Barb Tarbox Video: A life cut short by tobacco

Barb Tarbox was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer in September 2002 after smoking since Grade 7. She died May 18, 2003 after speaking to more than 50,000 students about the dangers of smoking.

This 16-minute video captures the spirit of Barb's presentations and the passion that characterized the last months of her life. The video was distributed to Alberta schools in September 2003 in cooperation with Alberta Learning.

How to order

For a VHS or DVD copy of the 16-minute video Barb Tarbox: A Life Cut Short by Tobacco

• Alberta residents contact your local AADAC office to borrow a video
• Agencies and groups within Alberta contact your local AADAC office to order a video
• Out-of-province Canadian and U.S. residents can order the video online through AADAC's Resource Catalogue

Warning: This video contains emotional material regarding Barb Tarbox's experience with terminal lung cancer caused by smoking. Some content may be disturbing for preteens and should be discussed after viewing. Viewer discretion is advised.

This video is dedicated to the life and legacy of Barb Tarbox. Her commitment made this video possible. Special thanks to the Alberta Lung Association. Additional funding provided by Alberta Blue Cross and Health Canada.

Barb Tarbox: A life cut short by tobacco (16 minutes)
Short version (3:30 minutes)

 

Discussion guide

Before you start the discussion...
Keep a few guidelines in mind before raising the topic of smoking with your child, class, or youth group.

1. People who smoke are not bad. People who have tried smoking or others forms of tobacco aren't bad; it's tobacco that is bad for you.
2. Include both smokers and non-smokers. People who do not use tobacco can be a great source of support in helping others to quit.
3. Encourage people to discuss tobacco use with their friends and family in a way that demonstrates care and concern for those who smoke.

Questions for conversation
Use the following questions to start a discussion with your child, class or group. Don't feel obligated to limit your conversation to what's outlined here. Feel free to make up new questions.

• Why do you think people use tobacco?
• Do you know people who smoke?
• Do you and your friends talk about smoking?
• Have you ever had a discussion with your parents about smoking?
• What would help someone stay smoke-free?
• How could you help someone who wanted to quit?
• How would you deal with pressures from others to smoke?

What if your child or someone in the group smokes?
Students who smoke and are interested in quitting can contact their local AADAC office to get information about the Kick the Nic  program, a series of 10 sessions that offer information and support.

I have this friend...
Open and honest communication will go a long way in helping a loved one quit. If someone in your class or group wants to raise the subject with a friend or family member who smokes but doesn't quite know how, here are some suggestions.

• Encourage an honest discussion with the smoker about how smoking affects a person's body and how it affects people who don't smoke. It's OK to share your worries and fears.
• Try not to get into a heated argument. Ask questions to help understand their situation and talk about the behaviour of smoking, not the person.

Above all, it's important to remember that smokers have to decide to quit for themselves. Your power to influence their decision increases if you're caring and respectful. For more suggestions on how to help someone quit, go to the Quitting Smoking section of this website.

Download in PDF format: Barb Tarbox Video Discussion Guide