William “Ted” Welch smoked for over 50 years, starting when he was just 14 years old. When he decided it was time to quit, he turned to Delaware Quitline for assistance after a stroke.
“Elizabeth Hurley was my respiratory therapist at Bayhealth and she talked to me after my stroke and told me about the Delaware Quitline,” Welch said. “It made me realize that I didn’t want to die or leave my wife so right then and there, I decided to call the number she had given me.”
After returning home from the hospital, Welch discovered he disliked the smell of cigarette smoke to the point he decided to quit cold turkey rather than use nicotine patches. His wife, who was also a smoker, decided to quit with him and Welch also contributes the support he received from his family in his success.
“I have relief knowing I won’t have to wake up coughing anymore, almost like I was choking,” Welch said. “I think the coughing and gagging was because of the nicotine and now I don’t have that problem.”
Today, Welch enjoys caring for his flowers and enjoying the fresh air. He stated that he did not think he could have quit without the assistance of the Quitline. The Delaware Quitline provides motivational support by phone from a specialist as well as face-to-face counseling by a trained local counselor. There is also follow-up support, information about quitting for those who do not think they are ready and free stop-smoking aids, such as patches or gum, for those 18 and older.
Quitting is more than just not smoking, which is why Delaware Quitline offers online support, Quitline.com. When you join Quitnow, a Quit Coach will help you learn to live without tobacco using principles based on 25 years of research and experience.
Visit Delaware Quitline to learn more.
