Her passion and dedication
will not be forgotten.
Barb's Story
Barb was diagnosed with lung cancer in September 2002 at the age of 41, after smoking since Grade 7. In a remarkably short amount of time, cancers spread to almost every part of her body, including her brain, bones and even resting on her aorta. While some people would lie and wait for death to arrive, Barb decided to share her tobacco story with Alberta's youth in the hopes of persuading them to quit - or not start in the first place.
After speaking at one junior high, Barb received 750 letters from students. She has had many teenagers hand over their packs of cigarettes. And parents have vowed to quit in order to save their children from the same lonely fate McKenzie Tarbox faces.
Young people have responded to Barb's authenticity, her courageous mission and her unique brand of truth. Barb died on May 18, 2003 after talking to over 50,000 youth across Canada.
TV Campaign
AADAC has produced three, 30-second television ads featuring Barb Tarbox that contain a powerful message about the human costs of smoking.
Barb Tarbox – Memorial
Barb Tarbox – Funeral
Barb Tarbox – Goodbye
Print Campaign
Barb Tarbox has also been featured in posters and a newspaper ad produced by AADAC.
No Resolution Necessary
Memorial poster
Video
This 16-minute video captures the spirit of Barb's presentations and the passion that characterized the last months of her life.
Donate
Many people have asked where they can donate to help continue Barb's non-smoking mission. Gifts honouring Barb's spirit can be made payable to the Barb Tarbox Memorial Fund, part of the AADAC Memorial Trust Fund. All monies donated will be used to fund the annual Barb Tarbox Awards of Excellence (including a $2500 Youth Scholarship) and other tobacco prevention, cessation and information/public awareness directed at children and youth.
There is no administration fee deducted from your donation - every cent donated, along with interest earned on those funds, will go to further Barb's work.
To ensure you receive a proper tax receipt for your donation, please complete this form.
Awards
To honour the legacy of Barb Tarbox, AADAC annually recognizes individuals, youth, businesses and non-profit groups that make significant contributions in the area of tobacco prevention, cessation, reduction or protection from second-hand smoke in Alberta.
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