A 39-year-old Ithaca man is marking the new year smoke-free after quitting cigarettes with help from the New York State Quitline.
Gaston L., a Finger Lakes resident, stopped smoking in May after more than 20 years of tobacco use. He now celebrates nine months without cigarettes and hopes his story encourages others to try quitting in 2026.
A long habit, and a turning point
Gaston said he started smoking casually in college in his native Colombia. Over time, the habit grew.
“I started smoking at parties in college, then thought I needed them for mid-terms, and eventually I increased my usage to one and a half packs a day,” he said.
Smoking became tied to his work as an engineer. Cigarettes cost less in Colombia, and many people around him smoked.
That changed after he moved to the United States in January to support his wife’s post-doctoral research career at Cornell University. While waiting for a work permit, Gaston said the timing pushed him to rethink his health.
“Between needing to save money and my wife worried about my health, it made all the sense in the world to become tobacco-free,” he said.
Support made the difference
Gaston joked that he had tried quitting many times before. “I quit every night,” he said, “but then I would go right back to smoking.”
This time felt different. He planned for the cigarettes he brought from Colombia to be his last. His new friends in the U.S. didn’t smoke, which helped reduce triggers. He also saw an ad for the New York State Quitline shortly after arriving in Ithaca.
“I thought it was fantastic the Quitline offered free nicotine patches and gum, as well as support,” Gaston said. “I’m thankful I saw the ad. I don’t think I would have been able to quit on my own.”
He said support from his wife also played a major role. “I knew if we’re going to have children sometime soon, I first needed to become healthier,” he said.
Health gains and a message for others
Before quitting, Gaston said each day began with several minutes of coughing. Now, he feels recharged and has better stamina for walking and running.
He urges others who smoke not to give up.
“I never tried quitting because I always feared how hard it would be and thought I’d just go back to smoking,” he said. “But you can learn from attempts that aren’t initially smooth. Once you succeed, you gain health and a better future.”
Free help available statewide
The New York State Quitline offers free coaching, medications, and text-based support programs. Services are available seven days a week.
New Yorkers can call 1-866-NY-QUITS, visit nysmokefree.com, or text QUITNOW to 333888 for help. More success stories like Gaston’s are available online for anyone looking for motivation to quit.
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