NHRA News: Coughlin family announces the Jeg's Foundation (3/16/2003)

Coughlin family announces the Jeg's Foundation

3/16/2003

A prominent family in the fast pace world of motorsports with a penchant for racing and a commitment to cure cancer is the driving force behind the creation of a new foundation to benefit the Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute at The Ohio State University and The Ireland Center.

Jeg Coughlin Jr. and his wife, Karen, with the assistance and commitment of the entire Coughlin family, have established the Jeg's Foundation to honor several family members whose fight against cancer has been the source of inspiration and courage for others. The foundation will support innovative research and treatments for patients as well as educational efforts to help the public become more aware of the early signs and symptoms of cancer and how they might make healthier choices to protect themselves from developing the disease.

Coughlin is the two-time reigning NHRA POWERade Pro Stock champion and, along with his father and three older brothers, direct the operations of the family's growing second generation business Jeg's Automotive. The family business was founded in 1960 by Jeg Coughlin Sr., and caters to performance enthusiasts worldwide who share the same passion for improving the performance and looks of their vehicles.

"Racing is the core of our business, and we hope that some of the same qualities that are necessary for success here -- things like commitment, determination and a competitive spirit -- can fuel the growth of the JEG'S Foundation and create an exciting way to create additional awareness," said Jeg Jr.

"This is such an important cause for my husband, myself and the entire Coughlin family," said Karen Coughlin. "It's been five years since I was treated for cancer. I was able to experience first hand the impact of innovative treatment and care. Almost everyone has a family member or friend affected by cancer. The important thing to remember is that there are almost 9 million people alive today who have successfully fought the disease - and we want that number to grow."

The Coughlins are hoping to increase visibility of their work through the creation of a new ribbon that will symbolize the Jeg's Foundation efforts. The perky, multicolored ribbon reflects a racing theme, and will be emblazoned on all Jeg's Team cars and uniforms beginning at the NHRA Mac Tools Gatornationals.

"Karen designed it and put her heart and soul into it," said Jeg, "and we think it's going to attract a lot of attention. People are going to want to know what it's all about and everyone is excited to help educate the public from coast-to-coast. Using the unique stage that NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series and Lucas Oil Sportsman Series provides will enhance top of mind awareness in a new and exciting way."

"We are so pleased to be able to do this," says Karen. "Like many cancer patients and cancer survivors, I've felt the need to give back something. The entire Coughlin family feels this is the best way to do it, and we hope others will join us in creating awareness and racing for the cure. We have a lot to be thankful for."

"We are honored to add The Jeg's Foundation to The James Team," said Dr. David Schuller, executive director of The James and deputy director of The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center. "Their support and dedication are a source of inspiration to all of us who are working so hard to reach the goal we all strive for, a cure for cancer."

"We at the Ireland Cancer Center are excited about are new partnership with the Jeg's Foundation," said Dr. Jim Wilson, director of The Ireland Cancer Center. "This is a partnership we are excited about and can see the synergies is creating awareness for cancer research in a mainstream way."

The National Cancer Institute (NCI), "the nation's investment in cancer research," supports scientific discovery and its application in clinical practice through NCI-funded research in the U.S. and around the world. By stimulating the generation of new knowledge and tools and encouraging collaborations among researchers in a myriad on NCI-supported initiatives, the NCI works toward its goal "to achieve a future when all cancers are uncommon and easily treated."

The JEG'S Foundation for Cancer Research is honored to be affiliated with two of only 39 nationally designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers, the Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute at the Ohio State University (www.jamesline.com), and the Ireland Cancer Center of University Hospitals Health System (www.irelandcancercenter.org).

"We truly believe that using the unique high energy stage that motorsports has is a real benefit to help create positive and worthwhile awareness to the most loyal and caring fans. I would not be surprised to see this awareness campaign grow wings and take off throughout the entire world of motorsports," explained Scott "Woody" Woodruff, spokesman for The JEG'S Foundation. "I think the public will see that the NHRA family of racers is concerned and will help as a solid team to help create awareness for such a worth while cause. Let's let the race for the cure of cancer begin at the NHRA Mac Tools Gatornationals."

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