I chose this issue as my platform because: My grandfather died long before I was ever born of lung cancer, directly caused from cigarette smoking. Not only have I lost the opportunity to know my grandfather, but also my mother has severe health problems from growing up in a house filled with his second-hand smoke. Furthermore, my mother never had the opportunity to develop healthy lungs because my grandmother smoked while pregnant with her.

The loss of my grandfather and my mother's poor health has given me the incentive to ensure that our next generation lives long enough to know their grandchildren.

Project NeverStart teaches:

• Education - about the addictive nature and health concerns of cigarettes

• Awareness - cigarettes are not glamorous, as tobacco companies make them out to be

• Action - advocacy; encouraging youngsters to make an early commitment to NeverStart smoking