Dear John,

My husband Bill started smoking at age 12. In 2003, I lost him to lung cancer. He was just 53 years old. We were married for 29 years and had two wonderful children.

Before he died, Bill had one last wish – to sue the tobacco industry that targeted him and continues to target children with despicable, predatory marketing. In the eight long years that followed, I fought Big Tobacco in court – for my husband and the millions of others whose lives have been cut short by tobacco use.

During my fight, I discovered the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. For the last 25 years, they have been leading the fight against Big Tobacco on a global level and advocating for policies to protect our children from the same tobacco addiction that gripped my husband. I share their dream of creating the first tobacco-free generation and protecting our children from lifelong addiction to nicotine.

Most importantly, like me, they hold the tobacco industry responsible for their actions. You see, my perseverance paid off. In 2012, a jury rendered a historic verdict in my favor. I beat the tobacco industry, but there are more battles to win.

In my husband’s memory, I continue the fight against tobacco by supporting Tobacco-Free Kids.

My family lost too much, and it started with a 12-year-old smoking his first cigarette.

Please join me in supporting Tobacco-Free Kids by making a monthly, sustaining donation so they can continue fighting for a smoke-free future for years to come:

Thank you,

Eileen Clinton
Troy, NY