I was a pack-a-day smoker for nearly four years. I realize in comparison to people who have been lifelong smokers, my story may not carry as much weight. However, without electronic cigarettes I would have eventually become one of those people, so in my mind, my story is just as remarkable as someone quitting after fifty years of tobacco use. Before e-cigarettes I attempted to quit four times. Once with nicotine patches (which caused me to have horrific nightmares every night I was wearing them), and three times with nicotine gum. Each time I used the gum I was able to quit for roughly one month before picking up smoking again. Since the night I bought my first e-cigarette I’ve been smoke free. December 23, 2013 will be my first full year without tobacco and I can already see a dramatic change in my breathing, sleeping, energy level, and overall health. I know this is supposed to be my story but I feel I should also include my father’s as well. He was a smoker for thirty two years. He had no desire to quit smoking until I bought him an e-cigarette. Three days after getting his kit, my Dad quit smoking completely and he hasn’t looked back. To whomever our stories reach, I implore you to look at ALL the research before forming an opinion about e-cigs. Don’t simply make a decision based on what you’ve heard, don’t assume that anything is true before seeing the information for yourself. Whether you’re a smoker looking for a viable alternative to a deadly addiction or a public health official or lawmaker considering proposing a regulation or a ban on technology that could benefit your constituents health dramatically. There is plenty of valid scientific research to help you form an opinion, many of these studies have links on CASAA’s website, and many doctors are more than happy to share their opinions on the matter. Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I hope it has been enlightening.