On the run with Troy Coughlin, driver of the Jeg's Mail Order Chevy Cavalier Pro Stocker

National Dragster, Feb 28, 2003 by Coughlin, Troy

Teamwork, passion, and dedication are things that we can all relate to on and off the track when it comes to racing or running a business. Being part of a private tour at The James Cancer Hospital Solove Research Institute at The Ohio State University recently really opened my eyes to this.

We visited numerous research labs, had meetings, and listened to professionals talk about battling cancer. Some of the ideas that were shared with us were cutting-edge technologies and theories that are helping to battle cancer right now around the world.

The common theme throughout our visit was teamwork. Everyone is part of the team battling cancer, and they are all specialists. Each department needs the other, and each person complements the total effort in battling cancer. We could really see the synergies of the research process developing in front of our eyes. It was cool to see such a great positive attitude in an environment filled with stress.

Everyone we talked to was so passionate about what they were doing, and it showed. You could not help but focus on every word that came out of their mouths. I wanted to learn as much as I could from the enthusiastic people who explained such detailed scientific information. One scientist described avoiding cancer as dodging raindrops in a storm. I am the first to say that I should have paid a little more attention in chemistry and biology when I was in high school. Knowing how much math skills are applied during racing, I should have listened a little better during those classes as well, but that is another topic entirely.

My mother-in-law, Grandma Jo, passed away last year, just before the Denver race, after a long battle with cancer. Family is always first to me, so I stayed home to help my wife, Julie, and her family through a difficult time.

Cancer touches us all. Statistically, one in four people will be diagnosed with some form of cancer in his or her lifetime. Our family has had battles and is battling with cancer just like many of you. Some of the scientists were kind enough to describe things using racing analogies, to which I could relate better. As it turned out, many of them are huge fans of NHRA POWERade Drag Racing and are tuned into ESPN every week watching the latest action down the quartermile battlefield.

Cancer was described to me as a cell that is multiplying out of control, like a car that has lost the use of its brakes. Sometimes the brakes work for a while, but the pressure builds so fast and so strong that the braking system just lets go, and the multiplying of harmful cells takes off uncontrollably.

The tests that we saw firsthand being done were breathtaking and truly amazing to watch. Just the idea of being able to pinpoint individual cells in the body is unbelievable to me each time I think about it.

Seeing the technology and tools used to battle cancer is something that will stick in my mind forever. I could not help but wonder what a project like this would cost and where the funding comes from. I just assumed that everyone got a paycheck from The Ohio State University and the university was taking care of the bills.

I was surprised to find out that private donations get the ball rolling for research projects to assist in building the preliminary data to go after the larger needed national grants. To say I was caught off guard would be a drastic understatement. I quickly understood why private donations are so important to the battle against cancer.

Our family formed the privately funded Jes Foundation for Cancer Research this year. Jeg and his wife, Karen, have been instrumental in getting this family effort off of the ground. We believe the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series and the Lucas Oil Sportsman Series will provide a unique stage to raise prevention awareness, education, and dollars for discovery-oriented cancer research. The Racing for Research program will offer others access to information about cutting-- edge cancer technology and treatment and provide an avenue to become involved and make a difference.

Proceeds of the Jegs Foundation for Cancer Research are directed to The Ireland Cancer Center and The James Cancer Hospital Solove Research Institute, two National Cancer Institute-designated facilities in Ohio that are among the top research and teaching hospitals in the United States.

If you have been diagnosed with cancer or are caring for someone with cancer and would like information about the latest technology and treatments available, call The James Cancer Hospital Solove Research Institute, (800) 293-5066, or log on to www.jamesline.com, or call The Ireland Cancer Center, (216) 844-5432, or log on to www.uhhs.com.

Our entire family is looking forward to making a difference against the cancer battle on and off the track. We truly wish all of you the best in your own battles.