It was founded in August 2002, in Madison WI
as BREATHE by Taku Ronsman and Emi Narita.  

Madison passed a strong smoke-free worksite ordinance in April 2004,
which went into effect July 1, 2005. 

BREATHE relocated to Green Bay WI (along with Taku)
and the name was changed to Gotta Breathe.  Janyse Bice-Allen became my partner in smoke-free activism.  Along with other concerned citizens of all ages and backgrounds we advocated for smoke-free air everywhere!.  Together we got Green Bay City Hall to go smoke-free and put pressure on local restaurants and bars to do the same. 

We are ordinary citizens  of all ages reclaiming the right of everyone
to breathe smoke-free air in workplaces and public spaces.

Our mission is to eliminate tobacco smoke pollution (TSP) from all
workplaces and public spaces in order to fully protect workers and the
public from the health hazards of secondhand smoke.

Short-term goal: Get Brown County municipalities smoke-free by providing
community education and promoting the implementation of smoke-free ordinances.

Long-term goal: Get the entire state of Wisconsin smoke-free by providing community education and promoting the implementation of a smoke-free workplace and public spaces state law...

I've been fighting for smoke-free air for over 20 years.  I was the Coordinator of the Brown County Tobacco-Free Coalition from 1993 - 1999.  I have lots of photos, newpaper stories, and video clips that document the smoke-free movement in Brown County. However, due to 2 nasty bouts with Cancer I do not have the time or energy to keep Gotta Breathe or this website active.  However I will continue to fight for a 100%statewide smoking ban by contacting my legislators and encourage others to do the same!

Please visit www.MsTaku.com to see what I am doing with my life
as the owner of Rhythms & Tunes with Ms Taku, LLC

Best regards,
Taku