The Oral Cancer Foundation (OCF) is partnering with Cody Kiser, a rodeo cowboy who will serve as a spokesman for the group, at the Snake River Stampede Rodeo, held July 15-19 in Nampa, ID.
Kiser hopes to serve as a positive role model for children and teens that look up to cowboys as their heroes in the rodeo world. Research shows that as many as 15% of high school boys use smokeless tobacco in the U.S. With the nicotine content in a can of dip equaling approximately that of 80 cigarettes, this addiction can be one of the hardest to break, which is why the OCF hopes to educate parents and youth about the dangers before they get started.
"My dad was a cowboy, so I know what it's like looking up to cowboys as heroes for my whole life," Kiser stated in a press release. "My dad was a positive role model in my life growing up in that regard, and the idea of using spit tobacco never appealed to me. Right now, I'm pursuing rodeo as a passion of mine, and if at the same time I can do some good in the world and set the right example for young kids who might look up to me, then I'm honored and eager to do so."
"Every kid has a hero they look up to, and whether it's a cowboy, baseball player, or other strong figure in their lives; even heroes can still have some aspect of their life that is less than a perfect example to follow," explained Brian Hill, OCF founder and executive director. "We are excited to partner with Cody and venture into the rodeo arena because we believe we can make a real difference there."
"Cody is a great partner for us," Hill continued, "This is the first time a nonprofit is really going into a world that is very much tied to the use of smokeless tobacco and proactively advocating against it. Our messaging to youth is simple: 'Be Smart. Don't start.' "
