After 20 years as a smoker, Michael Moore was ready to quit. He just needed some help to do it. That’s where you came in with your donation to the Mercy Health — REACH (Recovery, Education, Advocacy, Care and Hope) program.

“Smoking got to be just a habit,” Michael says. “It wasn’t fun anymore, it wasn’t enjoyable. It became an addiction that most people would like to quit if they have the opportunity to do so.”

Michael said the smoking cessation program gave him the tools and preparation to break the habit. One of the hardest parts was letting go of something that was part of his identity for so long.

“It’s a six-week program that gets you geared up to quit. It’s not just a matter of quitting; there are steps before and then steps after,” he says. “It takes more than just deciding you’re not going to smoke one day.”

In addition to the obvious benefits to his health, one of the biggest benefits he’s seen is in his wallet.

“I averaged $12 a pack every day,” he says. “When I multiply that by the number of days I haven’t smoked, it really adds up.”

Michael is grateful that you support the REACH program. It helped him achieve something he didn’t think was possible.

“Now, I don’t really crave cigarettes. It was a big change. Sometimes I still think I’m just supposed to be a smoker, but I’m not. It’s been a real pleasure not to be a smoker anymore. The program definitely works!”