Survivor to Talk Cancer, Tobacco at KHS

Don Young smoked two packs of cigarettes a day for 34 years and the habit took its toll. He started when he was 14. Now he's sharing his sobering experience with students.

Young will speak to health classes Thursday in an effort to emphasize the effects of tobacco use and create awareness about the American Cancer Society's Great American Smokeout campaign. As part of the health class curriculum at Kirkwood High School, students learn about wellness and are challenged to make healthy choices and lifestyle decisions.

A Smoker's Story

In 1992, Young felt his voice getting hoarse and wrote it off as a cold. He was later diagnosed with throat cancer and given less than a year to live. After numerous surgeries, transplants and a will to survive, Young has been cancer free since 1993. He now dedicates his time to educating young people about the dangers of tobacco by visiting schools and churches with his wife Kay, as part of their not-for-profit organization, Young Choices, Inc.

During Young’s presentation to the KHS students, he will share the hazards of tobacco including stark pictures of him, his personal story and stories of others who have suffered tobacco’s devastating effects.

Thank you to the for letting our readers now about this event.

Question to Readers:

Were you a smoker? How did you quit.

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