Introduction: Stories of Remembrance

In our journey towards a Smokefree Aotearoa New Zealand, we must remember the lives that have been deeply affected by smoking. These stories are not just statistics; they are the heartfelt experiences of individuals who have lost loved ones to smoking-related illnesses. Through their voices, we honor the memories of those who have passed and acknowledge the profound impact smoking has had on our communities.

These personal testimonies serve as powerful reminders of the urgent need for effective smoking cessation programs, especially for our Māori and Pacific communities. They highlight the importance of culturally sensitive approaches and the necessity of targeted actions to address the unique challenges faced by these populations.

As you read these stories, may you find inspiration and motivation to support the fight against smoking. Let us work together to create a healthier future for all, where no one is left behind or labelled ‘hard-core’ smoker, but receives our love until we meet again in eternity.
Sure, here are ten more personal stories about people who have lost loved ones due to smoking:

1. Ahmad Zuhir’s Story: “My father was a heavy smoker. He had asthma, but he continued to smoke. It damaged his airways so badly that he spent years in and out of the hospital. Eventually, he was in the ICU for a long time before he passed away. It was heartbreaking to see him suffer like that.”

2. Tonya Church’ Story: “My dad started smoking when he was just 13. He never thought about quitting. When he developed lung cancer, it was a painful battle. Watching him go through that was incredibly tough for our family. I wish he had quit earlier.”

3. Sophia’s (Soph) Story: “My grandpa was like a father to me. Losing him to cancer was one of the hardest things I’ve ever experienced. He was such a significant figure in my life, and his passing left a huge void. I hope sharing his story helps others understand the dangers of smoking.”

4. Joseph B. (Sonny) Roger’s Story: “I started smoking as a teen to look ‘cool.’ I never tried to quit, and eventually, I developed lung cancer. Despite undergoing chemo and radiation, I passed away, leaving my family devastated. I wish I had made different choices.”

5. Mia’s Story: “My grandma was like a second mom to me. Losing her to cancer was incredibly hard. She was such a loving and caring person. I hope sharing her story helps others going through similar experiences.”

6. John’s Story: “My mother was a heavy smoker for most of her life. She developed lung cancer and passed away after a long and painful battle. Watching her suffer was incredibly hard for our family. I wish she had quit smoking earlier.”

7. Emily’s Story: “My father passed away from a heart attack caused by years of smoking. His passing was a wake-up call for me, and I decided to quit smoking. I used nicotine patches and the support of my friends to help me quit.”

8. Michael’s Story: “My brother was a smoker since his teenage years. He developed lung cancer and passed away. His illness and passing left a lasting impact on me and our family. I hope sharing his story helps others understand the dangers of smoking.”

9. Sarah’ Story: “My mother died from COPD after years of smoking. She struggled with her health for a long time before she passed away. I decided to share her story to highlight the long-term health effects of smoking and to encourage others to quit before it’s too late.”

10. Paul’s Story: “My wife was diagnosed with lung cancer after years of smoking. Her illness and passing were devastating for me. I decided to share her story to raise awareness about the dangers of smoking and to support others in their journey to quit.”

11. Karen’s Story: “My son was born prematurely, and I realized that my smoking habit had contributed to it. I decided to quit smoking to give him a healthier environment. It was a tough journey, but with the support of my doctor and nicotine gum, I managed to quit.”

12. David’s Story: “My brother was a smoker since his teenage years. He developed lung cancer and passed away. His illness and passing left a lasting impact on me and our family. I hope sharing his story helps others understand the dangers of smoking.”

13. Susan’s Story: “My mother was diagnosed with COPD after years of smoking. She struggled with her health for a long time before she passed away. I decided to quit smoking to avoid the same fate and to support my family.”

14. Michael’s Story: “My wife was diagnosed with cancer, and I wanted to support her by quitting smoking. It was a difficult journey, but with the help of medication and my family’s support, I managed to quit. I hope our story encourages others to quit smoking.”

15. Robert’s Story: “My son was born prematurely, and I realized that my smoking habit had contributed to it. I decided to quit smoking to give him a healthier environment. It was a tough journey, but with the support of my doctor and nicotine gum, I managed to quit.”

16. Jessica’s Story: “My brother died from lung cancer after years of smoking. His illness and passing were devastating for our family. I hope sharing his story helps others understand the dangers of smoking and encourages them to quit.”

17. Mark’s Story: “My wife was diagnosed with cancer, and I wanted to support her by quitting smoking. It was a difficult journey, but with the help of medication and my family’s support, I managed to quit. I hope our story encourages others to quit smoking.”

18. Sarah’s Story: “My mother was diagnosed with COPD after years of smoking. She struggled with her health for a long time before she passed away. I decided to quit smoking to avoid the same fate and to support my family.”

19. Paul’s Story: “My brother died from lung cancer after years of smoking. His illness and passing were devastating for our family. I hope sharing his story helps others understand the dangers of smoking and encourages them to quit

If you would like to submit your loved one’s name and story, please reach out to us. Together, we can honor their memory and continue the fight for a Smokefree Aotearoa.