Why The Cardinal & Alan P. Leaving QuitNet
"Why is there a cardinal on the site?
When QuitNet relaunched in March of 2015, we introduced the QuitNet cardinal, who lands now and then to offer her support. She is the creation of our former Head of Design, whose mother was a lifelong smoker and passed away from cancer in 2010.
The cardinal was her favorite bird, and for our designer, it represents something beautiful, but also something lost. The cardinal is the inspiration he used to push himself to make good design choices and put in the hard work necessary to create a site that saves lives. We hope that the cardinal serves as an inspiration to everyone here, and a reminder to keep the quit.
Although we never feel our job is complete and will keep working hard each day to improve the site and its design, we hope you will be happy with where we landed."
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FROM: Alan P. ... posted 4 Years Ago, Circa 2015
"I'm leaving QuitNet staff, but not the community!
Almost 18 years ago, I left American Cancer Society's smoker's quitline to become the budding QuitNet's first official quit-counselor. In the years since, I've worn almost every Q hat there was to wear. I built and managed the coaching and admin teams, trained the telephone coaches, and helped with each development and expansion of QuitNet -- including the redesign and launch of the New Q last year. Most importantly, I kept The Quit (with your help) for more than 24 years!
Alongside many of you, I grew as a non-smoker and as a person, and continue to do so, but it's time for me to move on to new things and other interests. You'll see me here in the days to come, same as always, but without the 'coach' tag under my profile picture; coaches Vikki and Bette will continue coaching services after I go.
It's been a pleasure to serve you, and to be served by you. QuitNet keeps growing, and I'm excited by the prospect of many more good things coming down the quit-pike. QuitNet works when you work it, so keep working it, and KTQ!"