Palatine resident to rappel 27 stories in Skyline Plunge! Chicago

Jerry Seiling's first attempt to quit smoking 25 years ago was a testament to just how addictive nicotine can be. He'd smoked since he was a teenager, back when the habit was more prevalent. By the time Jerry was in his 40s, the Palatine resident was up to three-and-half packs a day.

“I had to almost make an effort to smoke that much,” Jerry said. “I'd pick up one cigarette, set it down to do something, then immediately light up another.”

Jerry knew if he didn't want his children to follow his unhealthy example, he'd have to cut cigarettes from his life. He was smoke-free for almost two years before he allowed himself just one cigarette.

Unfortunately, one turned into two, and soon he was back to smoking several packs a day. A few months later, he wanted to try quitting again – this time with modifications to his lifestyle. He used the money he would have otherwise spent on cigarettes to start taekwondo lessons and avoided his triggers such as caffeine and alcohol.

“It was extremely hard because my body was not only withdrawing from nicotine, but also caffeine,” Jerry said. “After one year, it became easier not to want a cigarette. I was grateful to finally be free of my addiction and knew I wouldn't go back this time.”

Twenty-two years later, Jerry still feels proud of himself for overcoming his nicotine dependence. To honor his decision to go smoke-free, he will soon celebrate in a big way. On September 8, he will rappel 27 stories of theWit Hotel in downtown Chicago during Respiratory Health Association's Skyline Plunge! Chicago.

“Going down the side of a building is my way to commemorate when I quit smoking,” Jerry said. “I'm elated to participate, and I'm excited to do something to keep young people from picking up the habit.”

Skyline Plunge! Chicago raises funds and awareness for Respiratory Health Association's lung disease research and programs. Local efforts include asthma education, smoking cessation and social events for people living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. They're all close to Jerry's heart.

“I get concerned when I see young people smoking, but it's hard to get them to think about the future of their health,” Jerry said. “We need more education and cessation classes, which is something Respiratory Health Association provides.”

Jerry has pledged a fundraising minimum of $1,000. For more information about Skyline Plunge! Chicago or to support his fundraising efforts, visit www.lungchicago.org/jerryseiling.