John Weber

When I was first diagnosed with lung cancer on February 20th 2003, I wasn't scared, I wasn't angry, I was sad. I was sad because of all the people I love that I would not get to be with.

I am angry at how money, billions of dollars of money, has been used to hide the great harm of tobacco, to sell tobacco and to buy politicians so that young people will start smoking.

When I speak to young people, I tell them about treatment. About how incredibly rough it is. I celebrate that we have such treatment and the wonderful people that I have met in the process. Without it and them I would not be writing this. But treatment for me was hell and I want them to know that smoking isn't a game or cool.

I want young people to know that I thought I was invincible just like they do. I want them to know that I was an athlete and it didn't make any difference. I got both emphysema and lung cancer.

Most importantly, I want them to know two things. Firstly, that they are important and life is a ball. There are so many fun things to do in life and that smoking takes away from it. And smoking will shorten their ability to do those fun things.

Secondly, I want them to know that the cigarette companies don't give a damn about them. They want someone to take my place when I die so they can keep selling cigarettes. The only thing that tobacco companies care about is making money. I want those young people to decide if they want to take my place with a big, ugly, deadly tumor inside their chest.

John Weber

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