you came to our school on 3-21-06 Salamonie, in warren indiana. all of us learned something from u! u made it a lot more interesting because u were fun!! almost everyone from our scholl was talking about it after we were done!! we all think your a really ...
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Ashley
~Rick~
Hi my name is Ashley and I would just like to tell you that I learned alot about smoking and you and Marie's story. I am sooo glad you took time out of your day to come to Columbia City High School in Indiana. We really enjoyed having you and I ju...
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Meghan
He gave me tips on how to talk to my mom about smoking. I talked to her and i think i might of got to her and i don't know what is gonna happen next. I hope that she will stop smoking....
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Ally
Wow!!! Rick you touched my heart with your story. I am from Salamonie middle School. I loved it when I went home and told my mom about urena. She went ewe!! Thanks! It is not possible for me to smoke because I am allergic to ciggarettes, but if I could, I...
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Carri
Hey Rick! I'm a student at Columbia City High in Indiana. Your story has touched many lives, I think that if it weren't for all the pain and suffering your wife had to go through many more would be suffering now, but there not because you had a story to t...
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Eric
Hey Rick!! you were awesome at my school!! When you showed me that picture of that jaw that was cut off because that guy had mouth cancer from chewing, that made me wonder if that would happen to me. So im going to stop before that happens to me. I just w...
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Josh
Hey Rick,
I just wanted to let you know that your message was awesome. I don't smoke and I never will. My grandpa died from smoking related diseases and my great aunt died two nights ago from a life of chain smoking. That was the day that you came to our...
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Whitney
Rick's speech was great. I really believed Whitko needed to hear his story. My grandma died on April 20, 2005. She had empezema, heart problems, and many other lung problems, all from smoking. I knew her when she was able to walk and get around, but my br...
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misty
hey pal whats up its day 3 and still good and i just wonder how you're doing. i hope its good and that you are still my #1 hero!! i'm proud of what you're doing and i support you 110% and you are a really great person. well i got to go. peace pal...
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Jessica
Rick,
Hi, my name is Jessica Gore, and I go to Columbia City High School (in Indiana). I just really wanted to thank you very much for comming to Columbia City. I really enjoyed your presentation and learned so much. The most important thing that ...
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Mary
Rick, thank you for coming to our school to talk to us. I wish i could say when i told my dad and brother your story, they stopped but it's not that easy. For a long time i have been trying to convince my brother and father to stop smoking but they won't ...
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Leander
I would just like to say thank you! I am a sophomore at Columbia City High School and you really had an impact at our school. I have lost both of my grandfathers to cancer... one of them to lung cancer. I never knew either of them. I really do think that ...
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Bryce
Hello Rick. I wanted to thank you for come to my school (Columbia City HS, IN). You inpired me to talk to me dad about using tobacco products. He uses chewing tobacco and I am afraid that he is goin to get cancer. I just wanted to thank you for everything...
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Megan
You have affected me so much since you came to my school! Every time my mom or my dad smokes a cigarrette, I think about what you said. I fear that I will die from second-hand smoke. I try to stay away from them when they smoke....
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Jennifer
Actually I recently quit smoking 6 months ago. I never really thought of the affects it could have on me though. I am a IVY TECH NURSING student who listened to ur talk. It was very sad and educational as well. I am sorry that no one from ISU came to he...
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Amber
He affected me by telling me something that i could believe.During the summer i became interested in to tabacco because my sister and the adds.I was so shocked because i am a runner and lately when i run it affects my breathing and my body. I wish i could...
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Patty
Rick,
You visited our school yesterday and the ripple-effect that is going through the school is AMAZING! I am the sponsor of the High School's SADD group and kids have been coming to me all day today saying how great the message was about getting invol...
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Julie
I was reading the newspaper and saw how you came to the local schools and were talking about the dangers of smoking. I think thats GREAT!!!! Our kids now-a-days REALLY need some one to inforce what we are telling them. My father passed away 6 yrs ago of l...
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Joni
Im a 16 yr old from whitko...and I just wanted you to know that your speech(3/32/06) was very moving...my great grandma was very close to my mom, and she died from cancer...and so it hit home for me...and I think that what you do for people..and the sacra...
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Megan
Rick,
Everyone is talking about how your wife died.Then the people were saying mean things about your wife.I told them to stop,because its not nice to talk about other people.{its not nice}I think your story is amazing.{on your websit}My sister n...
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Kim
Rick, after hearing you and your wife's story at Whitko High School today(3/23/06), I think the only word to describe you is amazing! I think what you are doing is great, and I know you are touching many teen's lives, especially mine! Your story was very ...
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Haley
Rick~
Thank you for speaking at our school on Monday....I've talked to a lot of people about it, and you have really made people think about the terrible effects of smoking. I know that two of my friends have talked to their parents to try to convince th...
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Just a Parent
You came to my child's school (Salamonie, Warren, Indiana) on 3-21-06 and WOW! what an impact you made on those kids! My child came home and talked to me for a long time about your story. You definitely kept their attention and I thank you so much! We ...
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ANTI TOBACCO PERSON
Hey Rick!! Whats up? Well i just wanted you to know that u have made a HUGE difference. I talked to my dad and used your advice and tried to make him quit smoking. He said he would. but he lied. he never did. it kind of hurt me. :( but later when i was go...
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Matthew
Whats up Rick? I really apprieate you taking time to come and talk to me and all the students at my high school (Whitko High School). You have really touched me and i feel the same way you do about people smoking and how the companys need to quit target...
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Rayce
Thank you so much for coming to our school and telling us about your wife.I will pass your story on to all of my family members.God bless you and I will keep you and your wife in my prayers....
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Kristyn
Hey rick!! you visited my school today and it was very moving and inspirational you showed me what could really happen to somebody who would never deserve that and it made me think that i should never smoke...so i just wanted to thank you for coming today...
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misty
hey rick its me misty just wanted to tell you its been 2days since i hade my last cancer stick. i cant belive my brother shoved them in mt face when i was 7 years old..7!! i still didnt hear from that lady you said that will help. i just want to say thank...
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Jill
I just wanted to let you know that your story that you had so bodly shared with us was very informational and yet very sad. I just wanted to honestly thank you for taking your time to talk to today's teens about your wife's story. I just aslo want to le...
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brian
Rick you rock!!! I cant believe on how many people that you've touched! Im blessed that you came to my high school and talked to the school!! Good Luck and God Bless!...
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emily
He has afeccted me in a way that I could possibly make a change for the people who smoke and ask them nicely to please quit. When rick visited my school on 3-21-06 I thought of my dad and all of the people that smoke and I was crying I felt so sorry for M...
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shelby
Listening to you Rick you proved to me just how much I despised tobacco and smoking. I never wanted to do it but now I definately understand I will stand up for what I believe in and will stay true to myself and stay drug free.
thank you
I'm str...
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Sami
You came to my school (Crestview) on 3/21/06 and what you had to say really made me think. My mom smokes and she is in and out of the hospital all the time, not because she has lung cancer, but she did have cysts on her ovarys, and when she had to have a ...
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Chase
Rick, you visited my school yesterday, (3,21,06). You know, my dad quit smoking because of your examples and great words. But now he chews tobacco. He is 36 years old. We worry about him....
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Kaylie
Hey Rick!...You came to my school Riverview Middle School yesterday and i thought of what you had to say and it turned my life around big time! My friend Sarah and I have, well had a big smoking problem! We had a cigarette before we came to school that d...
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Saradina
Hello Rick. You came to Crestview and thanks.
You know, chewing something other than tobacco is good. BUT TOBACCIO IS THE KEY TO NOT CHEW! Thanks for making a huge difference in our lives. You make so many thins great to us and it really made everyone st...
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I HATE SMOKERS
I HATE SMOKERS EVERYWHERE! I MEAN WHOEVER SMOKES IS ALMOST THE DUMBEST HUMAN ON THIS FACE OF THE EARTH. I HATE CIGARETTES,I HATE BEER, I HATE ANYTHING THAT CAN LET YOU DIE. I MEAN WHY WOULD PEOPLE PUT ADS IN MAGAZINES ABOUTT DEATH??? WHY BEER? WHY TOBACC...
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Sarah
thank you for coming to my school (salamonie)
and the story that you told was very sad and i admit that i did have a tear or two because of your story, it reminded me of my grampa al who died of cancer in i think 2001 or 2002 and then i thought about all...
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Jessica
On march 21,2006 you came to our school Riverview it was a real impact on me because I had a grandma and grandpa that died like that it was hard seeing them lay there dieing in the hospitle I got scare and I back away from the situation. And then reseint...
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Sheraden
Hey Rick! You are probably the most awesome guy in the country. You have bravery and courage, I know I would never have the courage to go across the country and talk to people about my wife smoking! I wanted you to know that I have great respect for Ma...
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CARRIE
RICK
hi i see that more people have e-mailed you.
i read all of them. People beilive in what you are doing and that is great.I think that you have helped a lot of people and i thank you for that.I think every one dos. thank you!!!! i will always e-m...
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misty
hey Rick its me the one who wants to quit so far its been over 14hours and i think i can do this. i havent told my mom about what i told you and i just want to say every since we talked i am going to give it full 110% to quit. you are like the coolest per...
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Alyssa Schinbeckler
Rick came to my school today. He has given me courage to talk to my mom about her smoking. I really don't want her to die of lung cancer! Hearing Rick tell his story was almost unbarable. If I had one wish it'd be that tabacco was never invented. So ma...
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Jenna
Dear Rick,
Your story really touched me at Riverview middle School in Huntington Indiana. I haven't smoked ever and I never will this is a solem promise to you! Thanks Again Rick!! So sorry about your wife. I will pray for you.
...
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!*~Anna ~*!
Hey Rick!!!! Thank you for coming and talking to my school on the 21 of March! (Riverview Middle School) You have touched the lives of tons of people!! I bet it was very nerve racking to come to a school full of teens and talk about your loss! If you have...
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kayla
Rick i'd just like to let you know that i think you are the greatest thing ever. Have you ever thought that marie died so you could finally reach all of america as you are doing. I send all of my condulances to you. I just wanted to let you know that not ...
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Neesa
Rick I was never planing to do drugs or smok but out of all the people who have ever spoken to me about drugs you are the most prswativ i have ever seen. ALL of my firends from crestvew took a card from you and you also inspierd me to spred your story. On...
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Stevie
Hey Rick! I just wanted to say you so amazing! It took so much courage to get up there and talk about your wife's death. That has to be hard. I just wanted to let you know that I was a smoker and I got in trouble for it and backed off but didn't completel...
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Jade/Neesa
u visited our school yesterday (mar 21 06 crestveew)we wanted to cry so badly when you wher finished and we did you inspierd us our firends and the howel school we hop you reach your goal of no smoking and with these final words we hope you wake up with ...
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Taylor
Hey Rick. Thank you soooooo soo very much for coming to my school (Salamonie School in Warren, Indiana) on 3-21-06. My parents used to smoke-before i was born but they stopped. But hearing your story inspired me so much! it must be hard though reliving yo...
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Megan
Hey Rick,
What is up everbody?So Rick is so alsome.Rick is so amzaing and thats a sad storie about Ricks Wife.I mean come on his wife died and I thought men died before women,but I gess I was wrong.I stared to cry when Rick was talking how...
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Andrea
Rick you are so nice,friendly,and insperational you visited my school today (3.21.06)at Riverveiv middle school in Huntington Indiana.I have seen you on T,V before and everytime i see that clip on tv i get so sad because i feel so bad for your loss. ...
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Stormie
Hey Rick, you know..your awesome! whoever has enough courage to come and talk in front of tons of people is a real hero in my eyes! Your story touched me...I lost my g-ma 3 years ago to lung cancer and my uncle 4 years ago. It's hard to go through that ...
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Brandi
You came to my school(Crestview) today(March 21,2006) and I thought you were great! You really touched my heart. I bet you changed alot of kids minds, not just at my school but at all the schools you have been to, not to smoke. From this day on I promise ...
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Kelly
Dear Rick, today (March 21, 2006) you visited our school. This is the second year I've heard your story. Each time I think about it, the harder it is to know that thousands of people are dying from smoking. Last year, when you came and spoke with Crestvie...
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Lauren
HI RICK!!!!!!.... When you came to my school (Crestview Middle School), your story really touched my heart!!!! You have been at my school twice and every time your story made me think twice about smoking, or ever think about smoking!! Now if anyone, anyti...
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Melanie
Thank you Rick, You were an inspiration to me, and all my friends, they all say that they loved that you came, thank you so much for coming to Crestview Middle School. Your story was so inspirational, I just wanted to cry! Thank you again!...
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Caleb
Rick your story was extremely touching. you talked to my school (Riverview) 3/21/06. I know how smoking can be consider all 4 of my parents smoke and my grandparents too. it is hard and your wife must have ben incredibly sweet. HOPE YOU STOP CHILDREN SMOK...
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Sara
Rick, it takes a lot of courage to do what you've been doing. I'm sure Marie is loking down on you from heaven from right now and smiling from being so... proud of you.I really appricate you coming to Riverview Middle School in Huntington, Indiana. You ma...
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Caty
My aunt was smoking and she quit after me and my brother told her about what happends to you if you don't stop. And my grandma smoked ever since she was 17 and thought if she stoped smoking THEY would come and get her. But she died in her hospital bed abo...
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Crystal
Rick, you have made me fell that i can have the courage to talk to my family about them not smoking, i have a lot of family members that do, and i am afraid that i may be one of the people that suffers from second-hand smoke. What should i do if i can't c...
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Felicia
Rick,
I'm 12years old and you came to my school today, Salamonie. My mother died from lung cancer at the ade of 41I was only 11years old. I'm sorry for your loss and I really apreshaited you coming and telling my friends and techers about this. It re...
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CARRIE
RICK THANK YOU FOR COMING TO CRESTIVIEW MIDDLE SCHOOL.I THINK YOU YOU ARE A NICE MAN AND I CAN TELL YOU CARE ABOUT PEOPLE.I THINK THAT YOU ARE DOING A GREAT THANG.ALL MY FRIENDS THINK THAT YOU GOING TO SCHOOLS AND TELLING PEOPLE AND KIDS THAT SMOKING CAN ...
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Drayston
Thank you Rick, you have taught me that smoking is a bad thang to do. Because of you I stoped smoking. I was trying to tell my dad to stop smoking for ten years and I'm 13 years old now. I'm the middle child out of my two sisters and me. Thank you aga...
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Samantha
Dear Rick,
Thank you sooo much for coming to Riverview today. Your story really touched my heart. My dad smokes cigars and I want him to quit but I dont know how to tell him. He has cut down on it though. He only does it when he is driving by himself...
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Brittany
Wow, Rick you really changed my life. I don't smoke and i never plan to especially since you came to my school! I really respect you and Marie....
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Chad
Hey Rick you visted my school today (3/21/06). I thought your presentation or your life was important for young teens, But I'm very, very sorry that you lost you wife Marie. But I really think that you are doing the right thing, everything you told me I r...
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Jessica
I really appreciate you coming to our school and sharing with us your story. It must have been really hard to do so, i know it's hard for me to talk about my great grandma. She has lung cancer and heart problems...all because off those stupid cancer stick...
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gabe
hey rick its gabe again thanks for the additives list i ask for well i need some advice to get my mom to quit smoking and since it got cold they have gotten use to smoking in the house its starting to effect me so i was wondering if you could give s...
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Jesse
You have impacked my life because my mom and dad smoked when I was little. The smoke made me run to my room. I tryed talking to them but they never stoped till my dad almost had a hearattack. He was in the hospital for about 2 or 3 days. This all happened...
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~Katie~
Rick, I know you would like to hear that I quit smoking but I cant tell you that because I never started!!! I am sooo happy that you came and talked to us though! I think that your speech has effected many children and adults lives. You have probably s...
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Double Dee
You just visited my school today(3/21/06) i would like to say that you stoped me from smoking but i would be lying. i would never smoke in my life. but i did hear 2 people saying that thry were going to smoke before the saw the convecation and now aren't...
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shawna
DEAR RICK, THANK YOU, FOR COMING TO RIVERVIEW MIDDLE SCHOOL. YOU REALLY SHOWED ME WHAT IT IS TO BE IN THAT TYPE OF THING.I HOPE THIS INSPIRES MY PARENTS TOO.I KNOW THAT I DON'T WANT TO SMOKE WHEN I GROW UP. WELL THANKS AGAIN. SHAWNA...
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Crystal
hey you had come to my school today which is crestview middle school and at first i thought it was going to be boring but you chanhed my life today your are an amazing person i think because i know a lot of people who smoke my sister does and she is only ...
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fredia
shortly after my husbands death i started seeing your commercials on television,i am glad you are doing this.my husband was one month from his 60th birthday with copd from smoking was the cause of death. it did not happen suddenly, he needed oxygen at nig...
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Aaron
Dear, Rick thank you for coming to my school today (salamonie school) your story really touched my heart. I am sorry about you wife. Your story made me realize that i need to try to get my mom and dad to stop smoking. i didn't think it was that bad untill...
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Nyia
hey, you came to my school today. your story put an in pack on me. i have people who smoke and i told my dad what you said i and say he will stop smoking and i thank you for that. my grandma stop smoking too. i never tried smoking before but know i wil...
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Natasha
Rick came to Crestview Middle School and I thought his presentation was touching peoples lives. Losing a loved person can be hard. WHAT DO I SAY ABOUT DRUGS AND TOBACCO??? I say it is death in a package.
Everyone that reads this must say no and will agre...
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Jessica
Dear Rick,
Thank you for coming to Crestview Middle School on March 21, 2006. I thought that it was awesome about what you said. My whole family smokes including my siblings and I keep asking them to quit but they never do. Anyways I am never goi...
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Luanda
Hello Rick. You came to Ivy Tech and i thought that presentation touched hearts everywhere. I mean, i know what it feels to lose i person you have been with so long. That has happened to me and my Aunt. She died of Lung Cancer at age 35. Yes i said 35! It...
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Angelica *&* Brandi
Rick came to our school Salamonie in Warren Indiana and I just wanted to tell him some facts about my life and how smokeing effect our family and our lives. Well my our dad died but it was not from smokeing. But we are just telling you that we are glad th...
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Kelsey
Rick I would like to thank you for coming to Riverview. Your story touched my friends and I it's all we could talk about today! I have a question though I've tried talking to my grandparents about smoking and they don't get the message should I say someth...
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karson
Hi Rick, I'm from salamonie school I just wanted to say that I will never ever smoke after what you said I all makes since now.
Thank You so much for taking your time and telling us what is not right again thank you!...
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Nick
Dear Rick, I am an eigth grader from Crestview Middle School, and I just want to thank you for coming and speaking to me and my fellow students. If you can't make an impact on their lives then nobody will. My grandpa just recently died last year in Septem...
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Shelby
Every since Rick came to Salamonie everyone has changed. People are acting different and changing their actions. When Rick talked about Marie and what happened to her, every one knew not to smoke after that and not to try drugs. Before you came everyone ...
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Shelby
Rick hasn't affected me at all. He might have affected somebody else but not me. I never did care for smoking and i don't thnk they should have ever made the flavored cigarettes either.
...
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Jenny
I just wanted to tell you what you are doing is sooo amazing! I know of atleast 3 people who are trying so hard to quit smoking after hearing your story. One just happens to be my mom. You came to my school today and what you had to say really sank in to ...
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Shelby
Dear Rick I,m very glad that you came to my school. I hope that taught a lot of kids a lesson if they were going to smoke once they got older. I never will smoke. I never even really believed in smoking. I thought it was all just a joke untill a friend to...
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Sarah
Dear Rick,
Today you came to my school, Riverview, and your story touched me. My grandma died from lung cancer. She smoked for 50 or more years. Whenever we would go to her house, I would hate having to smell the smoke. When we went to see her in the nur...
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Megan
Rick, I am sorry for what happend to your wife.My grandpa died of lung canser and .My grandpa was 56 when he died.I loved him very much,and now all of my feelings are gone for him I dont know why.Its just that after my grandpa had died I felt like I didnt...
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Mindi
I would like to thank you for coming to Ivy Tech and talking to us. Your story hit my heart. Both my parents smoke and my grandma has COPD because of smoking. I have been trying to get them all to quit for as long as I can remember and I will still try. T...
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Shawn
Rick,
I saw you at the Reality Check Summit. You have really made an impact on my life,... and my home life. I used to smoke. I wanted to quit so i started reality check and i heard the heartbreak in your voice and i know that my family would not want t...
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Jennifer
Hello Rick, You came to my college yesterday (Ivy Tech) I realize being on the road can be hard for you and your family but what your doing IS appriciated! As I sat and listened to you I thought of these words that were given to me.....Sometimes people co...
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Erin
Dear Rick,
I just wanted to say thank you. You came to my school a few weeks ago. Your story pulled on every one of my heartstrings. My family has brought me up with very good values. One of the things I have been brought up with is a strict no smoking p...
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Caleb
You came to my school march 20 2006 and talked to a bunch of eight graders you reached out to me to speak out. my little sister had lukemia and went through cemo therapy just like your wife. no one in my family smokes but my cousin who is 17 does and i al...
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gabe
hey this is gabe i was woundering if you could send me one of those really relly long list of notes that has all the ingrediantes in cigerets the reason is my mom and dad said if they saw proof they would stop smokingand they promessed my address is *** *...
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DJ
Dear Rick thank you for talking to uses you have given me ideas to help the people in my life stop smoking and I am sorry about what happed to you and thanks for the help. ...
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Allyce
Hello rick. You may not know me from one of your speeches. Thats because you havent did a speech at my school yet. So, im hear to ask you a question- Would it bother you if you could come to my school at Grafton Elementary! It would be great because all t...
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jamie
rick you help me realize what was going on with me when i startedsmoking when i heard your story i quit cause i dont want 23 to be my middle age and rick i thanl you very much for speaking at reality check caue i only met you that one day but i feel like ...
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Nick
Rick you have inspired me to try harder to get my mom to stop smoking. My mom had a stroke 3 months ago and still will not quit smoking. my mom is on an oxygen tank because of smoking.My mom only has 6 months to live and every day she gets worse. I love ...
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Briana
I am in reality check and was at the summit March 11th. As ashamed as I am to say this, I had recently begun smoking and after hearing Rick's devastating story I decided to quit. I'd like to thank Rick from the bottom of my heart for sharing his story, I ...
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Kristi
When Rick came to my school yesterday(03/09/06), I cried so hard when I heard his story. I am so sorry for hearing what tobacco did to his wife. But I was really happy to know that someone knows that Reality Check is not against smokers, but the big tobac...
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Kaly
Hey! All of us in your Hoosier Hometown hope you return soon! My Math teacher's husband is dieing in a little over two weeks from lung/brain cancer, so I gave her your empathy.... hope that's okay! Best Wishes From Our Hearts, Kaly (P.S.-everyone in Green...
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Joshua
rick came to my school today its Norwood-Norfolk middel school i never wanna start smoking but it hurts me to know that even with rick and many other people going around the country trying to explain to us how bad it is and what it will do to us they'er s...
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Kyle
Ithink you should keep doing this program because you gave me the curage to try to get my mom to stop smoking agen...
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Emily
Hi, I'm not really around people that smoke but it still happens to other people. I have always wanted to help and now I know how to. All I have to do is to not smoke and persuade other people not to smoke. You have really taught me that I can make a di...
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Dillon
i thought rick was right on everything he said my mom and her boyfriend are mager smokers and i cant stand it i mean i think that the companies should stop what there doing bacause there killing people every day and they dont care.All they want is money ....
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Jake
You came to my school on March9,2006 and I just wanted to tank you for really inspiring me to not smoke. My dads best friend smokes and I am trying to get him to stop. I just wanted to say thanks. ...
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Zach
Rick was a really nice guy that didn't deserve to lose his wife. He is trying to make a big difference around the world and it affected me dearly. I think that everyone should stop smoking. I mean whtas the point its stupid and dumb.
...
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Janna
Rick came to my school today and gave us his speech. He affected me to were i will want to help my friends who do some stop. I cried everytime he said something about his wife. I feel so bad, because one of my closest friends fathers died from lung cancer...
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andrew
Rick, you came to Lisbon Central School on 3/9/06. I could say that you have affected our wonderful school by your ways of presenting the effects of smoking and how many ingrediants that are in cigarettes.Rick i am sorry about your wife. She seemed so swe...
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Lora
Rick came to my school today. (3-9-06) He told us his story about Marie. I felt so sad. Thinking about how his wife died, and it could happen to my mom. My mom is a heavy smoker. I hate it when she smokes. She probably goes through a pack a day. I ...
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Seifert
He made me realize just how bad smoking in this country was. Before I thought, 'Oh yreah, smoking's bad for me, I'll never start. I'll work at it.' Was I ever going to start? No. Was I ever going to try and stop other people from smoking? No. Am I no...
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vanessa
dear rick,
when you came to my school you really and told us that story it touched me and probably my friends. i now this because i cried, my friends cried. my mom smokes shes turning 41 in apirl and im real scared for her so badly! shes tried to quit b...
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Vanessa
You visited my school today, Norwood-Norfolk. I thought your story was really sad. It made me want to quit smoking cigarettes. It also made me want to inform others about what cigarettes do to people. My grandmother died from cancer due to cigarettes and ...
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on March 9 2006 you came to Norwood Norfolk central school. I was so inspired and moved by your speech and now i NEVER want to smoke.My relative died of cancer and never smoked a day of his life. Our bathrooms at our school smell horrible of smoke even th...
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Kyle
Well my family has a history of lung cancer, and when my mother was about eight or nine my grandfather died of lung cancer. From that he had lost the use of his left leg. Both of my parents smoke and i really dont like it. Even though i did not know my gr...
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Kaylee
Hey Rick,
You just spoke to our school this morning (MWCS). I've been trying to stop smoking for about 3 months. I keep stoping for like a week and then just HAVE to have one. It been almost a week since my last smoke. I know a week isn't that long, b...
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Jordan
Rick came to madrid waddington school on march 10, 2006 and told us his devistating story about his wife marie who died at age 46 of lung cancer caused by ciggarette smoke. During his speech talking about his wife dying, made my heart drop....it really to...
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Tresa
Dear Rick
It’s unfortunate that you are unable to experience the aftermath of your talks. Our students have stories that they want to share on how you’ve resounded a cord within them…confirmed a thought, watered a seed. I’ve encouraged them to write to...
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SUP;NORM? SUPERSTAR
RICK!!! your site is wicked Ghetto!
<3 you muches!!!
:D...
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Norman
Hey, thanks for coming to my school. Everyone enjoyed your prestentation. One of my friends Brandon (St lawrence count reality check, ogdensburg) Said he meet you once and you guys talked....He told me to tell you he said HI agin. Anyways, I am sorry for ...
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sarrah
Rick has affected me so much that I went home and told my mom his story and she quit. I cna't beleive it. i feel so sorry for him....
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Taylor
u realy effected me today and im going to beg my mom to stop smoking. she had tried befor and then my half sister had a premi baby and she started again. if she hadnt started again she would be on 5 months....
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brittany
i think he was a very good speaker and i really like your website your story was sad and i think it was wonderful...
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nisha
when u came to hermon-deKalb Central school i was inspired how u told us how to speak to our parents, sisters, brothers, grandparents i really touched because my mom smokes and i really want her to stop . thank you alot
p.s. please write back as soon as...
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Jenelle
i understand now alot of people die from cigarettes and theres ALOT of chemicals found in cigarette smoke. and ive always wanted a chance to be in reality check!...
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Courtney
Rick,
You really made me think about the people who smoke, i can help them stop smoking now and you really gave me some really good advice. Thank you for sharing your story with me and you made me believe that i can make a difference in people's lifes...
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Leigh
I now understand how sad it is to lose a family member from smoking. ...
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Kelly
I feel really bad for Rick Stoddard. He came to my school and told us about Marie. Even though my parents aren't smokers i know how he feels. I don't know why people would risk their lives to smoke. It doesn't make you cool.
...
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Whitney
I would like to say that your speech today was very very emotional and it was brave of you to get up and talk about your wife like that, that was EXTREMELY nice of you. My mom has been smoking ever since she was 16 and when my grandma died she stopped wit...
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Jennie
my mom started to smoke when she was pragnet for me. My mom has been smoken for 16 years. she has tried to stop at less times and nuthing worked. she is on her 5 tried to stop smokeing and finely she is down to 2 a day. just like yoju I had a family memb...
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Mariah
Rick came to my school and told us his story about how Losing Marie changed his life *I inturperted that*. I cried when he said I lost Marie to lung cancer! I lost My grandfather to lung cancer which spread throught out his body as well! I never really...
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Krystal
Hi my name is Krystal French, you spoke at are school today (madrid waddington cental school) (3/10/06) and first of all i just want to tell you that you had a MAJOR impact on me and my whole school...i talked to one of my frineds who has been smoking for...
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Anna
Hey you just did a presentation at Ogdensburg Free Academy and I thought you were amazing you came to our school once before and I thought of it as just a joke well i have been smoking now for almost 5 years and i am only 15 and your story really moved me...
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Sierra
I remember it so clearly. We had gotten out of our 7th and 8th pierod class to go see Rick. My first thoughts were: How many times do they have to do a smoking assembly! Now I have asmaha so I couldn't smoke anyway. Once we got in there and sat with my fr...
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Jessica
Rick, I have emailed you. I hope you got it. Your presentation was unbelievable. My Dad smokes. I want him to quit. He just says "It's not your problem." It is my problem though. I want him to see me graduate. He doesn't reallly listen. He has tried to qu...
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Amanda
Hello Rick you visited my chool today and i think you've touched a lot of people in my school.I like what you do and i hope people relize what smoking does to you.When You first came to my school I thought it was going to be stupid nut i was wrong.When yo...
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Elizabeth
Yes today you visited our school Hermon Dekalb and you can ask my friends i almost started crying and you proved to me that it is really dangerious to smoke.And aawww i use to think when you smoke your going to die and i no now that lifes short and i need...
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Ashley
Rick came to speak at my school today.. an this is the second time i've seen him. I saw about 3 or 4 years ago at another school in this area. The first time he told his emotional story i was definitely affected.. but it is easy to have it fall in the bac...
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Darlene
Hey Rick, It's Darlene, George's niece. I am VERY impressed with what you have created here. I am also proud to tell you that my husband quit smoking last April and hasn't looked back. His mother is slowing dying from COPD and Emphysema...she never l...
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jennifer
I think rick has affected me by telling my parents to stop smoking .he has helped alot of peopple. ...
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Allonah
Rick Stoddard came to my school today and told his story. Many were unaffected but his speach churned up old fears in my system. When I was 7 years old my grandmother died of congestive heart failure;she was a smoker and an obeise diabetic. Two years late...
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Sarah
I had always known how horrible smoking was, the chemicals put into the Cancer sticks, the ammount of tar that a person takes in a year. But, Mr. Stoddard's speech really hit me. It finally sunk into my mind that these horrible little things were killing ...
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Russell
Rick did an excellent job while he was at my school, and I hope to meet him for a third time.
He has brout a sense to me that i have never known was there. For his actions i am gunno try more to get my parents to quit smoking.
Thank you Rick!. your st...
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Jordan
Well Rick, you did give me some inspiration as to qutting chewing tabaco. I have not yet quit but i plan to very soon. But furthermore, my sister took what you had to say to heart. She did indeed quit smoking. So thank you Rick. ...
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Jodi
Yes Rick has, on March 11,2006 he entered the reality check summit and i heard his wife's story and the one person i could think of was my Uncle he has cancer through and almost through his spine, lungs, and Kidneys. I am sure that Marie would be proud t...
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He has encouraged me to tell others in my family to quit smoking. I also agree with him that everyone should stop smoking and litering cigiretts on the streets. I payed very close attention to what he had to say at the ogdensburg assembly. Thanks Rick!...
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Bethany
Dear Rick,
You recently had a speech at my school. I was so amazed at how you managed to get up there and tell your entire story without shedding a tear. I know that you must have told it so many times that you are used to those feelings but it amazes me...
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Kate
I saw Rick two times this week. At our school. (Lisbon) and at the Reality Check Summit in Massena. My grandpa died from lung problems caused by smoking and so did the husband of my former babysitter. I appreciated Rick sharing his story and making a dif...
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he made me think about how somking can realy kill me i somk sometimes but not all the time but i am never smokin agean after i hurd what rick said and it made me think that could be me someday and i do not want that i meat rick at a reality check avent o...
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Jenna
I think that your story was very touching. I think that you have mad e a really big difference in what the students at Ofa Think about smoking. I think that you have made a big didfference in who is smoking now. They are all afraid to pass away since you ...
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Well...he came to my school and gave a speech..no he told us his story and during it i cried...my dad is a big time smoker and jus thinkin that that could happen to my dad and not even being able to cope with the thought of what Rick has been through hit ...
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When came to my school for the first time in 2002 i was in 6th grade I really didnt care but when he came this year a cuple of weeks ago hetold me alot about smoking and about three months ago I found out that if my mom did not quite smoking that i could ...
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I thought his story was very affective to me
I am now going to tell my grandma that there is Uria in her ciggarettes and i dont know how to spell ciggaretes. i think that if you wanted to smoke then if you where to kiss somebody then it would be like ki...
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Your story is sooo sad.You came to my shool(South Vermillion Middle School)on Thursday 8,05. and I cried when you told the story.My uncle died from smoking but some of the cancer was because he was in the army and was in a club called "Tea Pot" and had to...
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today rick had come to our school. Northbirdge High. and when i first heard that i speaker was coming in to talk about smokeing. i was thinking woow. not one of these stupid talkers that are gonna say nothing more than smoking is bad. and tell us we shoul...
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hello rick, you just came to my school a couple of days ago. i go to northbridge high school. i apreciated you coming and talking to us because i feel like people need to know what smoking does to people, and not only people but people's family's. In 1999...
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