David Briles (left) a cancer survivor, was diagnosed with laryngeal cancer at the age of 40. Over the past 17 years David has been helping others deal with their diagnosis, treatment and life after cancer.

After 22 years of smoking and using spit tobacco, David was diagnosed with throat cancer. His voice box was removed two years later and now he breaths through a hole in his throat.

David's handicap doesn't stop him from speaking out about the dangers of tobacco use and how it changed his life. David spoke to the summer school students in Calhoun last week, giving them the information they need before they are faced with making the "tobacco choice."

A student joins Jean Simers of the Calhoun County
Family Resource Network at an information display

After hearing David's inspiring words, the students attended a substance abuse fair which included informational tables from Westbrook Health Services, Calhoun FRN, Domestic Abuse Response Team (DART), Change the Future WV, Minnie Hamilton Health System, Community Dental Hygienist and Tobacco Prevention MOVHD.

The students not only received information, but received school supplies, toothpaste, toothbrush and floss and treats.