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'It's time to start moving forward': Denver man removes tattoo to pursue his dream

Posted at 6:12 PM, Apr 27, 2018
and last updated 2018-04-27 20:48:05-04

DENVER – A man is erasing his past for a better future.

Some of James Smallwood’s regrets are drawn on his skin, but that's not stopping him from pursuing his dream.

"I figured if I’m going to change, I’m going to change everything," Smallwood said.

Smallwood is sitting in a consultation room at Vitahl Medical Aesthetics. He is making a huge decision that could change his life.

"I’m going to get rid of my tattoos on my hands and my neck," Smallwood said. "It’s time."

Smallwood is 28-years-old, and is required to get rid of his tattoos for his new career.

"I am wanting to join the military," Smallwood said. "All I need to do is get rid of these tattoos. Regardless if I wasn't joining the military, it’s still good for me."

Smallwood said he is a recovering drug addict going through rehab.

"It makes you think a lot about the things you’ve been through and the things that you’ve done," Smallwood said. "I was addicted to heroin, meth and cocaine."

Smallwood, now clean, is making the decision to get rid of his tattoos through Vitahl’s procedures.

"I don’t even remember some of these tattoos I got,"  Smallwood said. "I got this one on my left hand when I was in jail for burglary."

Smallwood is an example that it’s never too late to turn your life around. Vitahl Medical Aesthetics said it is helping with Smallwood’s procedure free of charge.

"It’s time to start moving forward," Smallwood said. "It’s an honor to be able to serve my country, and this is what I want to do."