Ex-Smoker Speaks Out on Tobacco Dangers

By Jessica Short

While he can no longer swim, participate in sports, and is more susceptible to respiratory infections, Thomas Cleveland believes that cancer is the best thing that has ever happened to him.

Cleveland started smoking when he was in sixth grade and tried a number of times to quit. In 1976, his father was diagnosed with laryngeal cancer and passed away on Valentines Day, eight years later. Even with the death of a loved one however, he still could not kick the habit.
It was not until he was diagnosed with laryngeal cancer, in February of 1995, that he successfully quit smoking. Six weeks and 27 radiation treatments later, his voice box and part of his thyroid were removed.

He now speaks using a tracheoesophageal puncture, a voice prosthesis that was installed between his trachea and esophagus.
“This cancer has changed my life forever. It is what I needed to get my life back on track,” said Cleveland, a father of four and a grandfather of eight.

Since 1996, Cleveland has served as the president of “Kalamazoo Speak Easy Club,” a cancer-support club, and the president of “Truth About Tobacco,” a website dedicated to educating the public about the dangers of tobacco.

He also serves as a volunteer for the American Cancer Society.

“I’m 100 percent behind the ACS,” said Cleveland, 56. “They’re awesome people, and they do an awesome job.”
For years, his goal has been to educate the public about tobacco use and perhaps more importantly, to protect young kids.

In the past year, he has spoken at seven different schools in Kalamazoo County in order to try and deter youth from ever picking up their first cigarette.

According to a 2003/2004 Michigan Youth Tobacco Survey conducted by the Michigan Surgeon General 6.9% of middle school students admit that they smoke, compared to 17.0% of high school students (2005 Michigan Youth Risk Behavior Survey, Michigan Department of Education).

While these statistics may not seem high, according to the 2005 survey, 32 percent of high school students in Michigan admitted that they tried smoking when they were between the ages of 13 and 14. Twenty-two percent were 10 years of age or younger, 18% were between the ages of 11 and 12, while only 20% waited until they were between the ages of 15 and 16.

While younger kids are generally more susceptible to peer pressure, Cleveland believes that they are smart and can be influenced in a positive way.

“I love fifth-graders,” said Cleveland. “They know a lot, and they remember what I tell them.”

On a bigger note, he is readily involved in the political influences of tobacco use, often speaking with senators and legislators. While he believes that tobacco, like alcohol, will never be outlawed, more should be done to curb its use.

While those in higher offices can easily regulate how hot coffee can be served to customers, how products are manufactured, and the laws drivers have to obey when operating motor vehicles, they’re often more reluctant to take a stand against tobacco use.

Cleveland noted that business owners have said that the only way they would prohibit smoking in their establishments is if there was a law against it. That way, smokers would blame the law, rather than the owners of said establishments.

“I just wish that more people would take not smoking more seriously,” said Cleveland.

Michigan is one of the 13 states that still allows smoking inside public places. However, in late May, legislators took a positive step toward making the state smoke free by approving legislation to ban smoking in most public places, including work-place establishments. Places that would be exempt from the ban would include cigar bars, tobacco specialty retail stores, gambling areas of casinos, and home offices.

“We want a no exemption bill, but will settle for now for what has been voted on, but will continue to fight,” noted Cleveland.

The bill has yet to be passed by the Senate and has received heat from bar owners who contend that, if passed, the bill would put them out of business.


“We are happy to see the legislative process moving forward, but will continue to advocate for a comprehensive smoke-free law to protect all workers,” said Cleveland.
“We don’t want to wait any longer for a smoke-free Michigan.”

For those who smoke and are trying to quit, Cleveland advises them to stay away from places and activities that give them the urge.

“I know how hard it is,” said Cleveland, who noted that oftentimes when smokers are talked to about their habit, they consider it to be criticism.

“We’re not trying to give them a hard time,” he empathized. “We want to help.”

Cleveland pointed out while different methods may not work for everyone, the Quit Line (1-800-480-QUIT), and Chantix, a non-nicotine pill manufactured by Pfizer that works on certain parts of the brain to curb cravings, are two viable methods to help those who want to quit.

“Smoking is one of the only things that affects everyone,” he said. “You don’t have to smoke to become addicted.”
While life for Cleve-land and his family has changed dramatically since his diagnosis, he remains confident that he can make a difference in the lives of others.
“There is life after a laryngectomy,” he said.

For more information on Thomas Cleveland call 269.343.0363.

To support the effort in making Michigan smoke free, call Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop at: 517.373.2417, or write to: Senator Mike Bishop, P.O. Box 30036, Lansing, MI 48909-536.