Mark Ballas And Shirley Ballas To Hold “What’s Your Why” Smoke Swap Event In New York City

This is so cool. Mark Ballas And Shirley Ballas are holding an event in New York City to help people who smoke to quit. More below from PR Newswire.

PARSIPPANY, N.J., May 20, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Every smoker has a reason for how they started smoking and why they want to quit. With one of the largest global quit-smoking days approaching, GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare (GSKCH) and its Nicorette® and NicoDerm® CQ® smoking cessation brands are encouraging smokers to share their “why” for quitting by providing them the “how” at a free What’s Your Why?™ Smoke Swap event.

The event will take place in New York’s Times Square on Wednesday, May 27, from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., anchored by a 20-foot smashed-out cigarette butt. Adult smokers will be encouraged to share and celebrate who or what motivates them to quit – their “why.” All smokers who want to jumpstart a quit attempt will receive support from smoking cessation experts and free quit-smoking product and resources, including a starter pack of Nicorette® gum, NicoDerm® CQ® patches or a $10 coupon towards Nicorette® mini Lozenges.

“It is such an inspiration to hear the “why” from smokers who have quit. What we are learning, too, is each “why” is as individual as the person who shares it. But if I had to share the most common one, I would say it’s a family member’s encouragement. It’s invaluable to smokers who have made this life-changing decision,” said Lisa Maxwell Anekwe, senior brand manager, Smoking Cessation. “We want to help every smoker in his or her effort to quit by providing tools and resources, like Nicorette® and NicoDerm® CQ®, which have helped millions of smokers all over the world in their quit attempt.”(1)

“Dancing with the Stars'” Mark Ballas, who quit smoking more than one year ago, and his mother, world-renowned ballroom dancer and former 40-year smoker Shirley Ballas, will be on site from 2-4 p.m. meeting fans, providing quit tips and taking the stage for a dance demonstration.

“I was very inspired as a child by my mom. So when I put my mind towards quitting smoking, I knew she was going to be the best support and partner. It was the right choice for both of us and we did it together,” said Mark Ballas.

“Mark is my world. I would do anything for him – even quitting smoking. When he asked me to do this with him, I couldn’t say yes fast enough, but there are still times I struggle with cravings. When that happens, I remind myself of my “why” – being there for Mark and my future grandchildren – and it gives me the strength to remain smoke-free,” said Shirley Ballas.

To read the full press release, see PR Newswire.