In Memory of Paul Adkins

In 1980, a man I didn't even know lost his 4-month battle with lung cancer. He was a physician in Washington DC named Dr. Paul C. Adkins. He was a thoracic surgeon who, despite removing thousands of cancerous tumors and lungs, was unable to kick his own smoking habit until it was too late.

His story was told in a 1980 edition of "Washingtonian" magazine by writer John Pekkanan and his gallant struggle to survive even though he knew the odds were against him (he had cancer in BOTH lungs at the time of diagnosis) moved me tremendously. So much so that I requested and received a copy of the entire article. Dr. Adkins was only 54 years old when he died and he left behind a wife, Faith, and four sons, Paul, Mark, Bill and David.

I would like to add this tribute to your list in memory of Dr. Adkins and to honor his brave wife and 4 sons. It's been more than 20 years, I know, but he's a man I've never forgotten. He would be proud to know how UNpopular cigarettes are now and he'd be so pleased at groups such as ALCASE that are helping people just like him.

Sincerely,
Rosemary, Elberon, NJ