Utah 'Quitters' highlighted in unique video campaign


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SALT LAKE CITY — Thanks to a unique marketing campaign called "Be a Quitter", people can hear the stories of Utahns trying to quit smoking by watching videos they post online.

Each quitter was given an iPad to document their journey as part of the "Be a Quitter" campaign — an initiative through the Utah QuitNet. Their confessionals are both emotional and raw and are posted online and on Facebook. The quitters have received an outpouring of support and encouragement.

One of the participants was Mary Beth Stover, who struggled every day to quit smoking.

"Today was day two of my quit day and I've had a really, really rough day," Stover said in an online video. "It's hard to believe that something four inches long can make me such a terrible person."

After 37 years of smoking, though, Stover says this time is different.

"It's so hard. I know I'll get through it, but it's really hard," Stover said.

This time, however, she's not alone. Stover's journey, along with six other Utahns, including her husband, is all documented online.

"People kind of buy into people who are really going through this in real life and we're inspiring other people throughout the community that maybe, hey, if that person can do it, maybe I can try it," said John Youngren from Love Communications.


People kind of buy into people who are really going through this in real like and we're inspiring other people throughout the community that maybe hey, if that person can do it, maybe I can try it.

–John Youngren


Stover said her cravings have gone down, her skin is better, her breathing is the best it's been in years and she gets emotional thinking about now having the endurance to play outside with her grandson.

"I can go play on the swings," Stover said.

She said if she and the other quitters can do it, others can too.

"It's awesome. I'm proud of myself," said Stover. "Suck it up and quit! It's hard. It's very hard. I would never deny that. But it's so worth it."

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Jennifer Stagg

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