Tobacco Survivors United event at Capitol
Author: Laurie ComstockPRESS ALERT: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 23, 2004 Second Release
CONTACT: Laurie Comstock, (916) 686-2043, Cell: (916) 271-2439
Founder, Tobacco Survivors United
Elk Grove, CA
WHAT: Concerned California citizens will be gathering for an historic event to remind everyone just what is at the heart of the Tobacco Wars. At “High Noon” hundreds of tobacco survivors are expected to turn out on the West steps of the State Capitol to honor the memory of loved ones lost to tobacco use.
WHEN: Saturday, September 25, 2004.
Speakers & Memorial Service at “High Noon” from 12:00 P.M. to 1:00 P.M.
Walk 11:00 AM
Health Fair: 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
WHERE: California State Capitol Building, West Steps, Sacramento, California
WHY:
38,000 Californians die a preventable death annually due to tobacco use and tobacco costs Californians 15.8 billion dollars each year (California Department of Health Services).
Event speakers will be calling upon every Californian to remember the staggering “hidden costs” of tobacco use and call upon Governor Schwarzenegger to champion tobacco use prevention.
Tobacco use survivors, people who have been harmed by tobacco use and those that have lost loved ones will conduct a memorial walk, service and health fair during this event.
Laurie Comstock, founder of Tobacco Survivors United and event organizer, lost 13 family members to tobacco-related diseases. “I promised my sister who died of lung cancer in 1999, that I would do everything I could to keep kids from using tobacco products. My sister was only 44 when she died and she was only 13 years old when she started smoking,” stated Ms. Comstock.
Sacramento Vice Mayor and Council member Sandy Sheedy will be one of the many speakers at this event. Debi Austin, laryngectomy survivor most famous for her TV commercials where she smokes through the hole in her throat left from surgery to remove throat cancer, will be sharing her experience with the gathering. Chaplain Mindi Russell of the Sacramento Law Enforcement Chaplaincy will officiate the memorial service to honor those individuals who have died and those who continue to suffer.
Speakers will point out the irony of California attitudes towards tobacco that permit cigars and cigarettes to be lit on the steps of the State Capitol Building and yet for “safety reasons” have prohibited candles being lit on the same steps, even in memorial to loved ones lost to tobacco.
“This event is historic and a first of its kind,” says Ms. Comstock. Tobacco kills more people than homicide, illegal drugs, suicide, car accidents, fires and AIDS combined. This will be the first of many annual events to raise awareness that smoking is still a problem; that the tobacco industry is still targeting kids; and honor victims and survivors,” she said.
Tobacco Survivors United or TSU is a grassroots non-profit established by Ms. Comstock and concerned citizens around the world. They are a network of survivors, families and friends of men and women who have overcome the ravages of tobacco products. Their mission is to help put a stop to the tobacco industry’s lies; and identify and expose the deceitful marketing tactics the tobacco industry uses to influence children and to discourage children from using tobacco products.
For more information about the Memorial Day activities or to become a member of the Tobacco Survivors United, contact them at (916) 686-2043, or visit them at
WHO:
LAURIE COMSTOCK, Founder of Tobacco Survivors United (www.TobaccoSurvivorsUnited.org) who has lost many family members and friends to tobacco-related diseases. Organized the “Valentines' Day” protest of the Capitol Building’s “Cigar Tent”.
DEBI AUSTIN, Laryngectomee survivor who was so addicted to tobacco that she smoked through the hole in her throat left from her surgery to remove throat cancer caused by her smoking. “Debi” did the unforgettable California Department of Health Services ads (PSA’s) on television that were seen across the United States and in other countries.
Ruth Malone, R.N., Ph.D. Associate Professor of nursing and health policy, University of California, San Francisco. Founder of the Nightingales (
DIAN KISER, Co-Director, BREATH, The California Smoke-Free Communities Program, a statewide project of the American Lung Association of the East Bay.
Donna Phillips, MA, Educator, Freedom From Smoking facilitator since 1990, Songwriter, Performing Artist, Lost entire family to tobacco.
Jacque Petterson, Smoke-Free Housing Consultant, smokinghurts.com
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