Dear Editor,

Thursday, Nov. 20, was the 33rd Great American Smokeout, and the American Cancer Society continues its legacy of providing free resources to help smokers quit. The Great American Smokeout was inaugurated in 1976 to inspire and encourage smokers to quit for one day.

I hope Alabama soon will join the list of states that have taken a stand for the health of their citizens. Last legislative session, we came closer than ever before to passing meaningful smoke-free workplace legislation, but time ran out on the last day of session.

As a cancer patient my immune system is severely compromised due to chemotherapy treatments.

My cancer does not have a cure and I want to enjoy every moment of life that I have left. Second-hand smoke many times restricts me from being able to go places and do things that I want to do.

Our elected officials have a responsibility to protect public health. I hope they will support a smoke-free Alabama in 2009.