On June 21, 2004 I quit smoking. Not because I planned to, or because I wanted to, but the urge had simply gone away. Disappeared. I couldn't stand smoke. And Bloomberg had nothing to do with it.

A few months ago I read that scientists discovered a part of the brain that gets damaged when people quit smoking for good. Great, I thought, that explains it.

Not everyone is so lucky to quit as easily as I did, as plenty of people still struggle with their addiction even when they know it's affecting their health. And quitting three years ago doesn't mean that I am any less susceptible to lung cancer than you are, even if you've never touched a cigarette in your life. Second hand smoke is twice as damaging.

Imagine that.

So I want to do something besides boast about quitting smoking, hence this run on April 29th. At 8:30 on a Sunday morning I will be joining thousands of others in Central Park and spreading awareness by running 4 miles. It isn't much, but it's something.

It would be wonderful if you could donate to this cause; any little bit helps. But don't worry if you can't. I'm sure this won't be the last you'll hear from me...

Thanks for your support!