Introducing Pam Boyer-Pfersdorf, Age 53, Tucson AZ:

Pam Boyer-Pfersdorf, age 53, works in humanitarian relief and is a life-long resident of Tucson, Ariz. She grew up with a father who smoked and she started smoking as a freshman in high school while, ironically, a member of the track team. Pam smoked for 22 years. While in a medical research job at the University of Arizona’s College of Medicine Respiratory Sciences, Pam saw the impact smoking had on her own lung function and realized she couldn’t continue her active lifestyle if she didn’t try to quit for good. If she continued smoking, Pam feared she may follow in her father’s footsteps. He died at age 50 after a series of heart attacks that started when he was 44. Pam’s statement, “I’m dead if I don’t quit,” is intense but realistic. After many quit attempts using different methods, Pam quit for good on October 26, 1995. She has now been smoke-free for 15 years and still manages to stay strong against her addiction every day. Pam now encourages others who want to quit to get help.

As an ex-smoker, Pam now has more time for her busy lifestyle and career. In addition to her job, she works with children as part of the American Lung Association’s asthma camp where she directly sees the effects of second-hand smoke on kids. She is a champion for the Quitter in You campaign because she wants parents to understand the impact that smoking around children can have on their health, and that there are resources available to help parents quit.

To get support for the quitter in you, go to quitterinyou.org or call 1-800-LungUSA.