Name Rick Stoddard | Books The Burning Truth | |
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Wsre conversations with jeff weeks rick stoddard
Rick Stoddard is an anti-smoking activist, mainly recognized for his 2001 Super Bowl public service announcement, detailing his wife's death from lung cancer at age 46, allegedly caused by cigarette smoking. A memorable tag line was "I guess I never thought of 23 as middle aged.'" Since then Rick has become a prolific campaigner, speaking about the dangers of tobacco use and the marketing tactics employed by the tobacco industry.
Contents
- Wsre conversations with jeff weeks rick stoddard
- Dedication to marie and rick stoddard
- Campaign Life
- Recognition
- References
Dedication to marie and rick stoddard
Campaign Life
Rick started campaigning against smoking shortly after his wife, Marie, was diagnosed with lung cancer in August 1999. Marie died five and a half months later in January 2000. Rick decided to share his wife's tragic story in the form of several emotionally charged television and radio announcements for the Massachusetts Tobacco Control Program. These localized public service announcements gained notoriety and soon became part of a national campaign, featuring during the 2001 super bowl.
Since then, he has been a speaker at various schools and colleges across America. As part of these campaigns, Rick typically shares his personal experiences and provides in-depth, educational information on marketing tactics that tobacco companies use to lure non-smokers. He also speaks to teachers, school administrators and local politicians. During one of these presentations he made clear his views towards the tobacco companies:
“When the tobacco industry states they will not advertise to youngsters in this country, they are lying, plain and simple. I travel all around the country talking to anyone trying to stop this and if I can stop one teenager from smoking, that’s a good day.”
His career as a carpenter has dwindled as his mission to bring down tobacco companies and create a tobacco-free world currently consumes all his time. It has been reported that he is on the road up to 200 days a year, leaving little time for his carpentry.
Recognition
Stoddard's book, 'The Burning Truth' was selected in 2002 as an 'Honorary Hoosier' by Governor Frank O'Bannon of Indiana and was also given the national "ATOD 2003 Community Based Leadership Award" by the American Public Health Association and an honorable "Kentucky Colonel" by Governor Ernie Fletcher in 2007.