Despite all these great triumphs, José has gone down to defeat in his attempts to quit smoking. Despite his many efforts, to date he still hasn’t made it. Which is why he’ll be assuming a double role as part of the Quit to Win! Challenge: in addition to serving as spokesman, he’ll be taking up the Challenge at the same time as all the other participants in Québec, beginning March 1, 2010, and trying to put an end to his dependence on tobacco.

Participants in the Challenge may register in pairs with a non-smoking sponsor or with another smoker who also wants to give up his dependence on smoking. José, who has worked all his life as part of a pair, will feel very much at home. The comic is really counting on this formula to help him butt out for good and on the tools that are available to participants on the QuitChallenge.ca website.

Short interview with our spokesman

José, how long have you been smoking for?
I’ve been smoking for 17 years now.

What are the reasons you’re still smoking today?
In the beginning I smoked for the enjoyment of it and I told myself that when the time came I wanted to quit, it would be easy. But the years went by, and I have to believe that my dependence increased. I could say I smoke because of the stress associated with my line of work, to reduce the jitters before shows or just simply because smoking is cool… But the truth is I’m hooked on cigarettes and, despite all my efforts, I haven’t been able to quit.

And what’s the reason for wanting to quit smoking now?
Before, the only reason driving me to try to quit was concern for my own health. But as important as that is, it wasn’t enough to convince me. What changed was that I’m now a dad to two children. I grew aware that my dependence could be harmful to them. If I’m successful in butting out for good, that will mean my kids can grow up in a healthful environment, free of all secondary smoke. On top of that, if I quit smoking I’ll be setting a wonderful example for them, and they’ll be less tempted to try cigarettes when they’re teenagers.

Why did you agree to be the spokesman for the Quit to Win! Challenge?
No doubt because I’m selfish! But joking aside, I truly hope I’ll be able to quit smoking thanks to the Challenge. I think the experience can only be positive for me, especially with the pairs formula, where I’ll be encouraged and supported.

Obviously, even though up to now I’ve been unable to stop smoking, I’m very much aware of the negative impact that tobacco use can have on my health and on those of Quebecers. When I learned that 2 participants out of 3 meet the Challenge successfully, I told myself that I can do it, too. If I agreed to be spokesman for the Challenge, it’s because I hope my experience will inspire other people.