Growing up in a chaotic, violent and abusive household, Ava lived in a state of constant anxiety. Since her mother had been unable to raise her, she lived with her aunt and uncle, who both smoked. Cigarettes were everywhere, and she quickly began to associate them with stress relief. “For me, having a cigarette was the perfect outlet to relieve some of that stress,” Ava explained. That first cigarette at just 12 years old would lead to an addiction that followed her for the next 40 years.
Through the years, Ava tried to quit more than once with little success. It wasn’t until she found the Freedom From Smoking program at Lexington Medical Center in Columbia, South Carolina, that something shifted. The program was run by two registered nurses, Miss Lisa and Miss Donna, who would become essential allies in her quit journey. “I can't speak highly enough of those two amazing women,” Ava said. “Even on my toughest days, their unwavering support and acceptance have meant the world to me.”
Feeling Safe in Freedom From Smoking
Ava found this cessation program to be different from others she had tried. Guilt and fear which often accompanied talks she had with medical professionals, was replaced by understanding and acceptance. Instead of shaming its group members, the program focused on recognizing nicotine dependence, identifying triggers and building healthy coping tools. In place of showing grisly pictures of damaged lungs, it explored the emotional side of dependence and sought to discover the underlying reasons she turned to smoking. “We cried together, they saw me struggle and they helped me… they never gave up on me and kept walking me through the process so that I could get where I needed to go,” she said.
Throughout the program, Ava felt seen and supported and never pressured. She felt she had time to understand her habits and build confidence so that when that quit date came, she had all the information and tools she needed to succeed. “Everyone comes in with different stressors and triggers, but this program gives you the time, several weeks, to settle in and get all the information you need. So, when that quit day came for me, it was a ‘yay’ night.”
Finding Support After Relapse
Ava was able to stay smokefree for about two and a half years. Unfortunately, as her chronic illnesses began to flare and she was faced with old emotional triggers, she relapsed. “That was so devastating to me, and I am still dealing with that,” she shared.
But in a serendipitous turn of events, soon after her relapse, Ava was outside smoking when she received a call from Miss Donna. Miss Donna didn’t know about the relapse, she had instead been calling to check in and see if Ava wanted to talk to a cessation group. When Ava admitted she had slipped up, Miss Donna approached her with love and understanding and encouraged her to attend the cessation meeting anyway. “It was such a relief to hear her voice and know that I could share anything with her, even that I was smoking again. That is just the kind of rapport they make with you,” Ava explained. With Miss Donna’s support, Ava immediately returned to the program to try again.
Starting Fresh and With Enthusiasm
Ava’s journey is ongoing, but she’s walking into it with a new sense of strength thanks to the community that never abandoned her. Now 30 days smokefree, she finds it meaningful that her newest cycle started in the very same building where she began years ago. “To be able to re-enter such a supportive space, knowing I would be met with understanding, resources, and encouragement rather than shame, was incredibly empowering and foundational to my continued progress,” she exclaimed.
Ava doesn’t hesitate when asked what she’d tell anyone who was thinking about quitting smoking. “If you really want to quit… this is the program. You will be given option, step by step, and you’ll learn not to smoke if you choose to.” Though she stumbled, Ava is proud to share her story and offers her journey as proof that it is never too late to start again.
Blog last updated: February 19, 2026
