• 8/6/2005
  • Chicago, IL
  • staff
  • www.nbc5.com

Waitress Believes Throat Cancer Caused By Secondhand Smoke

A former waitress is taking aim at former Bears football coach and current restaurant owner Mike Ditka for comments made to The Chicago Tribune about her testimony before the city council.

Mary Rondoni was told by her doctors that her throat cancer was almost certainly caused by the second-hand smoke that she breathed at work every day. Rondoni testified to that effect in favor of a proposed smoking ban three weeks ago, NBC5’s Phil Rogers reported.

Ditka testified against the proposal, but then took it one step further in Thursday’s edition of the Tribune when he said of Rondoni and her throat cancer, “One employee stood up and said she thinks — she thinks — that the cancer she got is from secondhand smoke. She thinks! She was a waitress!”

“I think he should apologize,” Rondoni said.

Rondoni, who underwent three surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation for her cancer, said Ditka and his colleagues insult cancer victims and workers alike when they speak only of the possibility of losing business.

“Shame on those people who are only taking into consideration the profit,” Rondoni said. Rogers reported that Rondoni said she expects an apology from Ditka.

Dr. Jodi Patel of Northwestern Hospital said there is not a doubt in her mind that secondhand smoke leads to squemous cell carcinoma, which is what Rondoni had, Rogers reported. Some studies suggest nonsmokers are 20 to 30 percent more likely to develop cancer if they are exposed to secondhand smoke.

While Ditka’s restaurant thrives on its smoky atmosphere, some fellow restaurateurs went on the offensive against smoking.

“I have a lot of respect for coach Ditka,” said Ina Pinkney, a restaurant owner. “I just don’t have any respect for his opinion.”

Pinkney’s restaurant was one of eight in the city which began distributing cards on Thursday which customers could sign in support of the proposed smoking ban.

“We’ve done this now for one hour during lunch,” Pinkney said, holding up a bunch of signed cards. “And look what we’ve gotten back already.”

One anti-smoking advocate had sharp words for Ditka.

“As a public health expert, Mike Ditka makes a very good football coach,” said Joel Africk of the American Lung Association.