D'Errico said she has five good reasons to quit: her husband, Nikki Sixx of the band Motley Crue and her four children, who range in age from three to seven. "It was simple," D'Errico said. "My family is more important to me than anything. Quitting smoking is one of the most responsible things I could do as a parent." D'Errico has agreed to take this difficult step in the public eye to help lend moral support to her fellow smokers who would like to make the attempt with her.

D'Errico is currently a pack a day smoker who has indulged in her habit for nearly seven years. "I know this is going to be tough," said the actress, best known for her role in the television show Baywatch. "I can only go a few hours without a cigarette. I am counting on my family and the patch to get me through it."

The actress, who has never tried to quit before, believes smoking is an occupational hazard. "Smoking is just something you do while the crew sets up shots," she added.

"We are thrilled Ms. D'Errico will be committing to quit for this year's Great American Smokeout," said John Seffrin, PhD, CEO of the American Cancer Society. "We believe Ms. D'Errico will positively reach out to young women who smoke or are considering starting. This is crucial because young women are the fastest growing population of smokers today."

The Great America Smokeout Commit to Quit program has three stages: deciding to quit, preparing to quit, and following through. D'Errico found it useful to have a date to quit planted firmly in her mind. "I have heard about the Smokeout over the years, but never really considered it. Many people quit smoking on New Year's Day, or their birthday. But the Smokeout is the day when everybody who smokes should try quitting," she said.

A Georgia native, D'Errico was picked by US Magazine last year as one of "The New Young Hollywood." She has starred two seasons on Baywatch and the late-night Baywatch Nights. Currently, she is filming a sci-fi comedy spoof with Barry Bostwick called "National Lampoon's Men in White," and is hosting her own daily half-hour show on MTV, "Prima Donna." D'Errico is also a nature enthusiast who, in October, hosted Bahamas Country Bash, a country music extravaganza filmed in the tropical paradise.

"We are all in it together," D'Errico said. "I'm there to lend support." After seeing family members wage losing battles against lung cancer and emphysema, D'Errico hopes to be the first generation of her family to be smoke-free.

• Great American Smokeout