Shocking ads: Tips from smokers

CDC's National Tobacco Education Campaign Resource Page

Nathan got lung damage and infections from second hand smoke.

Bill and the CDC urge people to quit smoking now or better yet -- don't start.

Ellie's asthma was exacerbated by her smoking habit.

Suzy suffered a stroke as a result of smoking cigarettes. Her son Daniel now needs to take care of her.

Mariano needed open heart surgery because of his smoking habit.

Jameson was affected by second hand smoke.

Nathan warns younger people about the dangers of smoking.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced the launch of its latest attempt to get smokers to kick the habit. The CDC's $54 million ad campaign called "Tips from Former Smokers" will be seen in billboards and in print, radio and television ads. It's the CDC's largest anti-smoking campaign ever, and the agency hopes the realistic and graphic ads will shock at least 50,000 smokers into quitting. "This is incredibly important," CDC Director Dr. Thomas Frieden said. "It's not every day we release something that will save thousands of lives." In this ad, Annette shows the scar from when she had her lung removed due to lung cancer. Keep clicking to see other tips from former smokers...

Brandon contracted Bueguer's disease from smoking at age 18. It stopped the blood flow to his legs, making amputation a necessity.

Annette's children were the motivation she needed to quit.

Shawn got throat cancer at age 45 from smoking.

Terrie got throat cancer from cigarettes.