ANR UPDATE, 26(3), Fall 2007

Our Hero

Vincent "Vinny" Rennich, a former casino games supervisor at the Atlantic City Tropicana Casino, is ANR's Smokefree Hero of the Year. Vinny had worked in Atlantic City casinos for 25 years when, two years ago, he was involved in a serious auto accident, which required a number of tests and procedures. During his course of treatment, he was diagnosed with lung cancer. His doctor advised him to quit smoking ...but Vinny never smoked a day in his life.

Instead of being defeated by this horrible diagnosis, Vinny turned his anger and frustration into action. During New Jersey's legislative battle for smokefree workplaces last year, Vinny was a key spokesperson for a comprehensive smokefree law - one that would cover ALL workplaces, including casinos, throughout the state. He spoke up on behalf of thousands of casino workers seeking a healthy, smokefree workplace. It was the first time casino workers had organized on such a large scale to advocate for the same protection from secondhand smoke that is now commonplace for office workers, as well as restaurant and bar employees.

This spring, Vinny was fired. Coincidence? We don't think so.

Secondhand smoke cost Vinny part of his lung; speaking up about it cost him his job. The good news is that his lung surgery was successful, and Vinny is cancer-free. He says his destiny now is to inspire others in the fight for smokefree air. Vinny has become a national advocate, traveling to other gaming states to spread the word about the importance of smokefree casinos and other workplaces.

Please join ANR in saluting Vinny Rennich for his courage, his tenacity, and his incredible dedication to securing smokefree air for all workers. He is truly our Smokefree Hero!

You can now join ANR or subscribe to ANR UPDATE with your credit card online, via our secure system.

To become an international member, please join ANR or subscribe with your credit card online. International Members have two rates based on preferred delivery option: $75.00US for delivery of the UPDATE newsletter via Air Mail or $40.00US for delivery of a PDF version via email. Please be sure to include your complete mailing address and an email address, if available. We have no way to verify your address or contact you if information is omitted. Thank you for your support!