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Kendyl Davis

Kendyl Davis smoked for 30 years. She quit smoking two years ago. This is her story.

I started smoking when I was 9 years old. I hung out with the older kids in my neighborhood and I thought it was cool.

At first, smoking gave me a high, but before long, I was addicted.

I was a chain smoker. I smoked two packs a day. I smoked for over 30 years.

I kept trying to quit, but I'd get crabby or depressed and I'd smoke again. I tried to quit 20 times.

I couldn't walk up a flight of stairs because I was winded. I had dark circles under my eyes, and my lips turned black, but I kept on smoking.

One morning, I woke up and it felt like someone was sitting on my chest. I ended up at the hospital with bronchitis and asthma.

My doctor said my esophagus was eroding. He said I'd end up on oxygen if I kept on smoking.

I was scared. That's when I threw the cigarettes away.

It wasn't easy, but I'm glad I quit.

Now I can run around with my three year-old grandson, I walk more, and I take the stairs.

I saved the money I saved from not smoking, and bought new clothes. Last year, I went with my family to Disney World.

Now, I feel good. I'm going to school and changing my life for the better.

If I can quit smoking, I can do anything.

I'd tell other women to look at themselves in the mirror and think what they're doing to themselves and their families by smoking.

Just keep trying to quit. If you feel like you want to give up, don't give up. Try again.

I quit smoking and you can quit too.