Used by permission of The Forum Fargo man blames smoking for amputations, tells teens By Jeff Zent jzent@forumcomm.com The Forum - 11/21/2003 Brandon Carmichael spent half his senior year of high school in bed, fighting a debilitating, smoking-related disease. He could do little but watch the big toe on his left foot rot away because of Buerger's disease, a rare disorder that cuts blood flow to arms and legs. The disease's cause isn't clear, but researchers say it's directly linked to smoking. Despite his illness, the West Fargo High School graduate continued to smoke. "I didn't believe my doctors," he said. "I had a cocky attitude. I thought I was invincible." In 2000, after Carmichael turned 19, doctors amputated his toe. They also inserted plastic tubes in his leg to improve blood flow to his foot. Still, Carmichael folded under stress by sneaking a few cigarettes. "That just showed me how powerful and addicting cigarettes can be," Carmichael said at his Fargo apartment Thursday. Now 23, Carmichael is in a wheelchair after losing both of his lower legs to the disease. Doctors amputated his left leg below his knee on July 12, 2000. He lost the same portion of his right leg Nov. 3. All because, Carmichael said, he started smoking with friends when he was about 15 years old. "My disease progresses, but slowly as long as I'm tobacco free," he said. Carmichael said he last smoked a cigarette while on his way to his grandfather's funeral Aug. 29. His right leg was amputated about a month later. "I'm very angry at cigarettes and the addiction behind it," he said. "I don't believe I will ever have them in my hands again and it's a huge relief." Something good has come of his illness, Carmichael said. He uses his disease to warn kids about the dangers of smoking. Carmichael has shared his story with junior high and high school students in about 50 North Dakota towns. "I'm trying to make a difference in the world," he said. "I know I've impacted my audience just from all the letters I get." Carmichael also tells his story, complete with photos, on his Web site: www.Smokinggotme.com. "He shares an incredibly powerful message," said Holly Scott, a community health educator at Fargo Cass Public Health. "The kids respond to him really well because he's young, but also because he doesn't beat around the bush," Scott said. Scott spent part of her day Thursday at Fargo South High School, where students took part in activities related to the Great American Smoke Out. Some of the same Fargo South students who have heard Carmichael's message helped raise money for his medical expenses by selling Culvers frozen custard during lunch hour, Scott said. Every Tuesday in December, Culvers restaurants in Fargo will donate 10 percent of their sales to help pay for Carmichael's medical expenses, co-owner Nikki Dauk said. Customers only have to request that a portion of their payment go toward Carmichael's medical bills, she said. "It's a really worthwhile cause," Dauk said. "We just want to make it easier for the family." A bank account also has been established to collect donations for Carmichael's medical costs. Donations can be sent to the Brandon Carmichael fund at Gate City Bank, 1119 9th St. E., West Fargo, N.D. 58078. Readers can reach Forum reporter Jeff Zent at (701) 241-5526.
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