NORWICH – Today marks the American Cancer Society’s 36th Great American Smokeout – a day which not only recognizes the hazards of smoking, but also encourages smokers to commence on a difficult journey to quit.

Though dealing with recent budget cuts, Tobacco Free Chenango is doing what it can to educate the community of the implications of smoking and prevent potential smokers from lighting up for the first time.

“I smoked about four packs a day for ten years in my 30s,” said long time smoker Frank Maiurano. “Quitting is one of the hardest things I ever had to do.”

Maiurano discussed the importance of the Great American Smokeout and said he wishes stories like his would prevent people from beginning the often deadly habit. In his years of chronic smoking, Maiurano developed Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and now deals with the challenges of the respiratory ailment.

“I thought I would live forever ... So many people get the idea that nothing bad would ever happen to them,” he said after taking a puff from his inhaler.