Last Request: Please Don't Smoke

My step-father asked me to take this picture of him after he regained consciousness in CCU. He lost the fight with lung disease (Asbestosis, COPD, and Pnuemonia) Friday morning April 18, 2008.

On behalf of my family and me, I would like to thank my friends, family, contacts, strangers, Flickr, and everyone who sent this to a web site, or forwarded it to a smoker. Through responses we have received via comments and e-mails, we know the message was heard around the world. It brings tears of joy to our eyes to know that it was viewed more than 200,000 times, with the blessed result of helping some to decide to quit. Mere words can not express what that has meant to us, nor how the overwhelming response has touched our lives. I just want to hug each and every one of you. It is with a tear in my eye and love in my heart that I say THANK YOU!!!!!!

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Comments

< Prev 1 2 3 Next >

(274 comments)

Howard County Scenes [deleted] says:

Please accept my condolences on your loss. This is the one of the most powerful photos I have ever seen.
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

ahua_101 says:

A dramatic looking pic. I feel sorry...
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

Mind Meld says:

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. His last request is a powerful message. Your photo shouts that message across the globe. You should submit it to the cancer society for consideration for ads. If your step-father could see this, he would be proud of you for honoring his request. My condolences.
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

Megumi says:

my thoughts are with your family ! great picture Sean!
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

shmarinuma says:

I'm very sorry for your lose, hope you are doing ok, sending you a big hug Sean, you will be in my thoughts.
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

dallascowboys2007 says:

So sorry for your loss. I hope you're doing ok.
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

teamperks says:

This is a vivid, stirring image that shall not be soon forgotten. My sincerest condolences to you and your family for your loss.
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

darkblu says:

sorry to hear about your step-father, Sean. a powerful shot you two made, quite to-the-point. my condolences to your family. see you later.
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

anasirip says:

Very powerful picture!
I´m sorry for your lost. Thanks for sharing. Take care and see you soon.
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

jomak14 says:

Our prayers and condolences to you and your family. I'm sorry for your loss, Sean. A very powerful image!

--
Seen in my contacts' photos. (?)
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

Hellsgeriatric says:

So sorry for your loss (:-((. That is a compelling image!
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

m. t. sullivan says:

I'm speechless. Very, very powerful and sad image.

My condolences to you and your family.
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

daleallen45251 says:

this is the best reason not to smoke ! thank you for your very poinant photo .
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

ruben_paradaiglesias says:

Muy buena.
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

anasirip says:

Sean, your step-father´s message made n.90 on Explore.
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

jotuma says:

Great shot.. ..having heavy message..
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

Rosa Pastel says:

wow.....this is intense!!! Very powerful...

I am sorry for your loss!
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

Amadika says:

WOW ! powerful message ! so sad that it ended like this..
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

hese80 says:

Dramatic image. I'm sorry for your loss.
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

Tag Photo says:

Sorry for your loss........:(
FWIW, I just called both of my children (9 and 5) in here and showed them this photo.
SO powerful.......
SO sorry......
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

avolluz65 says:

What a wonderful photo and a lasting memory. My condolences on your loss. I lost my FIL 5 years ago to mesothelioma, COPD, smoking. My strongest prayer is that my husband does not follow in his footsteps. He has thus far been unable to quit smoking.
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

Boya Sa3odeyah says:

Hi, I'm an admin for a group called The New Academy: by: Invitation only - [ post 1, Comment 3 ], and we'd love to have this added to the group!

Great Shot ......

Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

arbaa says:

this caught my eye on explore

I am sorry for your loss :(
I am sure he's proud of you for making a difference with this
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

shannonm37 says:

I'm so so sorry for your loss. Your step-father left a very powerful message and image for everyone. I hope for him that at least one person took it to heart.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

Rodrigo Ferroni says:

I have no words to describe how disturbing this is. Very powerful.
My sentiments.

Best regards.
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

Spybee(gone for awhile) says:

Sean...your step-father had the wisdom to relay a strong and
powerful message, so very sad about your loss, my thoughts are
with you and your family.
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

Shantideva says:

I am so sorry for you! This is amazing. I never have seen such a powerful message. I admire your step-father for what he has done here!
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

kymioflario says:

i feel so sorry for your lost....my condolence for your family...be strong, life must go on....

however, this photo is really great....it is well composed and the message is clear.....well shot....

hakym
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

TCM Hitchhiker says:

Very sorry to hear this.

Very powerful photo. I quit smoking two weeks ago after smoking for 16 years. I am determined to beat it. It is really such a horrible, dirty, stupid thing.
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

SOUL FLOWA - NOW CLOSED [deleted] says:

I am so sorry and at a loss for words. This image hit me hard.
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

greg westfall [deleted] says:

sorry, Sean. take care of yourself.
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

annpar says:

This is one of the most moving and powerful images I've seen....I am very sorry to hear of your loss...
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

yeoldeblackhippie has given way to thehappybuddha says:

sorry 4 your loss, take care.
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

Gilly. [deleted] says:

I too lost my father on 14 February of this year to lung cancer. He was a life long non-smoker. He would reiterate your step father's message, as I do. It is something I am passionate about. When I say my thoughts are with you, I truly mean it. Take your time to grieve.
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

karynlb says:

My grandmother lost against lung cancer too, a couple of years ago. I'm so sorry for your loss.

This is a really powerful photo, the first anti-smoking image that has gotten the message through to me. Thanks to you and your step-father for being strong and wise enough to take it.
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

aka Kath says:

Very powerful and moving image. I am sorry for your loss.
--
Seen on popurls.com (?)
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

tmac0381 says:

Powerful image. I'm sorry for your loss. Take care.

--
Seen on flickrleech.net (?)
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

choux2008 says:

Ne fumez pas
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

jimgoldstein says:

My condolences to you and your family. I am very impressed with the willingness and bravery of your step-father to be the subject of such a photo. This image is incredibly powerful.
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

efairhurst says:

exceptional!

Seen in a darckr view of your photos (mine, ?).
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

GeneSalassi says:

My condolences on your loss...great photo!
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

1happysnapper wants to say thanks all. says:

Firstly I send my condolences from downunder to you and your family for your loss this is a going to be a hard time for you .
Great strong photo I would do something with it to get the word out I am going to send it all my contacts .
I have to say I think this is a great picture straight to the point and Sent it to the cancer council and ask them to use it in campaiges
i would be well worth it !!!
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

sharonandjames says:

What a powerful message this photos shows. May it help save a life and cause someone to change before it is too late. My condolences to you and your loved ones. Thank you for sharing this.
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

sarah ... says:

very powerful thank you for sharing, and i am very sorry for your loss.
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

inkyfingerz says:

A sad photograph, but it does indeed sending a powerful message. My condolences to you and your family.

I'd like to invite you to share this fantastic image with us at Life Through My Viewfinder. Thanks in advance.

Life Through My Viewfinder
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

ausphoto ('heritagefutures') says:

a truly sad occasion, but a VERY powerfl anti-smoking image!
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

mm98 says:

This image gave me goosebumps. Same disease my father died of last year. I am sorry for your loss.
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

helmet13 says:

Please accept my condolences.
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

JavierPsilocybin says:

Strong concept.

Thanks for sharing the picture in such a hard moment.

--
http://www.airtightinteractive.com/projects/t iltviewer/app/ (?)
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

~francesca~ says:

Very powerful shot.

I am so sorry for your loss.
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

RingoChan says:

Thanks for yr sharing.
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

diversionmary says:

I hope that something positive comes from this. One person quitting smoking or someone using this in a nationwide campaign. I'm sorry for your loss (and his) but perhaps there is a greater good that can come from this image.
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

thejbird says:

lost my granny to emphysema (due to life long smoking habit)

don't smoke, kids

condolences and warmest regards to you
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

gema010612 says:

He fumado por 25 años y en este momento estoy haciendo tremenda lucha por dejar el cigarro, por favor si lees esto dedica esta intencion en tus oraciones.
Gerardo Discua
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

Joolsptown says:

Very sorry for your loss, I will be sure to show this picture of your step-father to my teenage son and his friends that smoke.
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

ozymiles says:

Saw this shot on Explore and it brought back memories of my Father-in-law struggling to breathe with Lung Cancer at age 50. I hope that your image and your Step Father's request will save some people from an unnecessary and painful death. Condolences to you and your loved ones.
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

lindamccraven says:

oh i am so sorry. but some people like my husband won't listen to anything. maybe i won't be there in the hospital when is making me a widow because of his stubborness. this was really nice of your step father to do. once again i am so sorry for your loss.
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

Trusty Fotografie [deleted] says:

Powerful shot :-)
Tony
www.truphotog.com
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

jinxvan30 says:

%-) jgam
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

cootr68 says:

prayers from my family to yours.
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

baltic_86 (back and trying to catch up) says:

When we lose a person close to our heart - there are not words of comfort. I will pray for you, your father in law and your family.

This picture is very moving. I used to educate parents what they can do to try to prevent their children smoking.
Numbers of smoking children are the highest now... actually 12 year old girls...
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

_minette says:

Bless his heart. And yours.
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

joshhikes says:

Hi, I'm an admin for a group called bedridden, and we'd love to have this added to the group!
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

Ivan Makarov says:

Very powerful and moving image. Thank you for sharing.
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

trishoshea1 says:

Please accept my deepest sympathies. I lost both of my parents to mesothelioma. I understand your pain. What a brave, kind man to do this for others.
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

wentloog says:

I sorry for your loss, a painful post for you, but if it convinces one person to stop it will be worth it! My thoughts are with you at the sad time.
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

daschristo says:

Enjoy that life
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

marialmnt says:

At a first glance I thought this was Dr. Kovokian.
Please, don't feel so bad and understand that
adults have the right to do whatever they want
as long as it does not involve or hurt anyone else
Please, receive my condolisense
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

tanzil tafheem [deleted] says:

thE truth!
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

Ted Rivera says:

One of the most powerful images I have ever seen. I'm sorry to hear of your loss, please accept my deepest sympathies.
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

Frank van de Loo says:

Very powerful picture!
I´m sorry for your lost.
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

.rexguo says:

An iconic shot. Thank you for sharing this
to remind all of us how precious life is.
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

{Ingrid} says:

I am so sorry for your loss. A very powerful image. I hope this moves people to stop smoking.
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

iLsEoRt says:

Wowwwww!!!
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

françaoemartin [out on the ocean] says:

I'm a smoker... I've heard the message and I fav'd for remember more.
Condolences. Thanks to you both..
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

unintelligiBill says:

A very powerful and touching photo, my prayers and sympathy to you and yours.
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

lorenzo cuppini says:

Condolences. I have no words. I have lost my mother cause a cancer too. My prayers to you and yours. Thank you for giving us this touching message, may be of help and the strenght to all the smokers to turn page and try to stop smoking with more energy.
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

Dánae Torres says:

I am sorry, I sit(feel) it very much and of heart!!!!!!
It is an image very impactante, but unfortunately the majority of the times only we react to something so strong as this photography.....

From here I order you a great embrace!
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

Antonio Senatore, Italy says:

This Image Is Music To My Eyes!
Music To My Eyes (post 1 - give an award to 5)
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

egolaps says:

This Image Is Music To My Eyes!
Music To My Eyes (post 1 - give an award to 5)

This picture really tells something to others! Very good!!!
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

ancutza* says:

Seen in the Exemplary Shots - Flickr's BEST GROUP

Exemplary Shots - Flickr's BEST (Post 1 Award 3)
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

.:. Pollo Wireless .:. says:

A+++ Grade Photo

very strong
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

roksoslav says:

Very sorry for your loss. One of the most powerful photos I have ever seen.
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

recortable [deleted] says:

A+++ Grade Photo
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

recortable [deleted] says:

genial !
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

eva ;-) says:

toccante come foto!

A+++ Grade Photo
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

thedogsbolloks says:

This Image Is Music To My Eyes!
Music To My Eyes (post 1 - give an award to 5)
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

LizTheRed says:

Sorry for your loss...

A+++ Grade Photo
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

Dr.JeCkYLL says:

This Image Is Music To My Eyes!
Music To My Eyes (post 1 - give an award to 5)
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

connywischhusen says:

This Image Is Music To My Eyes!
Music To My Eyes (post 1 - give an award to 5)
I´m sorry for aour loss! A hard work to make this photo!
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

PhotoDocGVSU (the once a week Flickerite) says:

My sympathies to you and your family ... and a powerful, powerful photo.
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

cruz, lorena says:

i hope the message is understood.
sorry. =[
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

PHLB - Luc B says:

Sorry to hear that. Very impressive...
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

shoencharity says:

I am so sorry for your loss. Your family has my condolences. I know what it's like to see someone you love get so sick. My grandfather struggled with lung cancer for years before he passed away 2 years ago. You are all in my thoughts.
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

soleil1016 says:

Wow.

----------------
This Image Is Music To My Eyes!
Music To My Eyes (post 1 - give an award to 5)
commented with SICI
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

Sarah Wheeler says:

How sad, my heart goes out to all of you...
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

.Trev says:

Wow. Incredible photo. Very powerful. Wish you and yours all the best.
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

Thomas W.P. Slatin Photography says:

Hi, I'm an admin for a group called 'BLOG THIS!', and we'd love to have this added to the group!
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

Kjunstorm says:

I'm so sorry for your loss. What a brave thing for him to do! Thanks for sharing his message on Flickr.
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

branoobzera says:

strong message.
that should be added to all adverts and tabaco shops and to all packs of cigarets. all over the globe. feel sorry for your lost..

My condolences to you and your family.
Posted 15 months ago. ( permalink )

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Last Request: Please Don't Smoke

Comments

Howard County Scenes [deleted] says:

ahua_101 says:

Mind Meld says:

*Megumi* says:

shmarinuma says:

dallascowboys2007 says:

teamperks says:

darkblu says:

anasirip says:

jomak14 says:

Hellsgeriatric says:

m. t. sullivan says:

daleallen45251 says:

ruben_paradaiglesias says:

anasirip says:

jotuma says:

Rosa Pastel says:

Amadika says:

hese80 says:

Tag Photo says:

avolluz65 says:

Boya Sa3odeyah says:

arbaa says:

shannonm37 says:

Rodrigo Ferroni says:

Spybee(gone for awhile) says:

Shantideva says:

kymioflario says:

TCM Hitchhiker says:

SOUL FLOWA - NOW CLOSED [deleted] says:

greg westfall [deleted] says:

annpar says:

yeoldeblackhippie has given way to thehappybuddha says:

Gilly. [deleted] says:

karynlb says:

aka Kath says:

tmac0381 says:

choux2008 says:

jimgoldstein says:

efairhurst says:

GeneSalassi says:

1happysnapper wants to say thanks all. says:

sharonandjames says:

sarah ... says:

inkyfingerz says:

ausphoto ('heritagefutures') says:

mm98 says:

helmet13 says:

JavierPsilocybin says:

~francesca~ says:

RingoChan says:

diversionmary says:

thejbird says:

gema010612 says:

Joolsptown says:

ozymiles says:

lindamccraven says:

Trusty Fotografie [deleted] says:

jinxvan30 says:

cootr68 says:

baltic_86 (back and trying to catch up) says:

_minette says:

joshhikes says:

Ivan Makarov says:

trishoshea1 says:

wentloog says:

daschristo says:

marialmnt says:

tanzil tafheem [deleted] says:

Ted Rivera says:

Frank van de Loo says:

.rexguo says:

{Ingrid} says:

iLsEoRt says:

françaoemartin [out on the ocean] says:

unintelligiBill says:

lorenzo cuppini says:

Dánae Torres says:

Megumi says: