8/4/08... I can feel the urge to go back on the road building. I was feeling totally burnt out towards the end of the year but now I feel ready again. I needed the extra rest this summer. I guess the knee surgery was a good thing because it made me slow down and take it easy…….. The House of Representatives has passed a bill for the FDA to regulate tobacco products. I must say I am disappointed. The bill will not help lower the number of people addicted to nicotine and in my opinion I don’t think it is strong enough to truly protect the public from harm, especially children. Any bill that does not stop people from being addicted and helps to “regulate” (or protect) an industry that’s products are responsible for the deaths of over 440,000 Americans per year is not strong enough and should never be passed. The bill, HR1108, will now move to the Senate where I urge you, young and old, to contact your Senators and ask them to not pass this bill. Be sure to look at my "In The News" page for more information....

7/24/08...I’m sitting in the parking lot of the American Cancer Society in Framingham, Ma. It is POURING down rain….again!! I dropped my Mom and Dad off at the airport in Providence, RI at 4:30am this morning after a wonderful nine day visit. It’s very hard living 1,400 miles away from them and it’s even harder saying goodbye…. This summer has been a very trying time for me. I feel almost depressed over all my knee problems. I had surgery about two months ago but I think my knee is actually worse now than before the surgery. I had to go back on my crutches this week trying to get things to heal a little better and hopefully reduce some of the pain. My biggest concern is when I go back on the road in September I need to be able to move from school to school and town to town. I’ve always said “I’m old but tough” but sometimes that’s just not enough…but…I’ll get through this school year….I always do…… I’m really looking forward to getting back out on the road this year and continuing to share Marie’s story across the country. I would have never guessed that tobacco control could ever mean so much to me. This morning I saw on the news that Bill Gates and ex-mayor Bloomberg are going to invest over three hundred million dollars for tobacco control in a number of third world countries. It’s cool to see philanthropist looking at the global issue of tobacco and the toll it takes on families and the world economy. I truly believe that if we ALL band together this epidemic can be wiped out and the world can be changed forever. ...

The Associated Press Tuesday, July 8, 2008; 8:29 PM http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/08/AR200807080 2567.html PITTSBURGH -- Cindy McCain's jab to her husband's back came a second too late Tuesday to keep him from making a wisecrack about the health impact of Iran's main import from the United States: cigarettes. Republican presidential candidate John McCain was asked about an Associated Press report that $158 million in cigarettes have been shipped to Iran during George W. Bush's presidency despite restrictions on U.S. exports to that country. "Maybe that's a way of killing them," McCain told reporters, smiling as he waited for a cheesesteak sandwich at the Primanti Brothers restaurant. His wife, sitting next to him at the counter, poked his back without looking up. "I meant that as a joke," McCain quickly explained. "As a person who hasn't had a cigarette in 28 years," he began to say, when his wife corrected him: 29 years. Taking a more serious tone, McCain said, "I'd like to look into" details of exports to Iran. "This is the first that I've heard about it," he said. ...

I want to send a big THANKS Emmet Belknap Middle Scool for the package of letters that came in the mail. I finished reading them this morning. Remember to not give up hope trying to get your famalies to quit.....Keep trying.......

Let no feeling of discouragement prey upon you, and in the end you are sure to succeed. - Abraham Lincoln...

I Believe... That just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other. And just because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do love each other. I Believe... That we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change. I Believe... That no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that. I Believe... That true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love. I Believe... That you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life. I Believe... That it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be. I Believe... That you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them. I Believe... That you can keep going long after you think you can't. I Believe... That we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel. I Believe... That either you control your attitude or it controls you. I Believe... That heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences. I Believe... That money is a lousy way of keeping score. I Believe... That my best friend and I, can do anything, or nothing and have the best time. I Believe... That sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down, will be the ones to help you get back up. I Believe... That sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel. I Believe... That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated. I Believe... That it isn't always enough, to be forgiven by others. sometimes, you have to learn to forgive yourself.. I Believe... That no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief. I Believe... That our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but, we are responsible for who we become. I Believe... That you shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life Forever. I Believe... Two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.. I Believe... That your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you. I Believe... That even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you - you will find the strength to help. I Believe... That credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being. I Believe... That the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon. ...

5/22/08.…. My last day of the school year…. OK.. I’m absolutely mentally and physically exhausted. I love going to the different schools but I’m so glad this school year is over. It has been a wonderful year with so many mile stones for me. I reached my one millionth student and have now been in over two thousand schools. I have received so many great letters that have truly help me stay focused and motivated. I can see the change taking place in how society looks at the tobacco industry. The change has been slow coming but it is happening. One of the hard things for me is to see so many of the adults that I have worked with in tobacco control leaving and moving on to a new chapter in their lives. I hate to see them go but people must do what they need to do that betters their lives and the lives of their families. I wish them all the best. To all the students I have spoken to… Thank You!! Thank you for giving me a chance to share my story and showing respect and compassion for Marie. As you go into your summer please keep in mind that you only get one shot at this life and you need to make sure the decisions you make are safe and healthy. Have a great summer and I’ll see you in the schools next year. Peace in your life, Rick Stoddard...

5/4/08...Atlanta airport…. I left home at 2:30am to catch a flight to Louisiana. This is going to make for a long day. I’m really excited about going to Louisiana for the first time. Last week I spent three days in far upstate New York where I could actually see the Canadian border from my hotel room and the week before I spent a few days in South Dakota. WOW!!! I get to see so many places and meet so many people…pretty cool. My program just really seems to be getting more powerful by the day. The letters that are posted on the website really reflect that power. I am truly blessed to get to do what I do. The tobacco industry is still just relentless targeting kids and spewing their lies addicting our family members and taking the lives of far to many people. I’m glad to see so many young people that are not going to take it any more and are refusing to smoke that first cigarette or take that first mouthful of chew. Tobacco control without youth involved is hopeless so it is nice to see so many young people that are getting involved in their schools and communities. ...

4/10/08.…. 1,000,000 …..Marie's story has now reached 1,000,000 students. What a day!! Thank you to Cherry Valley Central School for such an awesome morning in your school!! Today has been like one of those days when your Mom cooks all day getting a really great smelling wonderful tasting meal ready….hours to cook and fifteen minutes to eat…LOL!! That’s sort of how today was… eight years and thousands of schools and in one hour it’s all behind you. I like the fact that there was no big media coverage. A few friends from across the state and the students and staff at the school. Very low key just like it has been for eight years and I like it that way!! ...

4/7/08.…. The schools have just been awesome lately. Thanks so much to Glens falls Middle school in New York last week for the amazing standing ovation. You guys blew me away!!! I’m in northern New Hampshire now looking out my hotel window at the snow covered mountains….beautiful!!! I’m trying not to think to much about Thursday and reaching the million mark but it is hard not to think about it. I really need to stay focused on my message and make sure I have the best impact I can in every school. ...

4/3/08.…. 6:00am…. The count down is on. One week to a goal that I was not sure I could meet. Next Thursday I will reach my one millionth person with Marie’s story. It has been a long seven plus years of traveling across the country. There have been times when I just wanted to stay home and just have a regular job but on most days I wouldn’t want to be or do anything else. I really do love sharing Marie’s story in schools. I’ve always known that I couldn’t impact everyone that heard the story but I do know that I have impacted a lot of people. One of the things that hurts me the most is to be away from my family SO much. There is no doubt that my entire family pays a price for what I do. I miss my grandson’s so much that it hurts………… I can not begin to thank the people who have helped me reach this goal. Without their hard work and commitment to reach the youth of America I would not be sitting here writing about reaching one million people. I am blessed and I am thankful.......................... A message to "we can stop this" .... The best thing youth can do to help is stand your ground and don't fall for the lies that the tobacco industry has been telling for generations. Tell your family and all your friends the things that you now know about tobacco and the tobacco industry. Spread the word. Be a part of a youth group that fights back... Reality Check, Voice, TRU, TATU, SADD.....join and fight the good fight.......

3/28/08.…. It sure feels good to be back out on the road again. I’m so thankful to get to do what I do. ...

3/13/08.…. Well the exhaustion turned out to be a warning sign. I got very sick out on the road. I went to a walk-in doctor’s clinic in Indiana and was tested positive for the flu. I went to the schools for three days but just couldn’t do it any more. I had to cancel my schools and go home. This is the first time in all these years that I had to cancel for being sick. It took me two days to get home and by the time I did the flu had turned into a wicked sinus infection. I just couldn’t shake it and had to cancel the schools for the following week in New York. I was crushed that I had to cancel. After ten days on a strong anti-biotic I’m glad to say I’m finally better and ready to go again. ...

It's a sad day indeed. For the first time in over seven years of speaking and thousands of schools I had to cancel this week. I have the flu and have been terribly sick. I went to the doctor last week and got some medication. The meds helped some but being in the schools was exhausting like I have never felt before. I tried the schools on Monday and realized that it was just not going to work out. I promise that I will make those days up this fall. I apologize to all the folks that work so hard to set up my schedule. I am heart broken that it came down to my health or schools and my health won out this time. Rick...

2/18/08.….The exhaustion is just absolutely overwhelming tonight. I just can’t remember the last time I felt this worn out. I took two days to drive to Indiana for this trip. In the past I made the drive in one day but I just can’t seem to do that anymore……getting old I guess…LOL!! Be assured that no matter how tired I get I will not give up on my mission to put the tobacco industry out of business. We NEED a generation of non-smokers and that can be accomplished with a relentless schedule of speaking engagements. I’ll rest early tonight and be ready to go again tomorrow. I want to give a big THANKS to the students from Clay County Indiana for your letters tonight……I really needed those letters to keep me motivated....

2/10/08... First time writing in quite some time….shame on me!!! LOL! I’ve been really busy lately and I’ve been saving up what I have to say…… I can’t begin to express how I’m feeling lately. I set a goal when I started speaking to reach 1,000,000 people with Marie’s story. 1,000,000! When I even think about the last eight years I get like this butterfly feeling in my stomach. To think back to all the people that have helped me reach this amazing number really touches my heart. There are a lot of people in our world who truly care and believe in one another. I’ve driven my truck(s) enough miles in the last eight years to go around the earth ten times. I’ve stayed in countless hotels and eaten in some pretty good restaurants (thank you NC). I’ve had the opportunity to get a unique look at so many American towns and schools and I like what I see. To be allowed to spend one hour talking to students in a school assembly is an honor and I am a blessed man to be given that opportunity. I know how important one hour is in a school and for me to be given that time and that trust is very cool. I’ve driven from the far reaches of Kansas to and Indiana. I’ve been in New York and North Carolina. From New Hampshire to Kentucky. I’ve flown to North Dakota and Washington, DC. The list goes on and grows constantly. I’ve slept in my truck in roadside parks and I’ve driven all night to get to the next place. There is not a single minute that I regret and if given the opportunity again I’d get right back in that truck and do it all over again . I’m not sure exactly which day I will reach the 1,000,000 mark and I’m not really even sure where I’ll be. I do know it’s coming very soon and when it does I’ll try to write here and express my emotions for that day. Until then, peace in your lives…..Rick ...

To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you.......

How many times in our lives do we have the opportunity to help change the life of another human being? How many of us have the opportunity to do this but let it silently slip by?...

12/12/07.…… I’m sitting in my home office listening to music and reading through several hundred letters that came through the mail over the last two weeks. I feel so humbled by these letters. They make me smile, they make me cry and they make me proud of what I do and to do more. I can’t believe that I go all across the country sharing my family’s story. Truly amazing the path my life has taken….truly amazing. In the year 2007 I have driven my pickup enough miles to go around the world more than one and a half times, given close to three hundred speeches, stayed in more hotels than I care to count. I’ve meet people that have become my friend for life and youth that have inspired me….. Just how lucky can one man be to live a life like that? I’m looking forward to 2008. I’ve got a new plan next year and I want to talk about some new and some old important issues that I think we need to take a stand against. The tobacco industry has stumbled and if we push really hard they will fall. They continue to target youth to be the replacement smokers for the ones who quit or the ones that die. WE ALL need to continue to expose their lies and deception. ……. I wish that I could sit and name all the people that have touched my life this year. You have really made me want to keep pushing hard against the tobacco industry and keep pushing for what is the right. ………………………………...................................................................................... Merry Christmas to all. Be kind and forgiving. Be loving in your thoughts and charitable in your life………….. Peace in your life, Rick...

Cigarette Additive List The following list is posted on the website for the "Indiana Prevention Resource Center" at "Indiana University"................ Additives Found in American Cigarettes ------------------------In addition to tobacco, which contains nicotine, the following 599 ingredients have been identified in tobacco industry documents as being added to tobacco in the manufacturing of cigarettes by the five major American cigarette manufacturing companies. While some of these chemicals, such as sugars, vanilla extract, prune juice, and vinegar, are generally recognized as safe when used in food products, all produce numerous additional chemical compounds when burned. None, probably, is more deadly than nicotine, however. Acetanisole, Acetic Acid, Acetoin, Acetophenone, 6-Acetoxydihydrotheaspirane, 2-Acetyl-3- Ethylpyrazine, 2-Acetyl-5-Methylfuran, Acetylpyrazine, 2-Acetylpyridine, 3-Acetylpyridine, 2-Acetylthiazole, Aconitic Acid, dl-Alanine, Alfalfa Extract, Allspice Extract, Oleoresin, And Oil, Allyl Hexanoate, Allyl Ionone, Almond Bitter Oil, Ambergris Tincture, Ammonia, Ammonium Bicarbonate, Ammonium Hydroxide, Ammonium Phosphate Dibasic, Ammonium Sulfide, Amyl Alcohol, Amyl Butyrate, Amyl Formate, Amyl Octanoate, alpha-Amylcinnamaldehyde, Amyris Oil, trans-Anethole, Angelica Root Extract, Oil and Seed Oil, Anise, Anise Star, Extract and Oils, Anisyl Acetate, Anisyl Alcohol, Anisyl Formate, Anisyl Phenylacetate, Apple Juice Concentrate, Extract, and Skins, Apricot Extract and Juice Concentrate, 1-Arginine, Asafetida Fluid Extract And Oil, Ascorbic Acid, 1-Asparagine Monohydrate, 1-Aspartic Acid, Balsam Peru and Oil, Basil Oil, Bay Leaf, Oil and Sweet Oil, Beeswax White, Beet Juice Concentrate, Benzaldehyde, Benzaldehyde Glyceryl Acetal, Benzoic Acid, Benzoin, Benzoin Resin, Benzophenone, Benzyl Alcohol, Benzyl Benzoate, Benzyl Butyrate, Benzyl Cinnamate, Benzyl Propionate, Benzyl Salicylate, Bergamot Oil, Bisabolene, Black Currant Buds Absolute, Borneol, Bornyl Acetate, Buchu Leaf Oil, 1,3-Butanediol, 2,3-Butanedione, 1-Butanol, 2-Butanone, 4(2-Butenylidene)-3,5,5-Trimethyl-2-Cyclohexen-1-One, Butter, Butter Esters, and Butter Oil, Butyl Acetate, Butyl Butyrate, Butyl Butyryl Lactate, Butyl Isovalerate, Butyl Phenylacetate, Butyl Undecylenate, 3-Butylidenephthalide, Butyric Acid, Cadinene, Caffeine, Calcium Carbonate, Camphene, Cananga Oil, Capsicum Oleoresin, Caramel Color, Caraway Oil, Carbon Dioxide, Cardamom Oleoresin, Extract, Seed Oil, and Powder, Carob Bean and Extract, beta-Carotene, Carrot Oil, Carvacrol, 4-Carvomenthenol, 1-Carvone, beta-Caryophyllene, beta-Caryophyllene Oxide, Cascarilla Oil and Bark Extract, Cassia Bark Oil, Cassie Absolute and Oil, Castoreum Extract, Tincture and Absolute, Cedar Leaf Oil, Cedarwood Oil Terpenes and Virginiana, Cedrol, Celery Seed Extract, Solid, Oil, And Oleoresin, Cellulose Fiber, Chamomile Flower Oil And Extract, Chicory Extract, Chocolate, Cinnamaldehyde, Cinnamic Acid, Cinnamon Leaf Oil, Bark Oil, and Extract, Cinnamyl Acetate, Cinnamyl Alcohol, Cinnamyl Cinnamate, Cinnamyl Isovalerate, Cinnamyl Propionate, Citral, Citric Acid, Citronella Oil, dl-Citronellol, Citronellyl Butyrate, Citronellyl Isobutyrate, Civet Absolute, Clary Oil, Clover Tops, Red Solid Extract, Cocoa, Cocoa Shells, Extract, Distillate And Powder, Coconut Oil, Coffee, Cognac White and Green Oil, Copaiba Oil, Coriander Extract and Oil, Corn Oil, Corn Silk, Costus Root Oil, Cubeb Oil, Cuminaldehyde, para-Cymene, 1-Cysteine, Dandelion Root Solid Extract, Davana Oil, 2-trans, 4-trans-Decadienal, delta-Decalactone, gamma-Decalactone, Decanal, Decanoic Acid, 1-Decanol, 2-Decenal, Dehydromenthofurolactone, Diethyl Malonate, Diethyl Sebacate, 2,3-Diethylpyrazine, Dihydro Anethole, 5,7-Dihydro-2-Methylthieno(3,4-D) Pyrimidine, Dill Seed Oil and Extract, meta-Dimethoxybenzene, para-Dimethoxybenzene, 2,6-Dimethoxyphenol, Dimethyl Succinate, 3,4-Dimethyl-1,2-Cyclopentanedione, 3,5- Dimethyl-1,2-Cyclopentanedione, 3,7-Dimethyl-1,3,6-Octatriene, 4,5-Dimethyl-3-Hydroxy-2,5-Dihydrofuran-2-One, 6,10-Dimethyl-5,9-Undecadien-2-One, 3,7-Dimethyl-6-Octenoic Acid, 2,4-Dimethylacetophenone, alpha,para-Dimethylbenzyl Alcohol, alpha,alpha-Dimethylphenethyl Acetate, alpha,alpha Dimethylphenethyl Butyrate, 2,3-Dimethylpyrazine, 2,5-Dimethylpyrazine, 2,6-Dimethylpyrazine, Dimethyltetrahydrobenzofuranone, delta-Dodecalactone, gamma-Dodecalactone, para-Ethoxybenzaldehyde, Ethyl 10-Undecenoate, Ethyl 2-Methylbutyrate, Ethyl Acetate, Ethyl Acetoacetate, Ethyl Alcohol, Ethyl Benzoate, Ethyl Butyrate, Ethyl Cinnamate, Ethyl Decanoate, Ethyl Fenchol, Ethyl Furoate, Ethyl Heptanoate, Ethyl Hexanoate, Ethyl Isovalerate, Ethyl Lactate, Ethyl Laurate, Ethyl Levulinate, Ethyl Maltol, Ethyl Methyl Phenylglycidate, Ethyl Myristate, Ethyl Nonanoate, Ethyl Octadecanoate, Ethyl Octanoate, Ethyl Oleate, Ethyl Palmitate, Ethyl Phenylacetate, Ethyl Propionate, Ethyl Salicylate, Ethyl trans-2-Butenoate, Ethyl Valerate, Ethyl Vanillin, 2-Ethyl (or Methyl)-(3,5 and 6)-Methoxypyrazine, 2-Ethyl-1-Hexanol, 3-Ethyl -2 -Hydroxy-2-Cyclopenten-1-One, 2-Ethyl-3, (5 or 6)-Dimethylpyrazine, 5-Ethyl-3-Hydroxy-4-Methyl-2(5H)-Furanone, 2-Ethyl-3-Methylpyrazine, 4-Ethylbenzaldehyde, 4-Ethylguaiacol, para-Ethylphenol, 3-Ethylpyridine, Eucalyptol, Farnesol, D-Fenchone, Fennel Sweet Oil, Fenugreek, Extract, Resin, and Absolute, Fig Juice Concentrate, Food Starch Modified, Furfuryl Mercaptan, 4-(2-Furyl)-3-Buten-2-One, Galbanum Oil, Genet Absolute, Gentian Root Extract, Geraniol, Geranium Rose Oil, Geranyl Acetate, Geranyl Butyrate, Geranyl Formate, Geranyl Isovalerate, Geranyl Phenylacetate, Ginger Oil and Oleoresin, 1-Glutamic Acid, 1-Glutamine, Glycerol, Glycyrrhizin Ammoniated, Grape Juice Concentrate, Guaiac Wood Oil, Guaiacol, Guar Gum, 2,4-Heptadienal, gamma-Heptalactone, Heptanoic Acid, 2-Heptanone, 3-Hepten-2-One, 2-Hepten-4-One, 4-Heptenal, trans -2-Heptenal, Heptyl Acetate, omega-6-Hexadecenlactone, gamma-Hexalactone, Hexanal, Hexanoic Acid, 2-Hexen-1-Ol, 3-Hexen-1-Ol, cis-3-Hexen-1-Yl Acetate, 2-Hexenal, 3-Hexenoic Acid, trans-2-Hexenoic Acid, cis-3-Hexenyl Formate, Hexyl 2-Methylbutyrate, Hexyl Acetate, Hexyl Alcohol, Hexyl Phenylacetate, 1-Histidine, Honey, Hops Oil, Hydrolyzed Milk Solids, Hydrolyzed Plant Proteins, 5-Hydroxy-2,4-Decadienoic Acid delta- Lactone, 4-Hydroxy-2,5-Dimethyl-3(2H)-Furanone, 2-Hydroxy-3,5,5-Trimethyl-2-Cyclohexen-1-One, 4-Hydroxy -3-Pentenoic Acid Lactone, 2-Hydroxy-4-Methylbenzaldehyde, 4-Hydroxybutanoic Acid Lactone, Hydroxycitronellal, 6-Hydroxydihydrotheaspirane, 4-(para-Hydroxyphenyl)-2-Butanone, Hyssop Oil, Immortelle Absolute and Extract, alpha-Ionone, beta-Ionone, alpha-Irone, Isoamyl Acetate, Isoamyl Benzoate, Isoamyl Butyrate, Isoamyl Cinnamate, Isoamyl Formate, Isoamyl Hexanoate, Isoamyl Isovalerate, Isoamyl Octanoate, Isoamyl Phenylacetate, Isobornyl Acetate, Isobutyl Acetate, Isobutyl Alcohol, Isobutyl Cinnamate, Isobutyl Phenylacetate, Isobutyl Salicylate, 2-Isobutyl-3-Methoxypyrazine, alpha-Isobutylphenethyl Alcohol, Isobutyraldehyde, Isobutyric Acid, d,l-Isoleucine, alpha-Isomethylionone, 2-Isopropylphenol, Isovaleric Acid, Jasmine Absolute, Concrete and Oil, Kola Nut Extract, Labdanum Absolute and Oleoresin, Lactic Acid, Lauric Acid, Lauric Aldehyde, Lavandin Oil, Lavender Oil, Lemon Oil and Extract, Lemongrass Oil, 1-Leucine, Levulinic Acid, Licorice Root, Fluid, Extract and Powder, Lime Oil , Linalool, Linalool Oxide, Linalyl Acetate, Linden Flowers, Lovage Oil And Extract, 1-Lysine, Mace Powder, Extract and Oil , Magnesium Carbonate, Malic Acid, Malt and Malt Extract, Maltodextrin, Maltol, Maltyl Isobutyrate, Mandarin Oil, Maple Syrup and Concentrate, Mate Leaf, Absolute and Oil, para-Mentha-8-Thiol-3-One, Menthol, Menthone, Menthyl Acetate, dl-Methionine, Methoprene, 2-Methoxy-4-Methylphenol, 2-Methoxy-4-Vinylphenol, para-Methoxybenzaldehyde, 1-(para-Methoxyphenyl)-1-Penten-3-One, 4-(para-Methoxyphenyl)-2-Butanone, 1-(para-Methoxyphenyl)-2-Propanone, Methoxypyrazine, Methyl 2-Furoate, Methyl 2-Octynoate, Methyl 2-Pyrrolyl Ketone, Methyl Anisate, Methyl Anthranilate, Methyl Benzoate, Methyl Cinnamate, Methyl Dihydrojasmonate, Methyl Ester of Rosin, Partially Hydrogenated, Methyl Isovalerate, Methyl Linoleate (48%), Methyl Linolenate (52%) Mixture, Methyl Naphthyl Ketone, Methyl Nicotinate, Methyl Phenylacetate, Methyl Salicylate, Methyl Sulfide, 3-Methyl-1-Cyclopentadecanone, 4-Methyl-1-Phenyl-2-Pentanone, 5-Methyl-2-Phenyl-2-Hexenal, 5-Methyl-2-Thiophenecarboxaldehyde, 6-Methyl-3,-5-Heptadien-2-One, 2-Methyl-3-(para-Isopropylphenyl) Propionaldehyde, 5-Methyl-3-Hexen-2-One, 1-Methyl-3Methoxy-4-Isopropylbenzene, 4-Methyl-3-Pentene-2-One, 2-Methyl-4-Phenylbutyraldehyde, 6-Methyl-5-Hepten-2-One, 4-Methyl-5-Thiazoleethanol, 4-Methyl-5-Vinylthiazole, Methyl-alpha-Ionone, Methyl-trans-2-Butenoic Acid, 4-Methylacetophenone, para-Methylanisole, alpha-Methylbenzyl Acetate, alpha-Methylbenzyl Alcohol, 2-Methylbutyraldehyde, 3-Methylbutyraldehyde, 2-Methylbutyric Acid, alpha-Methylcinnamaldehyde, Methylcyclopentenolone, 2-Methylheptanoic Acid, 2-Methylhexanoic Acid, 3-Methylpentanoic Acid, 4-Methylpentanoic Acid, 2-Methylpyrazine, 5-Methylquinoxaline, 2-Methyltetrahydrofuran-3-One, (Methylthio)Methylpyrazine (Mixture Of Isomers), 3-Methylthiopropionaldehyde, Methyl 3-Methylthiopropionate, 2-Methylvaleric Acid, Mimosa Absolute and Extract, Molasses Extract and Tincture, Mountain Maple Solid Extract, Mullein Flowers, Myristaldehyde, Myristic Acid, Myrrh Oil, beta-Napthyl Ethyl Ether, Nerol, Neroli Bigarde Oil, Nerolidol, Nona-2-trans,6-cis-Dienal, 2,6-Nonadien-1-Ol, gamma-Nonalactone, Nonanal, Nonanoic Acid, Nonanone, trans-2-Nonen-1-Ol, 2-Nonenal, Nonyl Acetate, Nutmeg Powder and Oil, Oak Chips Extract and Oil, Oak Moss Absolute, 9,12-Octadecadienoic Acid (48%) And 9,12,15-Octadecatrienoic Acid (52%), delta-Octalactone, gamma-Octalactone, Octanal, Octanoic Acid, 1-Octanol, 2-Octanone, 3-Octen-2-One, 1-Octen-3-Ol, 1-Octen-3-Yl Acetate, 2-Octenal, Octyl Isobutyrate, Oleic Acid , Olibanum Oil, Opoponax Oil And Gum, Orange Blossoms Water, Absolute, and Leaf Absolute, Orange Oil and Extract, Origanum Oil, Orris Concrete Oil and Root Extract, Palmarosa Oil, Palmitic Acid, Parsley Seed Oil, Patchouli Oil, omega-Pentadecalactone, 2,3-Pentanedione, 2-Pentanone, 4-Pentenoic Acid, 2-Pentylpyridine, Pepper Oil, Black And White, Peppermint Oil, Peruvian (Bois De Rose) Oil, Petitgrain Absolute, Mandarin Oil and Terpeneless Oil, alpha-Phellandrene, 2-Phenenthyl Acetate, Phenenthyl Alcohol, Phenethyl Butyrate, Phenethyl Cinnamate, Phenethyl Isobutyrate, Phenethyl Isovalerate, Phenethyl Phenylacetate, Phenethyl Salicylate, 1-Phenyl-1-Propanol, 3-Phenyl-1-Propanol, 2-Phenyl-2-Butenal, 4-Phenyl-3-Buten-2-Ol, 4-Phenyl-3-Buten-2-One, Phenylacetaldehyde, Phenylacetic Acid, 1-Phenylalanine, 3-Phenylpropionaldehyde, 3-Phenylpropionic Acid, 3-Phenylpropyl Acetate, 3-Phenylpropyl Cinnamate, 2-(3-Phenylpropyl)Tetrahydrofuran, Phosphoric Acid, Pimenta Leaf Oil, Pine Needle Oil, Pine Oil, Scotch, Pineapple Juice Concentrate, alpha-Pinene, beta-Pinene, D-Piperitone, Piperonal, Pipsissewa Leaf Extract, Plum Juice, Potassium Sorbate, 1-Proline, Propenylguaethol, Propionic Acid, Propyl Acetate, Propyl para-Hydroxybenzoate, Propylene Glycol, 3-Propylidenephthalide, Prune Juice and Concentrate, Pyridine, Pyroligneous Acid And Extract, Pyrrole, Pyruvic Acid, Raisin Juice Concentrate, Rhodinol, Rose Absolute and Oil, Rosemary Oil, Rum, Rum Ether, Rye Extract, Sage, Sage Oil, and Sage Oleoresin, Salicylaldehyde, Sandalwood Oil, Yellow, Sclareolide, Skatole, Smoke Flavor, Snakeroot Oil, Sodium Acetate, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Bicarbonate, Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Hydroxide, Solanone, Spearmint Oil, Styrax Extract, Gum and Oil, Sucrose Octaacetate, Sugar Alcohols, Sugars, Tagetes Oil, Tannic Acid, Tartaric Acid, Tea Leaf and Absolute, alpha-Terpineol, Terpinolene, Terpinyl Acetate, 5,6,7,8-Tetrahydroquinoxaline, 1,5,5,9-Tetramethyl-13-Oxatricyclo(8.3.0.0(4,9))Tridecane, 2,3,4,5, and 3,4,5,6-Tetramethylethyl-Cyclohexanone, 2,3,5,6-Tetramethylpyrazine, Thiamine Hydrochloride, Thiazole, 1-Threonine, Thyme Oil, White and Red, Thymol, Tobacco Extracts, Tochopherols (mixed), Tolu Balsam Gum and Extract, Tolualdehydes, para-Tolyl 3-Methylbutyrate, para-Tolyl Acetaldehyde, para-Tolyl Acetate, para-Tolyl Isobutyrate, para-Tolyl Phenylacetate, Triacetin, 2-Tridecanone, 2-Tridecenal, Triethyl Citrate, 3,5,5-Trimethyl -1-Hexanol, para,alpha,alpha-Trimethylbenzyl Alcohol, 4-(2,6,6-Trimethylcyclohex-1-Enyl)But-2-En-4-One, 2,6,6-Trimethylcyclohex-2-Ene-1,4-Dione, 2,6,6-Trimethylcyclohexa-1,3-Dienyl Methan, 4-(2,6,6-Trimethylcyclohexa-1,3-Dienyl)But-2-En-4-One, 2,2,6-Trimethylcyclohexanone, 2,3,5-Trimethylpyrazine, 1-Tyrosine, delta-Undercalactone, gamma-Undecalactone, Undecanal, 2-Undecanone, 1 0-Undecenal, Urea, Valencene, Valeraldehyde, Valerian Root Extract, Oil and Powder, Valeric Acid, gamma-Valerolactone, Valine, Vanilla Extract And Oleoresin, Vanillin, Veratraldehyde, Vetiver Oil, Vinegar, Violet Leaf Absolute, Walnut Hull Extract, Water, Wheat Extract And Flour, Wild Cherry Bark Extract, Wine and Wine Sherry, Xanthan Gum, 3,4-Xylenol, Yeast ... ...

11/19/07.…It’s 4:00AM Monday morning and I just can’t sleep. It’s hard to be on the road for five weeks and then just stop. It takes a few days at home to get comfortable again. Yesterday I sat on the sofa with a fire in the fireplace thinking about the last seven years on the road. I’m really amazed at all the places I’ve been and how many times I’ve shared this story. I’ve been everywhere from the High Plains of Kansas to the Adirondack mountains of New York. In almost every county in Indiana to the Gulf Coast of Alabama. From Northern New Hampshire to having lunch on the shore of the Sioux River in South Dakota. From the heart of tobacco country in North Carolina to schools here at home in Massachusetts. I have met some amazing people and some inspirational youth. I am truly thankful for this opportunity. Over 1,400 schools and over 900,000 people have heard our family story and countless millions more have seen at least one commercial on TV telling Marie’s story. Marie’s story has become an amazing legacy to help people quit smoking and to inspire so many others not to start. I am proud of all that has been accomplished but know that there are many miles to go. ...

I made it safely home after a month on the road. Stayed for the weekend and now I’m on the road again. The weekend went by so fast it was like I wasn’t even home. I had a great month on the road. The Indiana and New York schools were nothing short of amazing. Things happen so quickly on the road when I get home it just seems like a blur and the schools on the first week of a long trip feel like they happened a year ago. I’m at my next destination and it’s very early on Tuesday morning. I only have one school today and then a short three hour drive to my next destination. My Mom is out of the hospital and recovering at home and that is a huge load off my mind. So…..Thanks to everyone that helped me get through my long trip, thanks for all the letters and I look forward to seeing you in your area soon....

After two days and 1,500 miles of driving I have reached my next destination. In the last three weeks I have driven over 5,000 miles and have been in my truck for over 90 hours!!! It was very hard to leave and come here with my mother still in the hospital. I know she will be ok but my Mom and Dad both needed me there. My Dad needs to go home for rest while someone stays with my mother to make sure everything is going smoothly. I hope and pray she goes home this week. Everyone I have ever worked with knows my dedication to what I do and my parents are a big part of that driving force. In the last seven years and 1,400 schools I have only had to cancel one time. I’m very thankful that I have had the opportunity to be so committed. It’s going to be a good week here in the north country....

I get a lot of emails wanting to know the name of the song I play at the end of my program. The song I play is Kenney Chesney "Who you'd be today"...

...“Following my path“…..I love what I do….Don’t like how I got here…but I love what I do. To have the opportunity to possibly change someone’s life is a true blessing. I feel so lucky that I get to spend one hour in a school sharing my family’s story. When I was in middle school, high school and as a young adult I never would have dreamed my path would lead me here. I believe that EVERYTHING that has happened along "my path" has been to prepare me for the events that are taking place in my life at this very time…..this very moment. I don’t believe in “chance”. This has all been a part of my path from the beginning. Growing up where I did and how I did. My parents and sisters. Meeting Marie and spending 25 years with her. I'm very thankful for every person and every experience (good ...

Great news!!! My Mom went home yesterday (Monday) and she is resting comfortably. We expect she will have a full recovery. I can't begin to explain how releived I am. Welcome home Mom, welcome home............

After two days and 1,500 miles of driving I have reached my next destination. In the last three weeks I have driven over 5,000 miles and been in my truck for over 90 hours!!! It was very hard to leave and come here with my mother still in the hospital. I know she will be ok but my Mom and Dad both needed me there. My Dad needs to go home for rest while someone stays with my mother to make sure everything is going smoothly. I hope and pray she goes home this week. Everyone I have ever worked with knows my dedication to what I do and my parents are a big part of that driving force. In the last seven years and 1,400 schools I have only had to cancel one time. I’m very thankful that I have had the opportunity to be so committed. It’s going to be a good week here in the north country....

After eight days in the intesive care unit my Mom is doing better. She is now in a regular room but still has a long way to go. Thank you all for your prayers....

My Mom had her surgery and she is doing good. She is still in the intensive care unit. She is off the ventilator and it appears she will have a full recovery...WHEW!!!! I will be really glad to get down that way to visit her and help with her recovery. Thanks to everyone who said a prayer for her. I am grateful.....Rick...

I've had some bad news come my way. My mother had a heart attack this week and she will have open heart surgery on Monday. I'm very worried about her. I'm out on the road speaking in schools this week and next week. She made me promise not to cancel my schools that are scheduled for next week. I really want to go be with her but I WILL KEEP MY PROMISE to go to the schools that are scheduled. I ask that everyone please say a prayer for my mothers surgery....

My best friend of over 40 years called this morning. His wife of over 20 years died this morning of a suspected heart attack. I had know Rhonda since we went to school together and lived in the same neighbor as kids growing up.... Rest in peace Rhonda............

9/30/07.….Thank You North Carolina…… I got home Saturday afternoon from a great trip down to North Carolina. After a good nights sleep I’ve still been really tired all day today. We went to breakfast at a favorite restaurant in a town near by this morning. Pulling into the parking lot I saw a waitress out back having a cigarette. Well wouldn’t you know she ended up being our waitress. HUH!! I said ”sit right here” as I patted the seat next to me. She told me “I can’t I just had a cigarette”. I said “I know”, “sit right here”……When I tell you tobacco control and helping people quit, or motivating them to want to quit is twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week I’m not kidding. I want so bad for all the people I meet, that I know want to quit, to be able to quit. The same thing happened last week with my waitress in North Carolina and earlier this year with another waitress in another town near by my home……………….I’m so thankful to all the people that help me along the way. Those people who meet me early mornings and travel school to school. It can be very hectic and stressful trying to make those schools on time and I’m grateful to those that help get that done. To all the students in all the states….As I stand in your gym or auditorium I am so thankful that you give me a fair chance to share my story. You have all been so respectful and I could never explain here in words how that makes me feel. I am a blessed and lucky man. I hope that you all take the time each day to look at your life and be thankful for every experience…good or bad. Sometimes it’s the bad things that can be turned around and then become something very positive……………….Peace in your lives…Rick ...

I like this....... Written by Joe from Hannibal,NY. .............................................................................................................. 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 family'll cry So when you want to be cool Don't act like a fool Don't smoke Then you won't choke When you don't smoke you win And then your heart won't end up in a bin Then from smoking you won't die So then all your friends and family won't have a reason to cry heres something you can use in your presentation JOE Hannibal High N.Y....

9/12/07.….On the road again…The weeks building up to this years travel have been pretty stressful. I’m having a lot of problems with both knees. This summer I’ve had a total of five shots in my right knee and three in my left knee. They seem to help but I believe that time will tell. I love what I do and it will take a lot more than pain in my knees to stop me! It is the most difficult and demanding thing I have ever done but I love it. I don’t like how I got here with Marie’s death but I love talking to young people in schools across the country and exposing the truth about the tobacco industry. Thank you to both of the middle schools that gave me a standing ovation this week. I can’t begin to describe how that makes me feel. I will be in New York for the rest of this week and then home for a short visit and then off to my next destination. I’m so thankful for all the awesome people that have come into my life and help me do what I do. I could never do this alone. I am also thankful that the schools allow me time with their students. I know that the one hour I take to share Marie’s story is important and I feel blessed that the schools let me spend that hour with their students. ...

Happy Birthday Marie...I love you and I miss you..........

8/6/07 … Trying Times … I know we all have those times. Last week I went to a wake where there were four open caskets in the same room. All were killed in a plane crash in Alaska. Two of the caskets held the body of a friend Paul and his wife. I’ve known Paul for about twelve years and had worked with him in the past as a carpenter in the trade show business. Paul was the kind of guy that everyone immediately liked. He was a kind man that never had a bad word to say about anyone at any time. Retired after thirty-five years in the Navy Reserve and also retired after twenty-five years from the fire department. Paul helped run the food bank in his town and even after retirement he kept the fire station ice cream locker full. Paul had given his life to serve and help others. The loss of Paul and his wife Marianne will be felt throughout the community. I’ve attended a number of funerals in my fifty-three years but for some reason this one hit me particularly hard…………………….. My youngest sister Denise came to visit with her husband and two sons. It was great to see them all and to take a little fishing time with my two nephews and my brother-in-law. They left to go home the day after Paul’s funeral and I think that made it even harder to watch them go. I don’t get to see my family often. They live so far away………………. There have been some other stressful issues in my life this week but I know that all the things that are happening are intended to teach me, to make me stronger and to make me a better, kinder person…………....

6/9/07.…..5:30am…….I love early morning! I read in a book by Dr. Wayne Dyer “The morning breeze holds secrets…don’t go back to sleep” I find this to be very true for me. My mind is not cluttered from the day and it is much easier to read, write, think and learn during these early morning hours. Both of my grandsons are here for the weekend and that brings such peace to my mind. Shane, the three year old will wear you OUT!!! I love him but that three year old energy can be exhausting. Jake, the thirteen year old is such a peaceful young man. I picked him up yesterday after school and watched from a distance as he interacted with other kids as he left school. It’s so nice to see that he just loves and gets along with everyone. …………….......................... I’ve learned a lot in my fifty-three years of life on this planet. I’ve LEARNED TO LIVE as if I will die tomorrow. I don’t mean that in terms of I go out and live on the edge. Not a whole lot of danger here in my world. LOL!!! I mean that in terms of trying to be the best person I can every minute of every day. To be genuinely kind to everyone that crosses my path. I think it would be such a drag to be hateful the day before you die….LOL!!!! I’ve LEARNED TO LEARN as if I will live forever. What a wonderful gift…the ability to learn. Not just to learn math or science or any other subject, but to learn about ourselves and the people and world around us. When someone shares a thought or part of their life with you that is a pretty amazing gift. Sometimes that gift can even be a thought or belief that you may disagree with but be thankful that you were chosen to be the lucky one to receive that gift and that you have the opportunity to learn from that. I’ve LEARNED LISTEN. I’ve learned to listen when someone shares their life with me and I’ve learned to listen as my own mind shares it’s thoughts. Listen to your mind!! Be aware of the constant chatter and discussions that go on in your mind. Step back and become an observer of that chatter and those thoughts. Who knows…..you might just learn something about yourself. I’ve LEARNED TO LOVE. “Faith, hope and love are some good things he gave us, but the greatest is love” Nothing can be more powerful in your life than love. It can make you not sleep, not eat, not think straight and yes it can even break your heart….. BUT…..It can make you float on air, smile at the world and love has the miracle power to mend a broken heart. I know that the very essence of my being and the way of transforming my life is love. I’ve LEARNED TO LAUGH. Is there anything that can make you feel better than a good belly laugh? Is there any stronger medicine or drug? I love to laugh (especially at myself) and I love to make people laugh. Life is short so make sure you get as many laughs in as possible………The five “L’s” are great gifts from God. Don’t waste them. ...

5/13/07.…… It’s been a blessed year……. I’m finally home after a month on the road. I am totally exhausted. I woke up at 1:30am this morning……just couldn’t sleep. I’ve been sitting here in my office reading all the wonderful letters sent to me from students, teachers, parents and grandparents and I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of so many people. God has blessed me with a gift to be able to communicate a story that has now affected the lives of hundreds of thousands of people. I AM A BLESSED MAN!!! I will remember all the friends, all the schools and all the faces as I go into my summer time off….. It’s time to put another year behind me and it’s time for some fishing with my grandsons Jake and Shane. Thanks to everyone that has helped make this year possible. Peace in your lives...

The list of additives found in cigarettes is listed here on my journal page for those who have asked for a copy. Search below and you will find it....

5/3/07.….I’m a tired man….. This has been one of the most difficult weeks I have ever had as a public speaker. My schedule has been a mess!!!! I have put up with being cut short, disrespectful students, bookings for grades MUCH younger than what I speak to. I’m not sure what I need to do to get people to understand the rules for what I do. I DON”T speak to kids younger than sixth grade. Twice this week I’ve had KIDS that were WAY to young to experience a story of this power. After I left one school yesterday it looked like the large majority of kids were absolutely bawling their eyes out. One boy walked by with the whole front of his shirt wet from crying so much during my program. This is not fair to the kids and it’s not fair to me for people to just ignore the requirements that I send out in advance….well in advance!! The school today would only allow fifty minutes to do my one hour program and then they were VERY late getting into the room. What is up with all this? I came VERY close to canceling all the programs this week because of the really bad schedule that was set up. I did pull it together and did my program because it so important to me to keep Marie’s story alive but starting in the fall of 2007 that will not be the case........................................... To the disrespectful students that just don’t care………….I hope you NEVER have to face the disrespect that you showed. I hope you don’t loose someone in your life that you love, travel to share their story and put up with the crap I deal with from people like you. ...

4/30/07.… Anti-Tobacco Speaker…… Never in a million years would I have dreamed of being an anti-tobacco speaker. Today I’m very glad that’s what I do. I have now reached almost one million youth across the USA with a message of heart break and deception. My heart is broken with the loss of my wife Marie. We were soul mates for 25 years. The deception comes from an industry that lies to the public and deceives our children with their manipulative marketing tactics to replace those like Marie who die or the ones like the teacher this morning who quit. I’m tired but will never give up as long as the industry continues with their tactics to addict youth. I will never give up as long as the industry keeps coming out with products like Camel No. 9.….I will never give up on creating a generation of non-smokers....

4/30/07.… Sometimes….. Sometimes it’s not about you. Sometimes it’s not about me. This time I believe that it was about a teacher. I DON”T talk to youth below grade six. This morning I left my hotel and got in the car with my contact person. As we headed for the school she told me the students would be from the 4th and 5th grade. “I DON”T THINK SO!!! I don’t “do” 4th and 5th grade.” It will be ok she assured me. “I DON”T DO 4TH and 5th GRADE!!!” These kids can handle it she assured me again. After thinking about it I agreed that with her experience in this school system that I would (on this one occasion) speak to this group. As we head to the school I’m thinking ……. OOOHHHH NO! Well…..Thank you God for proving me wrong again and teaching/reminding me that EVERYTHING happens for a reason…EVERYTHING!!!! After the program a teacher approached me, tears in her eyes and told me that last night she prayed for God to please help her quit smoking. She had quit before and had started up again in November. She wanted to quit and had asked God to please help. She told me that today is what she needed to push her to make the final decision to quit and that this will be the day. Thank you God for putting the two of us on the same path of destiny. ...

4/25/07.…Forgiveness…..KVMS…..I know that a LOT of you are very upset over what happened in your school but I want you to move on and the hardest part is I want you to forgive Mr. Auker. Life is to short to hold a grudge and I want this to end now. No more letters talking about what happened…..forgiveness is so important and I want you to do that starting now. Focus on the things that we did talk about. Focus on your family and all the good things that you have in your life… Focus on love and understanding…....forgive. ...

4/24/07.…..A Blessed Life…… I hope that everyone who reads this feels like God has blessed their lives. I know that it sounds crazy but losing Marie was a gift from God. God has blessed my life and given me the ability and opportunity to reach over 900,000 youth and adults with a powerful story of love. I am thankful for this opportunity in my life. EVERYTHING in your life happens for a reason. Even the smallest most insignificant thing that happens in your life is a gift…be it difficult and heart breaking or be it easy and fun, each and every moment is a gift and opportunity provided to you. Take those opportunities and gifts of life and love and be thankful. I know I am……..The letter I received today and pasted below touched my heart and I hope it will also touch yours….God Bless….Rick ………………………………......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Rick, thank you 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 my 30's now and he still ,to this day, carries it with him. He never smoked again. The letter is all worn out but the love will never wear out. I could feel the LOVE that drives you. Every time you mentioned Marie, looked at her picture, and smiled thinking about her. I am blessed to know what the love is. Thank you, thank you for sharing that. I think its time to write the letters again to others in my life. Next to my Pastor in a Sunday Sermon, I have never heard another speaker who has touched me so deeply. BLESS YOU! Nothing is impossible through God. He will continue to guide you because I know many of us will keep you in our prayers asking God to give you strength. ...

4/23/07.…Kankakee Valley…….What a wonderful group of students today!!! To bad I can’t say the same thing about the middle school principal. NEVER and I mean NEVER in over 1,200 schools have I had someone walk down the isle and cut me off in the middle of my program!!! Information is distributed months in advance of my arrival informing everyone that my program is sixty minutes long. There is nothing fun or exciting about reliving my wife’s death three times a day and I refuse to let her story be cut short because the principal could not do his job….SHAME on you Mr. Auker!!!! The 8th grade students that tried to protest and refuse to leave I appreciate that but I would rather you turned that protest against the tobacco industry. Believe me I do not hold the students responsible for what happened so please don’t feel you need to apologize to me. Kankakee Valley you guys rock!!! Thank you for a great day. ...

4/21/07.…. Southern Indiana is behind me now. I had a good tour across south west Indiana last week and it sure felt good to be back. I’ve always enjoyed sharing Marie’s story here…….but…..On Tuesday I had a bad day. Nothing to do with the schools or students, it came from within. For the first time ever I wanted to just quit and go home. Maybe it was missing my family, maybe it was just the relentless schedule I keep but I just wanted to give up and go home. Luckily the youth in the schools on Tuesday sent a BUNCH of letters to my website and it made a huge difference in how I felt. I really have to thank you all for writing to me. I woke up on Wednesday morning refreshed, renewed and ready to carry on. ………………………………....................................................................................................................................................................................................... I did have one school that disappointed me this week. For the first time ever I had a bunch of students that slept through my program….very disappointing….I don’t do this for fun, I do it because I want to make a difference in the lives of our youth. I don’t blame this on the students as much as I blame it on the administration in the school. When I arrived the students were watching a movie in the auditorium. The school was not set-up or even close to ready for me to speak. At the very last minute they brought down a table for me to set-up on and pretty much just left me hanging. There were probably only three to four teachers in the room and they made no effort to help even after I commented how many students were sleeping. I left there very disappointed and frustrated that this had happened. Luckily I have learned over the years that I can’t get to everyone with this program so I try to focus on the ones that do want to be a part of this and there were more that wanted the program than not. To those who listened and shared your letters THANK YOU…for those who slept… I hope you never have to experience the way you made me feel………….....

4/10/07.…. Heart Broken…… I got terrible news yesterday that a dear friend of mine from Kokomo, Indiana was killed in a car crash on Easter Sunday. Joy Edwards was a wonderful person with a heart of gold. She was fun to be around and a she cared so deeply about the people in her life. It has always been my pleasure to call Joy my good friend…rest in peace Joy. I will always remember you and keep you in my heart.............…………… My heart and prayers have now turned to Joy’s children and the long road to physical and mental recovery from this tragic accident. Please say a prayer tonight for Joy and her family...

4/5/07 Sioux Falls, South Dakota……. I’m headed home for a week but it sure has been good being in SD. What a great group of young people I got to talk to this week. Dell Rapids you guys were awesome and the same for Gorman High school in Sioux Falls. The night program last night was awesome with probably sixty five people present. I have to admit that I started out a little disappointed in Dakota State University where only three students came to hear my message. I’ve learned a great lesson in the last few years that it’s not about large crowds and I really hoping that the students that came will use this message in their lives and career. … ……………………………..................................................................... On a bad note…never have I been more disappointed in TV news coverage than what we received from the Sioux Falls local TV station. They absolutely butchered my message and didn’t even begin to give an accurate report on my message. I wish I could remember their call letters so I could post it here but I know the reporter that did such a pitiful jobs name was Chris….Shame on you Chris for doing such a terrible job of reporting the news!! I have new rules for TV interviews because of you….From now on….NO QUESTIONS! I will make a statement and you can play it or not! It’s because of news stations like the one in Sioux Falls that the tobacco industry gets away with murder....

March 26th……….. What a wonderful week I had in Western Kentucky. The youth and all the people I worked with there are so kind and friendly. In the three days there I got five standing ovations!! Wow!!! I know that Maries story has changed the lives of so many youth across America and it feels really good to bring that message to Kentucky schools. I received a great honor while I was there….the governor of Kentucky made me a “Kentucky Colonel” which is the highest award that you can receive in the state….what an absolute honor to be chosen to receive that award. I know that I’m really looking forward to returning to Kentucky someday. ………………………………....................................................................................................................................................................................................... Staten Island, New York. I drove from home to Staten Island this morning and found it to be the most stressful drive I have EVER taken. I just don’t know how people can deal with all that traffic every day. I’m thrilled to be here to speak in the schools but totally stressed out about driving to and from the schools and then to my hotel. I will be on Staten Island for three days and then in Brooklyn for two days. I’m a country boy so I guess I’ll be glad when my mission here is accomplished and I get my country butt out of the city…LOL!!! I found out today that the youth smoking rates here on Staten Island are the highest in the city. I sure hope Marie’s story can help change that....

My friend, Karen Butts, passed away yesterday morning. I pray for her husband, children and family...

I have two questions. If anyone knows the true answer please respond to "Write To Rick"........... 1) If several TRILLION cigarettes are smoked world wide every year how how much smoke is that? What is the volume of smoke?................. 2) How much does it cost to make one cigarette?...

3/6/07.…Medina High School……I have always felt that I could make a difference in the lives of young people. I have also always known that the young people I work with have the ability to change and affect my life. Today at Median High School was one of those day when the youth had as much impact on me as I did on them. “Locks of Love” is a way for people to help other people by donating their hair to be made into wigs for people that lose their hair from medical procedures. Today at Medina, after my program, one of the girls at this school donated her hair. She came up on stage and they CUT off 10 “ of her hair to be donated…..There were probably 10-12 students also on stage that have raised money for charity. One of the boys that raised the most money SHAVED his head on stage. This had such a huge impact on me to see these youth with such kind hearts do something that means so much to others. I can GURANTEE that I will NEVER forget Medina High School………...

3/5/07.…It’s very hard to find the time to sit down and write the things I want to say. Sometimes it seems I’m just saying the same things over and over. When your involved in tobacco control and the way I tell Marie’s story over and over it becomes difficult to stray from the things I’ve already said. There are a few things that have changed in my way of thinking…I, at one point, was totally against FDA regulation of the tobacco industry. I see people dying from this industry EVERY DAY and I’ve always had the belief that it shouldn’t be regulated but it should be illegal. After all we are talking about the lives of 1,200 Americans EVERY single day and I have a difficult time seeing beyond that. What I’ve come to discover/believe is that tobacco will probably never be illegal (though it should be) so for now maybe some regulation from the FDA will be better than nothing!!! We need regulations for advertising (that continues to target youth) and we need regulations that control the ingredients that go in to making tobacco products. We need the FDA to control the nicotine levels in products that addict the people that use/abuse tobacco products. WE need stronger laws that do a better job of protecting innocent adults and children from the harms of second-hand smoke. Don’t get me wrong here….I still want them OUT OF BUSINESS but sometimes it takes smaller steps to reach the end goal. FDA regulation could help but I still believe in my heart that the only way the killing will end is for a generation (or several generations) of youth to grow up as non-smokers. ………………………….............................................................. As I travel the country sharing Marie’s story I’ve encouraged people to be more open in sharing their stories with everyone that will listen. This is especially important with policy makers and political leaders. They need to understand that the stories we share are the stories of real people and real families…. …. ….I’m so thrilled to see so many people sharing their stories on this website. ...

1/2/07 I can’t believe another year of my life has gone by. The older I get the faster time seems to move….really kinda’ scary…….. I’m psyched about my schedule for the new year. This is the busiest beginning of the year since I started to speak full time six years ago. I always think that the program has stopped growing but thankfully I’m always wrong. There are still a LOT of people that want to hear our families story. Thankful, that is what I am………. Since the beginning I have always thought that the only way the deaths caused by the tobacco industry will end is to have a generation of non-smokers. People (young people) that refuse to fall for the lies and light that first cigarette is the only way. I’m still confused, and angered, that the local and federal policy makers refuse to control an industry responsible for KILLING 450,000 Americans EVERY SINGLE YEAR!! To bad there is no spinach in cigarettes then maybe we would have a chance at changing the future. Spinach kills and spinach is pulled from the shelves, Ephedria kills and it is pulled from store shelves, Firestone tires and the list goes on……why is tobacco allowed to kill so many? Answer: $$$$$$$$$....................................................................................................................................... 2/2/07 10:00PM Nobody said it would be easy….. Well here I am sitting in a service plaza on the New York thruway with snow coming down so hard I couldn’t see fifty feet on the highway. I have NEVER seen it snow so hard. The wind is blowing over thirty miles per hour and the temperature is eighteen degrees. These are very dangerous conditions and I had no choice but top stop. I just want to go home but that will have to wait. The wind is actually making my truck shake!!! I’ve been in Indiana for the last two weeks traveling the state and going school to school and town to town. I feel good about the last two weeks but feel very frustrated with the way tobacco control is going there. When will the law makers of Indiana wake up and do the right thing? I heard a comment the other day that one of these elected officials said he “wants a higher tobacco tax but does not want that money to fund tobacco control for Indiana because if people quit smoking the fund will dry up” I want to know what happened to an oath to protect and serve? Where is the integrity? And where are the morals that should be an integral part of being a public servant?? Being a public servant does not mean meeting your own personal agenda. ...

The following list is posted on the website for the "Indiana Prevention Resource Center" at "Indiana University"................ Additives Found in American Cigarettes ------------------------In addition to tobacco, which contains nicotine, the following 599 ingredients have been identified in tobacco industry documents as being added to tobacco in the manufacturing of cigarettes by the five major American cigarette manufacturing companies. While some of these chemicals, such as sugars, vanilla extract, prune juice, and vinegar, are generally recognized as safe when used in food products, all produce numerous additional chemical compounds when burned. None, probably, is more deadly than nicotine, however. Acetanisole, Acetic Acid, Acetoin, Acetophenone, 6-Acetoxydihydrotheaspirane, 2-Acetyl-3- Ethylpyrazine, 2-Acetyl-5-Methylfuran, Acetylpyrazine, 2-Acetylpyridine, 3-Acetylpyridine, 2-Acetylthiazole, Aconitic Acid, dl-Alanine, Alfalfa Extract, Allspice Extract, Oleoresin, And Oil, Allyl Hexanoate, Allyl Ionone, Almond Bitter Oil, Ambergris Tincture, Ammonia, Ammonium Bicarbonate, Ammonium Hydroxide, Ammonium Phosphate Dibasic, Ammonium Sulfide, Amyl Alcohol, Amyl Butyrate, Amyl Formate, Amyl Octanoate, alpha-Amylcinnamaldehyde, Amyris Oil, trans-Anethole, Angelica Root Extract, Oil and Seed Oil, Anise, Anise Star, Extract and Oils, Anisyl Acetate, Anisyl Alcohol, Anisyl Formate, Anisyl Phenylacetate, Apple Juice Concentrate, Extract, and Skins, Apricot Extract and Juice Concentrate, 1-Arginine, Asafetida Fluid Extract And Oil, Ascorbic Acid, 1-Asparagine Monohydrate, 1-Aspartic Acid, Balsam Peru and Oil, Basil Oil, Bay Leaf, Oil and Sweet Oil, Beeswax White, Beet Juice Concentrate, Benzaldehyde, Benzaldehyde Glyceryl Acetal, Benzoic Acid, Benzoin, Benzoin Resin, Benzophenone, Benzyl Alcohol, Benzyl Benzoate, Benzyl Butyrate, Benzyl Cinnamate, Benzyl Propionate, Benzyl Salicylate, Bergamot Oil, Bisabolene, Black Currant Buds Absolute, Borneol, Bornyl Acetate, Buchu Leaf Oil, 1,3-Butanediol, 2,3-Butanedione, 1-Butanol, 2-Butanone, 4(2-Butenylidene)-3,5,5-Trimethyl-2-Cyclohexen-1-One, Butter, Butter Esters, and Butter Oil, Butyl Acetate, Butyl Butyrate, Butyl Butyryl Lactate, Butyl Isovalerate, Butyl Phenylacetate, Butyl Undecylenate, 3-Butylidenephthalide, Butyric Acid, Cadinene, Caffeine, Calcium Carbonate, Camphene, Cananga Oil, Capsicum Oleoresin, Caramel Color, Caraway Oil, Carbon Dioxide, Cardamom Oleoresin, Extract, Seed Oil, and Powder, Carob Bean and Extract, beta-Carotene, Carrot Oil, Carvacrol, 4-Carvomenthenol, 1-Carvone, beta-Caryophyllene, beta-Caryophyllene Oxide, Cascarilla Oil and Bark Extract, Cassia Bark Oil, Cassie Absolute and Oil, Castoreum Extract, Tincture and Absolute, Cedar Leaf Oil, Cedarwood Oil Terpenes and Virginiana, Cedrol, Celery Seed Extract, Solid, Oil, And Oleoresin, Cellulose Fiber, Chamomile Flower Oil And Extract, Chicory Extract, Chocolate, Cinnamaldehyde, Cinnamic Acid, Cinnamon Leaf Oil, Bark Oil, and Extract, Cinnamyl Acetate, Cinnamyl Alcohol, Cinnamyl Cinnamate, Cinnamyl Isovalerate, Cinnamyl Propionate, Citral, Citric Acid, Citronella Oil, dl-Citronellol, Citronellyl Butyrate, Citronellyl Isobutyrate, Civet Absolute, Clary Oil, Clover Tops, Red Solid Extract, Cocoa, Cocoa Shells, Extract, Distillate And Powder, Coconut Oil, Coffee, Cognac White and Green Oil, Copaiba Oil, Coriander Extract and Oil, Corn Oil, Corn Silk, Costus Root Oil, Cubeb Oil, Cuminaldehyde, para-Cymene, 1-Cysteine, Dandelion Root Solid Extract, Davana Oil, 2-trans, 4-trans-Decadienal, delta-Decalactone, gamma-Decalactone, Decanal, Decanoic Acid, 1-Decanol, 2-Decenal, Dehydromenthofurolactone, Diethyl Malonate, Diethyl Sebacate, 2,3-Diethylpyrazine, Dihydro Anethole, 5,7-Dihydro-2-Methylthieno(3,4-D) Pyrimidine, Dill Seed Oil and Extract, meta-Dimethoxybenzene, para-Dimethoxybenzene, 2,6-Dimethoxyphenol, Dimethyl Succinate, 3,4-Dimethyl-1,2-Cyclopentanedione, 3,5- Dimethyl-1,2-Cyclopentanedione, 3,7-Dimethyl-1,3,6-Octatriene, 4,5-Dimethyl-3-Hydroxy-2,5-Dihydrofuran-2-One, 6,10-Dimethyl-5,9-Undecadien-2-One, 3,7-Dimethyl-6-Octenoic Acid, 2,4-Dimethylacetophenone, alpha,para-Dimethylbenzyl Alcohol, alpha,alpha-Dimethylphenethyl Acetate, alpha,alpha Dimethylphenethyl Butyrate, 2,3-Dimethylpyrazine, 2,5-Dimethylpyrazine, 2,6-Dimethylpyrazine, Dimethyltetrahydrobenzofuranone, delta-Dodecalactone, gamma-Dodecalactone, para-Ethoxybenzaldehyde, Ethyl 10-Undecenoate, Ethyl 2-Methylbutyrate, Ethyl Acetate, Ethyl Acetoacetate, Ethyl Alcohol, Ethyl Benzoate, Ethyl Butyrate, Ethyl Cinnamate, Ethyl Decanoate, Ethyl Fenchol, Ethyl Furoate, Ethyl Heptanoate, Ethyl Hexanoate, Ethyl Isovalerate, Ethyl Lactate, Ethyl Laurate, Ethyl Levulinate, Ethyl Maltol, Ethyl Methyl Phenylglycidate, Ethyl Myristate, Ethyl Nonanoate, Ethyl Octadecanoate, Ethyl Octanoate, Ethyl Oleate, Ethyl Palmitate, Ethyl Phenylacetate, Ethyl Propionate, Ethyl Salicylate, Ethyl trans-2-Butenoate, Ethyl Valerate, Ethyl Vanillin, 2-Ethyl (or Methyl)-(3,5 and 6)-Methoxypyrazine, 2-Ethyl-1-Hexanol, 3-Ethyl -2 -Hydroxy-2-Cyclopenten-1-One, 2-Ethyl-3, (5 or 6)-Dimethylpyrazine, 5-Ethyl-3-Hydroxy-4-Methyl-2(5H)-Furanone, 2-Ethyl-3-Methylpyrazine, 4-Ethylbenzaldehyde, 4-Ethylguaiacol, para-Ethylphenol, 3-Ethylpyridine, Eucalyptol, Farnesol, D-Fenchone, Fennel Sweet Oil, Fenugreek, Extract, Resin, and Absolute, Fig Juice Concentrate, Food Starch Modified, Furfuryl Mercaptan, 4-(2-Furyl)-3-Buten-2-One, Galbanum Oil, Genet Absolute, Gentian Root Extract, Geraniol, Geranium Rose Oil, Geranyl Acetate, Geranyl Butyrate, Geranyl Formate, Geranyl Isovalerate, Geranyl Phenylacetate, Ginger Oil and Oleoresin, 1-Glutamic Acid, 1-Glutamine, Glycerol, Glycyrrhizin Ammoniated, Grape Juice Concentrate, Guaiac Wood Oil, Guaiacol, Guar Gum, 2,4-Heptadienal, gamma-Heptalactone, Heptanoic Acid, 2-Heptanone, 3-Hepten-2-One, 2-Hepten-4-One, 4-Heptenal, trans -2-Heptenal, Heptyl Acetate, omega-6-Hexadecenlactone, gamma-Hexalactone, Hexanal, Hexanoic Acid, 2-Hexen-1-Ol, 3-Hexen-1-Ol, cis-3-Hexen-1-Yl Acetate, 2-Hexenal, 3-Hexenoic Acid, trans-2-Hexenoic Acid, cis-3-Hexenyl Formate, Hexyl 2-Methylbutyrate, Hexyl Acetate, Hexyl Alcohol, Hexyl Phenylacetate, 1-Histidine, Honey, Hops Oil, Hydrolyzed Milk Solids, Hydrolyzed Plant Proteins, 5-Hydroxy-2,4-Decadienoic Acid delta- Lactone, 4-Hydroxy-2,5-Dimethyl-3(2H)-Furanone, 2-Hydroxy-3,5,5-Trimethyl-2-Cyclohexen-1-One, 4-Hydroxy -3-Pentenoic Acid Lactone, 2-Hydroxy-4-Methylbenzaldehyde, 4-Hydroxybutanoic Acid Lactone, Hydroxycitronellal, 6-Hydroxydihydrotheaspirane, 4-(para-Hydroxyphenyl)-2-Butanone, Hyssop Oil, Immortelle Absolute and Extract, alpha-Ionone, beta-Ionone, alpha-Irone, Isoamyl Acetate, Isoamyl Benzoate, Isoamyl Butyrate, Isoamyl Cinnamate, Isoamyl Formate, Isoamyl Hexanoate, Isoamyl Isovalerate, Isoamyl Octanoate, Isoamyl Phenylacetate, Isobornyl Acetate, Isobutyl Acetate, Isobutyl Alcohol, Isobutyl Cinnamate, Isobutyl Phenylacetate, Isobutyl Salicylate, 2-Isobutyl-3-Methoxypyrazine, alpha-Isobutylphenethyl Alcohol, Isobutyraldehyde, Isobutyric Acid, d,l-Isoleucine, alpha-Isomethylionone, 2-Isopropylphenol, Isovaleric Acid, Jasmine Absolute, Concrete and Oil, Kola Nut Extract, Labdanum Absolute and Oleoresin, Lactic Acid, Lauric Acid, Lauric Aldehyde, Lavandin Oil, Lavender Oil, Lemon Oil and Extract, Lemongrass Oil, 1-Leucine, Levulinic Acid, Licorice Root, Fluid, Extract and Powder, Lime Oil , Linalool, Linalool Oxide, Linalyl Acetate, Linden Flowers, Lovage Oil And Extract, 1-Lysine, Mace Powder, Extract and Oil , Magnesium Carbonate, Malic Acid, Malt and Malt Extract, Maltodextrin, Maltol, Maltyl Isobutyrate, Mandarin Oil, Maple Syrup and Concentrate, Mate Leaf, Absolute and Oil, para-Mentha-8-Thiol-3-One, Menthol, Menthone, Menthyl Acetate, dl-Methionine, Methoprene, 2-Methoxy-4-Methylphenol, 2-Methoxy-4-Vinylphenol, para-Methoxybenzaldehyde, 1-(para-Methoxyphenyl)-1-Penten-3-One, 4-(para-Methoxyphenyl)-2-Butanone, 1-(para-Methoxyphenyl)-2-Propanone, Methoxypyrazine, Methyl 2-Furoate, Methyl 2-Octynoate, Methyl 2-Pyrrolyl Ketone, Methyl Anisate, Methyl Anthranilate, Methyl Benzoate, Methyl Cinnamate, Methyl Dihydrojasmonate, Methyl Ester of Rosin, Partially Hydrogenated, Methyl Isovalerate, Methyl Linoleate (48%), Methyl Linolenate (52%) Mixture, Methyl Naphthyl Ketone, Methyl Nicotinate, Methyl Phenylacetate, Methyl Salicylate, Methyl Sulfide, 3-Methyl-1-Cyclopentadecanone, 4-Methyl-1-Phenyl-2-Pentanone, 5-Methyl-2-Phenyl-2-Hexenal, 5-Methyl-2-Thiophenecarboxaldehyde, 6-Methyl-3,-5-Heptadien-2-One, 2-Methyl-3-(para-Isopropylphenyl) Propionaldehyde, 5-Methyl-3-Hexen-2-One, 1-Methyl-3Methoxy-4-Isopropylbenzene, 4-Methyl-3-Pentene-2-One, 2-Methyl-4-Phenylbutyraldehyde, 6-Methyl-5-Hepten-2-One, 4-Methyl-5-Thiazoleethanol, 4-Methyl-5-Vinylthiazole, Methyl-alpha-Ionone, Methyl-trans-2-Butenoic Acid, 4-Methylacetophenone, para-Methylanisole, alpha-Methylbenzyl Acetate, alpha-Methylbenzyl Alcohol, 2-Methylbutyraldehyde, 3-Methylbutyraldehyde, 2-Methylbutyric Acid, alpha-Methylcinnamaldehyde, Methylcyclopentenolone, 2-Methylheptanoic Acid, 2-Methylhexanoic Acid, 3-Methylpentanoic Acid, 4-Methylpentanoic Acid, 2-Methylpyrazine, 5-Methylquinoxaline, 2-Methyltetrahydrofuran-3-One, (Methylthio)Methylpyrazine (Mixture Of Isomers), 3-Methylthiopropionaldehyde, Methyl 3-Methylthiopropionate, 2-Methylvaleric Acid, Mimosa Absolute and Extract, Molasses Extract and Tincture, Mountain Maple Solid Extract, Mullein Flowers, Myristaldehyde, Myristic Acid, Myrrh Oil, beta-Napthyl Ethyl Ether, Nerol, Neroli Bigarde Oil, Nerolidol, Nona-2-trans,6-cis-Dienal, 2,6-Nonadien-1-Ol, gamma-Nonalactone, Nonanal, Nonanoic Acid, Nonanone, trans-2-Nonen-1-Ol, 2-Nonenal, Nonyl Acetate, Nutmeg Powder and Oil, Oak Chips Extract and Oil, Oak Moss Absolute, 9,12-Octadecadienoic Acid (48%) And 9,12,15-Octadecatrienoic Acid (52%), delta-Octalactone, gamma-Octalactone, Octanal, Octanoic Acid, 1-Octanol, 2-Octanone, 3-Octen-2-One, 1-Octen-3-Ol, 1-Octen-3-Yl Acetate, 2-Octenal, Octyl Isobutyrate, Oleic Acid , Olibanum Oil, Opoponax Oil And Gum, Orange Blossoms Water, Absolute, and Leaf Absolute, Orange Oil and Extract, Origanum Oil, Orris Concrete Oil and Root Extract, Palmarosa Oil, Palmitic Acid, Parsley Seed Oil, Patchouli Oil, omega-Pentadecalactone, 2,3-Pentanedione, 2-Pentanone, 4-Pentenoic Acid, 2-Pentylpyridine, Pepper Oil, Black And White, Peppermint Oil, Peruvian (Bois De Rose) Oil, Petitgrain Absolute, Mandarin Oil and Terpeneless Oil, alpha-Phellandrene, 2-Phenenthyl Acetate, Phenenthyl Alcohol, Phenethyl Butyrate, Phenethyl Cinnamate, Phenethyl Isobutyrate, Phenethyl Isovalerate, Phenethyl Phenylacetate, Phenethyl Salicylate, 1-Phenyl-1-Propanol, 3-Phenyl-1-Propanol, 2-Phenyl-2-Butenal, 4-Phenyl-3-Buten-2-Ol, 4-Phenyl-3-Buten-2-One, Phenylacetaldehyde, Phenylacetic Acid, 1-Phenylalanine, 3-Phenylpropionaldehyde, 3-Phenylpropionic Acid, 3-Phenylpropyl Acetate, 3-Phenylpropyl Cinnamate, 2-(3-Phenylpropyl)Tetrahydrofuran, Phosphoric Acid, Pimenta Leaf Oil, Pine Needle Oil, Pine Oil, Scotch, Pineapple Juice Concentrate, alpha-Pinene, beta-Pinene, D-Piperitone, Piperonal, Pipsissewa Leaf Extract, Plum Juice, Potassium Sorbate, 1-Proline, Propenylguaethol, Propionic Acid, Propyl Acetate, Propyl para-Hydroxybenzoate, Propylene Glycol, 3-Propylidenephthalide, Prune Juice and Concentrate, Pyridine, Pyroligneous Acid And Extract, Pyrrole, Pyruvic Acid, Raisin Juice Concentrate, Rhodinol, Rose Absolute and Oil, Rosemary Oil, Rum, Rum Ether, Rye Extract, Sage, Sage Oil, and Sage Oleoresin, Salicylaldehyde, Sandalwood Oil, Yellow, Sclareolide, Skatole, Smoke Flavor, Snakeroot Oil, Sodium Acetate, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Bicarbonate, Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Hydroxide, Solanone, Spearmint Oil, Styrax Extract, Gum and Oil, Sucrose Octaacetate, Sugar Alcohols, Sugars, Tagetes Oil, Tannic Acid, Tartaric Acid, Tea Leaf and Absolute, alpha-Terpineol, Terpinolene, Terpinyl Acetate, 5,6,7,8-Tetrahydroquinoxaline, 1,5,5,9-Tetramethyl-13-Oxatricyclo(8.3.0.0(4,9))Tridecane, 2,3,4,5, and 3,4,5,6-Tetramethylethyl-Cyclohexanone, 2,3,5,6-Tetramethylpyrazine, Thiamine Hydrochloride, Thiazole, 1-Threonine, Thyme Oil, White and Red, Thymol, Tobacco Extracts, Tochopherols (mixed), Tolu Balsam Gum and Extract, Tolualdehydes, para-Tolyl 3-Methylbutyrate, para-Tolyl Acetaldehyde, para-Tolyl Acetate, para-Tolyl Isobutyrate, para-Tolyl Phenylacetate, Triacetin, 2-Tridecanone, 2-Tridecenal, Triethyl Citrate, 3,5,5-Trimethyl -1-Hexanol, para,alpha,alpha-Trimethylbenzyl Alcohol, 4-(2,6,6-Trimethylcyclohex-1-Enyl)But-2-En-4-One, 2,6,6-Trimethylcyclohex-2-Ene-1,4-Dione, 2,6,6-Trimethylcyclohexa-1,3-Dienyl Methan, 4-(2,6,6-Trimethylcyclohexa-1,3-Dienyl)But-2-En-4-One, 2,2,6-Trimethylcyclohexanone, 2,3,5-Trimethylpyrazine, 1-Tyrosine, delta-Undercalactone, gamma-Undecalactone, Undecanal, 2-Undecanone, 1 0-Undecenal, Urea, Valencene, Valeraldehyde, Valerian Root Extract, Oil and Powder, Valeric Acid, gamma-Valerolactone, Valine, Vanilla Extract And Oleoresin, Vanillin, Veratraldehyde, Vetiver Oil, Vinegar, Violet Leaf Absolute, Walnut Hull Extract, Water, Wheat Extract And Flour, Wild Cherry Bark Extract, Wine and Wine Sherry, Xanthan Gum, 3,4-Xylenol, Yeast ...

It's been 7 years today since Marie's death due to a lifetime of smoking. I hope everyone remembers why we all fight so hard against an idustry that takes so many lives. Today 1,200 American famalies will experience that same loss. What will YOU do to bring about change? What will happen to an industry that goes totally unregulated? Will you be silent?...

YES I do read every letter that is received here on my website and I read all the letters that are delivered by mail......Thanks... Rick...

1/2/07 I can’t believe another year of my life has gone by. The older I get the faster time seems to move….really kinda’ scary…….. I’m psyched about my schedule for the new year. This is the busiest beginning of the year since I started to speak full time six years ago. I always think that the program has stopped growing but thankfully I’m always wrong. There are still a LOT of people that want to hear our families story..... Thankful....... that is what I am………thankful....... Since the beginning I have always thought that the only way the deaths caused by the tobacco industry will end is to have a generation of non-smokers. People (young people) that refuse to fall for the lies and light that first cigarette is the only way. I’m still confused, and angered, that the local and federal policy makers refuse to control an industry responsible for KILLING 450,000 Americans EVERY SINGLE YEAR!! To bad there is no spinach in cigarettes then maybe we would have a chance at changing the future. Spinach kills and spinach is pulled from the shelves, Ephedria kills and it is pulled from store shelves, Firestone tires and the list goes on……why is tobacco allowed to kill so many? Answer: $$$$$$$$$...

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!...

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL...

12/5/06...KICKIN’ SOME TOBACCO INDUSTRY BUTTS!!!!!!! What an amazing year working with some cool people that all have the same goal as me….kickin’ some tobacco industry butt! It’s been a long and difficult year but I REALLY feel like the tobacco industry took a beating this year. I meet more and more people every day that have had enough of the tobacco industries generation after generation of telling lies, addicting our loved ones and targeting our youth. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!! I met a teacher a few weeks ago in NY and she said to me “Rick, that was really good again” I asked her had she heard me speak before and she said “yes, I heard you when I was in high school” What a great sign that we have reached a generation of young people with Marie’s story. How can I ever begin to thank the people who have helped me touch so many lives with her story. New York, Kansas, Indiana, Kentucky, New Hampshire, Massachusetts. Kim and Johnny, Gina, Christina, Katie, John, Travis, Jeff, Karry, Sara, Victoria, Karla, Ursula, Nan, Tom, Clif and Mary, Amy, Beth, Chris, Terry, Peg, Ann, Donna, Tricia, Allison, Michelle, Mary Jo, Bruce, Tina, Karin, Melanie, Sue, Becky, Stacey, Brandi, Scott, Julie, Lorene, Karesa, Laura, Russet, Tara, Deb, Jim, Mark, Olivia, and on and on and on…..I will remember you all for what you do. Your commitment to making our world a better place is truly inspiring to me. I got home Friday feeling very tired but good. My knees hurt and I thought I would just rest for the weekend……WRONG!!! Got a call Saturday to come to the emergency room where my three year old grandson Shane was being prepped for emergency surgery to have his appendix removed!!! There is nothing so heart breaking as seeing someone you love so much in so much pain. Shane is home now and being the three year old that he is (-: On his way home he wanted popcorn chicken from KFC. Last I talked with him he was eating chicken and watching Star Wars……....

11/16/06 NEW YORK!!! I’m not quite sure why I get such enjoyment in coming to New York…. Is it because my Dad is from New York and I have a lot of relatives that live here and I feel that connection?.… Is it all the good friends I have made over the last five years of working with the youth and adults here?… Is it because New York is close to home?…… The answer I believe is all of the above. I have gotten a ton of letters from youth and adults across New York and that means the world to me. The postings over the last four weeks are just awesome! I love getting those letters here on the website. To thank all the schools individually would be hard to do so I want to send a general thank you to all the New York schools I’ve visited. What great young people!!! Yesterday I spoke in two health classes in an “inner-city” school. Before I went to this school people seemed a little “concerned” that I would be in this school….”tough kids” “ooohhhhh” “aaahhhh” …….well guess what….They were all wrong. The kids in this school were very polite and showed respect for Marie’s story and the time that I spent there. ………………………………........................................................................... THE GREAT AMERICAN SMOKE-OUT……. I hope everyone uses this day to make a choice to be healthy and smoke free. It has been proven by scientist and researchers that smoking can take your life. “WHAT PART OF DEAD DON’T YOU UNDERSTAND?” Do it for yourself…Do it for your family now….And do it for your family of the future. Scientist have PROVEN! PROVEN! that smoking can cause harm to EVERY organ of your body. Check this out………… A 40 year old that quits NOW and puts that money in a 401k plan would save $220,000.00 by age 70!!!!! The costs don't stop with your paycheck. New figures from the Department of Health and Human Services' Centers for Disease Control and Prevention assert that smokers cost the economy $92 billion a year in lost productivity. An additional $75 billion is estimated spent on public and private health care combined. The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids says each American household spends $630 a year in federal and state taxes due to smoking....

10/30/06.……….Four weeks across the mid-west and I couldn’t feel better about that trip. I visited some amazing schools and had the blessed opportunity to work with some wonderful young people. Thanks not only to all the youth but to the adults responsible for getting me where I needed to be on time. It’s not easy to schedule this many days and this many schools and I truly appreciate ALL of your hard work to make this trip so successful. To all the schools………..it would be hard to thank each of you personally so please accept my general thanks to all the students for giving me a fair chance to share the things I've learned in my many years here on earth. To the student that gave me your pack of cigarettes after the program… I’m so thankful that my words meant that much to you. To Lane…what a wise choice for you and happy 18th birthday and good luck in the future. To Castle High….you KNOW how much all of you mean to me and keep on “paying it forward” (more on that below) Peace in your lives….Rick ………………………………....................................................................................................................................................................................................... “Pay It Forward” ………. In the six year I’ve been speaking I’ve tried an experiment three other times. I would pull five random people from the audience and give them $20 each to do as they please. There are no requirements but I ask that they consider “paying it forward” to someone else. The only thing I “ask” for in return is that they write to me and tell me what they did with the $20. Of the 15 people I have tried in the past only two responded that they had actually paid it forward…..good enough. For my return trip to Castle High School I decided that I would try it again. I would skip enough meals in the first three weeks of my trip to save $100 before I arrived at Castle….. “Good leads to good“…..At one of the schools I visited I was given a very nice card and inside was a gift card for $100 good for any store, anywhere…. COOL!!!! But I decided that the thing to do was “pay that money forward” also…… $200 double cool!!! Ten people from Castle joined me on the gym floor that day and I gave them $20 each with the hopes that they would “pay it forward” That was last week and I want to share with you the first letter that I received ……………………… Dear Rick, My name is Morgan *****. In late October you came to our school for an assembly. You shared personal secrets and inspiring stories about your wife, son , and grandson's. I was inspired by it all. I sat there listening to you and I couldn’t think of who you reminded me of. I have finally figured it out. You remind me of my friend Charlie. He was one of my best friends and a man I would be proud to call my grandfather if I had ever had the chance. He passed away about four years ago, but he had your spirit and that same bald head and white beard. I was one of the 10 people you brought down from the audience to stand with you. When you gave each of us the twenty dollars, I wasn’t sure what to do with it. You said we could do whatever we wanted with it. I'll admit at first I was like "ooo twenty dollars!" but then I thought about it and I wanted be make a difference with that money, like you made a difference. I know there was probable many people that talked to you afterwards but one particular girl talked to you about her mother. Her mother has had lung cancer for about 6 years and hasn’t smoked a day in her life. Her name was Sarah and she was a good friend of mine. She told me about a lot that has happened in her life. Its hard to see so many bad things happen to such a good person. Yet she is one of the most positive happy people I have ever met. When I stood there while you gave me that money, I thought about the most deserving person that I could give it to. Mr. Stoddard. I paid it forward. I found Sarah after I finished talking to you about my dad and I gave her the money. I just wanted you to know. Thank you Mr. Stoddard for what you have given me. The inspiration. Sincerely, Morgan ********* ***** ...

10/23/06.............. Oak Hill Middle School, Central High School and Reisz High School THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!!!!! I had a great day in your schools. Special thanks to Central for the card and gift certificate you passed along to me…..be assured I will “Pay It Forward” Marie’s story reached almost 4,000 people today….WOW!!! I am so thankful to have the opportunity to come to all these schools. I admit that I’m tired but very inspired and energized for tomorrows programs....

10/22/06 It’s been nine days since I last wrote here in my journal…..a VERY busy nine days and nine days that I’m thankful for. My trip across Kansas was wonderful. All the schools were pretty small but we had a great time. I find the people of Kansas to be friendly and kind. Thanks to all the waitresses, hotel staff, school administrators, teachers and students that showed me their kind and caring side. The KDHE employees that cared for me and kept me on time and in the right places were just amazing. We laughed and we worked hard together to make a difference in the lives of the students, teachers and communities that we had the privilege of sharing Marie’s story with………I am thankful. I believe that all of our paths cross for a reason. Sometimes we know why and other times we are not so sure, but be assured that EVERYONE’S path that crosses yours is for reason ........................................................... I’ve often talked about being kind and giving to one another. If you give freely of yourself with no expectations of anything in return you will be repaid ten fold. You get what you give and you get what you live. If you live a bad life, making bad choices, doing hateful or mean acts to others that is exactly what you will get in return…..but…..If you treat others with respect and kindness that is EXACTLY what you will get in return….”The love you get is equal to the love you give” Fill your life with good thoughts, good intentions and good deeds and you will forever be blessed. Peace in your lives my friends……..Rick...

10/8/06 Well here I am sitting in a hotel room (again) just outside Kansas City on my way to the next area. I’m very tired today. I just feel overwhelmed with the length of this trip. I talked to Shane (my 3 year old grandson) and he said “Grampy, you coming home from Kansas?”. It broke my heart. I just don’t know how I’m going to get through five more weeks of this.......................... Last week in Indiana was just awesome. THANKS to all of the people that posted letters here on the website. I love reading those letters. I’m sure that’s what’s going to make the difference on this trip. I don’t think I could do this without your encouragement. Please, just remember….....”Surely it is our duty to do all the good we can, for all the people we can, in all the ways that we can”. The world can be a very tough place. There are a lot people out there that are not very nice….please make up for that by being just be little bit kinder/nicer to one another. ...

The last two days have been great here in Indiana. Yesterday I was in the South Bend area and in the Greenfield area today. What great kids I get to share Marie’s story with. I’m tired tonight but after the standing ovation today at Greenfield Middle School I’m ready for tomorrow. Thanks to all the kids today who allowed me to share Marie’s story with them and for showing respect and kindness. How could I ever ask for more than that? I truly believe that this IS the generation that will make the difference. I thought a LOT about my grandsons Jake and Shane today and I miss them so much. I talk to them on the phone but it’s not quite the same as being with them. It can be so difficult trying to balance making a difference in peoples lives and my own personal home life. ...

8/25/06..... Do you ever wonder why things happen as they do? Every month I try to donate food to the food share program in my town. About a week ago I talked with one of the local people that sells corn and told him I wanted to donate about $50 worth of corn and how much corn will that get me. He said he would let me have two large bags of corn. About 5 ½ dozen ears per bag. So we made the deal and I would pick up the corn on Thursday. Cool. Jake (my grandson) and I got up Thursday morning and headed down to the corn man. When we got there a sign had been posted “No Corn” “Closed until Aug 25” ……..WHAT is up with that??? Jake and I had put off our fishing trip to pick up the corn and the man wasn’t there. Closed??!! AS Jake and I left and started heading home I thought ….“nope”….”not going home”…..”I can get some corn” We did a u-turn (legally…LOL!) and headed for a place that I new also sold local grown corn. It would only take about another 7 minutes to get there ………………….HERE IS A SIMPLE TRUTH……..When you do random acts of kindness really good things can and do happen……. I talked to the farmer at the new farm stand and told him what I wanted to do. How much corn can I get for fifty bucks? The guy said he would let me have 3 big bags for $50..COOL!! That’s 1 bag more than the other dude. As we loaded up the corn the guy says “Go ahead and take 4 bags” Jake and I delivered the 4 big bags of corn to the food bank, went home, grabbed the boat and went fishing for the day. EVERYTHING IN YOUR LIFE HAPPENS FOR A REASON.. EVERYTHING.. If the other corn guy had been there Thursday morning we would have gotten only half the corn we delivered….....

8/22/06 A lot has been going on over the last month or so. I’ve been to Indiana Teen Institute, the Indiana State Fair, vacation and a short motorcycle trip with my grandson Jake out to the Berkshire Mountains in Western Massachusetts. Teen Institute was great as always. I’m amazed at the transformation the students go through in just a few short days. We talk about teaching kids to become leaders but I think it is more that we have the privilege to watch the leader that already exists inside them emerge. As our community project we once again picked up cigarette butts on the campus of Vincennes University. Less than 40 students, working in unbearable heat, on less than half the campus picked up over 10,000 cigarette butts. This is the third year in a row we have picked up this many butts. HEY VINCENNES>>>>>WAKE UP!!!!!!!! The Indiana State Fair was a special day indeed, but it certainly started out a little rough….. Packing for a 2,000 mile, eight days on the road motorcycle trip requires some good preparation. I packed my trailer that I pull behind my motorcycle, checked the toung weight of the trailer, did all the little final checks that need to be done, fired her up and headed for Indiana. On one of my very first stops at the New York border I realized I had forgotten my map, map directions, hotel information, tickets to get me in the fair and on and on and on !!!!*%$@# !!!! Decision time….I decided to just keep on going. I had remembered most of the map directions. I had stayed in the same hotel before and I’d just bet I could get myself in that fair some how. Wait it gets better……Heading down Rt. 1 in Indiana my trailer lights shorted and blew the fuse to my brake/ turn signals and horn. Ok decision time again…Am I just jinxed and should go home before something really bad happens or keep going….I decided to fix the fuse and short and keep on going. After 1,000 miles and all the little problems I was feeling a little worn and tired and new the next day at the fair was going to be long. The next day at the fair it POURED rain. TWICE!! I though man this is some few days and then it happened…. AS I turned from the “corn dog” wagon I noticed a young boy of maybe 10 years old. I smiled and said “hi” as I walked away, to eat my Indiana State Fair corn dog, a woman just off to my right says “he would really like to meet you” I shook his hand and we talked for a minute and I realized that ALL the things leading up to this moment were to test my will and to go to the fair because of this ONE MOMENT in my life and his…. That’s powerful. Everywhere we go and everyone we meet is not just chance. Our paths cross for a reason that will probably always be unknown. ...

I felt I used my time much better this year at the fair by informing all the people attending the motocross show about the new tobacco product called “Tabocca” I find it disgusting and infuriating that phillip morris has decided, once again, to use the people of Indiana as test subjects for their new deadly product. HEY INDIANA>>>>>>>TELL phillip morris WHAT THEY CAN DO WITH THEIR PRODUCTS!!!!!!!!!!!! Vacation was nice. We rode the motorcycle over 2,000 miles in eight days. We rode across New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana. The Berkshire Mountains, the Catskill Mountains and the Allegheny Mountains are just a beautiful place to be mentally and physically. It was refreshing to say the least. I love long motorcycle trips. It clears my mind. Jake and I had a nice ride and a chance to talk about life things. He is such a good kid and I am so proud of him. I have no doubts that he will grow up to be a fine young man. ...

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7/29/06 It can be so hard to sit down and write my feelings. I know that a lot of times I hold back what I truly want to say, but I will keep trying to get better. I’ve been at the Indiana Teen Institute camp for a week now and I admit it “I’m tired”. I’m tired mentally and physically. It is when the youth leave camp that the fatigue sets in. I’m looking forward to today because the middle school session will begin and I know my energy level will go to where it needs to be. The high school session was great. I know in my heart that the youth that participated in the high school session have the ability to go back to their communities and schools and make a difference................... I hope that (even though my heart is in tobacco control) they will work towards many goals. Hunger in our own back yards is all too familiar in our country. I want you to think about what can YOU do to change that. There are families in every community across or country that go to bed every night wondering will they eat tomorrow. There are students that are in your schools and class rooms that had nothing to eat for supper last. What will you do about it? I asked the youth that were in camp last week if they were outraged that the tobacco industry kills 13,000 people worldwide EVERY DAY!! Let’s put it this way……. if baby formula killed 13,000 babies every day would you be outraged? If “Gummy Bears” were addictive and killed 13,000 children every day would you be outraged? What will it take for the world to be outraged that the tobacco industry gets away with the same killing patterns but survive because they are a billion dollar industry. What will it take? ...

7/15/06 I’m home from a short, but very busy trip to Indiana and then Washington, DC. TEEN POWER camp in Evansville was really cool! I had a great time seeing everyone I know and getting to meet some new people. The teens from the camp are another group of young people who will grow up with the same goals in mind….shutting down the tobacco industry by staying smoke-free and passing that along to their children someday…… and so on and so and so on. We did a break-out session where fines were handed out to people or things that influenced a fictional character to smoke his first cigarette. It turns out once again that peer pressure was the number one factor. Young people do have a lot of “negative pressure” in their lives. I believe that it’s time to turn that around……. youth need to reverse the negative peer pressure and start pressuring your friends with positive peer pressure. If people will pressure you to start smoking do you have the right and the responsibility to reverse that? …WASHINGTON, DC... I’ll get right to the point. I’m disappointed with myself….I wore a suit jacket and didn’t wear my black t-shirt and motorcycle boots. Now I know that doesn’t sound like a big deal, but to me it is. I should have walked up on that stage wearing my motorcycle boots, t-shirt and jeans like I have done in a thousand schools! I should have had the same “let’s put the tobacco industry out of business” and “nothing else is good enough” attitude that I always have! I let the “thought” of being around so many high powered people blur my vision! I apologize. I’m outraged that they estimate one BILLION people will be killed in the twenty-first century by the tobacco industry. I’m outraged and I should have said so! ……………..The conference was awesome. I met people from around the globe that have a vision of a smoke-free planet. I’m so honored to be a part of this and have made new friendships that will last a life time. I learned new things that will certainly be passed along to as many people as possible. I had the absolute honor to meet and have a small private conversation with Dr. C. Everett Koop. WOW!!!!! What an amazing man. Just to see him in the room was amazing but to talk with him about anti-tobacco programs and young people was truly inspiring. I have few days off and then off to ITI…..soooooooo…. “I’m goin’ fishin’” ...

http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/sgr/sgr_2006/index.htm...

6/28/06… The Surgeon General’s report is OUT!!! How many times do people need to be told that exposure to ANY, ANY tobacco smoke IS harmful to your health. If you expose your children to tobacco smoke your are putting their health at risk. There is no more arguing this subject. The information is SOLID, POSITIVE proof that the health risk are very real. Tobacco smoke IS toxic and poisonous. There are more than 50 CANCER CAUSING chemicals in second-hand smoke. There is NO risk-free level. **Secondhand smoke is composed of side-stream smoke (the smoke released from the burning end of a cigarette) and exhaled mainstream smoke (the smoke exhaled by the smoker). Because side-stream smoke is generated at lower temperatures and under different conditions than mainstream smoke, it contains higher concentrations of many of the toxins found in inhaled cigarette smoke.** Even passing through tobacco smoke can have health risk. Here are 6 major conclusions to the Surgeon General’s report……………. 1) Many millions of Americans, both children and adults, are still exposed to secondhand smoke in their homes and workplaces despite substantial progress in tobacco control. 2) Secondhand smoke exposure causes disease and premature death in children and adults who do not smoke. 3) Children exposed to secondhand smoke are at an increased risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), acute respiratory infections, ear problems, and more severe asthma. Smoking by parents causes respiratory symptoms and slows lung growth in their children. 4) Exposure of adults to secondhand smoke has immediate adverse effects on the cardiovascular system and causes coronary heart disease and lung cancer. 5) The scientific evidence indicates that there is no risk-free level of exposure to secondhand smoke. 6) Eliminating smoking in indoor spaces fully protects nonsmokers from exposure to secondhand smoke. Separating smokers from nonsmokers, cleaning the air, and ventilating buildings cannot eliminate exposures of nonsmokers to secondhand smoke. STOP putting your family and yourself at risk. Speak out and let the entire world know that enough is enough. STOP BEING THE SILENT MAJORITY! SILENCE IS NOT AN OPTION!! ...

6/25/06….. I’ve been feeling burnt out lately. I’ve been on the road sharing the details of Marie’s death caused by lung cancer for almost six years and I’ve told her story over 900 times. I’m burnt out!! These feelings always get me during the summer when I have time off and start to think about what I do. When I’m in schools I feel energized and know that Marie’s story is making a difference plus I’m so busy traveling school to school that I don’t have time to think. I will be at Teen Power Camp and then Indiana Teen Institute in July so I hope that will get me re-motivated. I will be flying to Washington right after the Teen Power Camp to be a part of the “World Tobacco Conference” for one day. I’m excited and nervous all at the same time. There will be people from all around the world coming together to discuss how we can make a global difference fighting big tobacco. I’ve been asked to sit on a panel of six people from six different countries to answer questions……me…….answering to the world……..me!! WOW!!! There will also be an interview that was recorded at my house a few months back that will air at the conference. The segment is called “Heartwarming profiles in courage within the tobacco control movement” I hope that people will understand the long term impact that tobacco has had on my life by seeing this short film clip. One thing that bothers a lot of people who lose a loved one is the world moves on like nothing ever happened. Everyone’s life returns to normal while you feel like life will never be the same again. The death of the person you love becomes old news to the world in a very short time. People are dead and it’s old news……14,000 per day……5 million per year……50 million every decade…….all thanks to one product that if used as intended causes death. NO OTHER PRODUCT IN THE WORLD IS ALLOWED TO KILL THIS MANY PEOPLE. SILENCE IS NOT AN OPTION. STOP THE KILLING NOW!!! ...

5/24/06…New York…. I’ve had two great days here in central NY. I have one more day and then I head home. I am so impressed with the work of Reality Check. I so wish that all states could accomplish what Reality Check has accomplished. The youth here are fighting so hard against the tobacco industry and they are winning. I feel like we are so close to having a smoke free generation. We had a pizza party tonight in the little town of Copenhagen and about 60 youth showed up to show their support for Reality Check and the fight against the tobacco industry. It was really cool that some of the youth brought their parents with them…cool!! South Lewis, Copenhagen and Case………..Thank You for believing in Marie’s story. ...

Quietly Thinking….. I haven’t been writing much lately because I just don’t have a lot to say right now……but I have been quietly thinking. I’ve been thinking about all the things that go on in everyday life. I think how lucky I am to have family and friends that love me. I think how lucky I am to live in a free society. I think how things could be so different without a single moments notice. One thing I think about a lot (and this should be no surprise) is what I do, tobacco control. With all that I’ve learned over the last six years I become more alarmed (and dismayed) every day that tobacco is still legal. I think about why is a product so deadly allowed on the shelves of stores. I think about cigarette litter and how there is NO where you can go and not see cigarette butts all over the ground. I think about the terrible negative effects that tobacco has had on our lives and on our society. I think about have “I” done enough to stop this deadly industry. I think what more can I do. I think how non-smokers are the very large majority of the population yet we are the silent majority. I encourage you no matter your age or social background to please write to the editorial/opinion page of your local paper and voice your opinion for tobacco control. I encourage people in states that don’t protect innocent people with smoke-free work places to contact your local elected officials and voice your opinion. ...

Hey Rick~ I am sorry we did'nt get the chance to meet. I had just discovered that Marie had passed away by watching tv. I was horrified to learn that my childhood best friend died. I am the one that contacted the television station to get to you. I am sorry I did not follow up with you. Right after contacting you, I learned that I needed to go into the hospital for major surgery. At the time I was too ill and did not want to burden you with my own ailments. But anyway, I am doing well now. I want to let you know that I think you are doing a wonderful justice to Marie. Your love for her is wonderful. Marie continues to touch so many people lives, everytime you tell her story. I can't tell you how many times people comment on the commercials and radio ads. You and Marie do effect people EVERY time a commercial or radio spot appear. I also just saw the ad in our local Cape Cod times. So often the discussion comes up about smoking and then Marie is mentioned. I will tell you when I say that Marie and I were childhood friends. People in the discussion are touched by how close to home it hits. Although Marie and I ended up going off in different directions in our lives, she was always a big part of me. My most memorable memories of my life include Marie and her family. They all were terrific to me. Marie and I lived on Sydney Street in Dorchester only a few doors from each other. We were always together from the beginning in the sixth grade. Her parents always took me with them to Royalston for the weekends. To me it was a new world. Marie had a wonderful family. Mr. S******** was so kind (Alfred) Marie was so very close to him. It was difficult for her when he died. Mrs. S*******( the woman of steel) Joan the big sister and Peggy. All of their dogs, especially "Goody" ! They all were so good to me. Marie and I had a lot of first's together growing up, including that first cigarette! Viceroy! I remember that Marie, myself and our other very best childhood friend Moe Maureen ***********. ( I believe you met her down in LA) We all had our first cigarettes together. We would never have believed that smoking would have killed us. I quit smoking 17 years ago. It was something that I did not believe I would be able to do. Smoking was such a monkey on my back. I was so heartbroken to learn of Marie