Part 1 of 3 on the same subject.
This is very important to me.
I have been sitting on the fence for too long. It is time for me to jump off and plant both feet firmly on the ground.
The issue? Smoking. I am travelling around the world, trying to attract as much attention as possible in order to deliver two messages. One is asking people to ride a motorcycle as it can be so much fun. That’s a simple message, and simple to understand, although not everyone might agree that it can be fun. That’s OK. The PLEASE STOP SMOKING message is more difficult to understand. I need to explain the request, elaborate and articulate the message, handle objections, be patient and tolerant, and move on, although usually disappointed.
I am getting impatient. The longer this takes, the more angry I am becoming. I need to start shouting.
This journal post will be up for a while but I recognise that the first readers will be my close friends.
Smokers, you know who you are, you know I love you very much, you know Sue loved you, and you, her. She’s dead. She smoked, she got cancer, she died. Is that simple enough?
What makes you think you might be one of the lucky ones? I’m begging you. I’m on my knees. I’m sobbing my heart out again writing this. You know I am. So, please please please try and stop. Don't just try because I am pleading you to, do it for Sue. Try again for Sue. Find the strength to succeed. Use your love for Sue to help you. Reach deep inside yourself when it gets difficult, and think of Sue. When you get that crave, think of Sue. We know she could be a naughty little girl, a little rebel at times, but just think how pleased she would be if her legacy helps you to live longer.
I need a break.
(a day later)
I considered deleting the above, but leaving it in, unedited, seems appropriate. It’s relevant. It’s how I feel.
Let me tell you more about Sue’s cancer; others can read this too. I am now happy that my new connections around the world, my new followers, can read about her. She had Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma. Grade 4 - that’s the most aggressive. The cause of Sue’s cancer was not determined. I have to make that clear, but here’s what is officially known.
Facts about the cause of Renal Cell Cancer:
* Smokers are twice as likely to get renal cell cancer compared to non-smokers. *
* Obesity - not Sue **
* High blood pressure - not Sue **
* Family history - not Sue’s **
* Genetic conditions - not known to Sue **
* Long term dialysis - not Sue **
That’s the end of the list. There’s a clue to my thought process. I trust it is obvious.
* Cancer Research UK
** National Health Service (UK)
I not only implore you to stop smoking, but have more to ask of you too. Please read Parts 2 and 3 to follow.
Please Stop Smoking