"It takes more courage to quit tobacco than it does to wait for cancer to strike." Curtis Ansley

Welcome to Trash Your Can. The purpose for this site and program is to help those who use smokeless tobacco see the need to quit. My own experience is my basis for this program. This is my "crusade" and I feel very strongly about this subject.

It is time once again for the Texas Teen Tobacco Summit held in the Woodlands outside of Houston. Last year at this event I was afforded the chance to meet Gruen Von Behrens. Gruen has had more surgeries than birthdays. I have great admiration for Gruen and his passion. My own ordeal pales in comparrison, but we share a common goal: Spreading the word on the realities of smokeless tobacco. Events such as this and the National Spit Tobacco Summit, where I was able to meet Rick Bender, are paramount in the fight against the dangers of tobacco use.

I have talked with many people, teenagers, adults, male and female, about dipping and the possible dangers related to smokeless tobacco. A school counselor in California wanted me to bring my program there yet her principal saw no need for it. On the other hand, a principal in Idaho saw the need and booked me to speak with his kids. Point is, whether it is me or someone else, have someone come out and talk with your group. My program also deals with the outdoors and its relationship to dipping/chewing. Be it a school, a church group, your business or any group, people need to know the dangers of nicotine.

Some people believe one can just throw the can down and never take another dip. In some cases, that may well be true. But most times, the "quit" is a long drawn out process. There are withdrawals. Nicotine is addictive. Some who have been "quit" for several years still need the support of others to maintain it. more...

With this program, it is hoped that many will come to realize that they do not need smokeless tobacco to enjoy life. Trash Your Can is going to reach out to as many as possible to reach this goal. Hopefully the program will be accepted into schools, moreover rural ones, to talk to kids about the dangers and possible outcome of using smokeless. With this program I also hope to reach those that share a love for the outdoors. Many times, one can see a hunter or angler with a dip. Trash Your Can hopes to show them that being in the outdoors is a far better experience without smokeless.

A Pledge. Trash Your Can wants you to make a pledge. To yourself. To your family. To your friends. The pledge is for you, but to be shared with others. Read it over. Understand it. Accept it. This pledge is a promise that you make to yourself. It can be carried in your pocket as a constant reminder that you have accomplished something. And you will continue with "The Quit".

Support. It is very important to seek and use any and all support. If you're married, get your spouse's support. Explain to them what is about to occur. Withdrawal from any drug is a hard thing. And it is as hard on the ones we love as it is on us. Friends are also a good source of support. True friends will back you on this journey. Co-workers, others that have quit, your neighbors- anyone that will support you in your quest to rid your body of this addictive drug are an asset.