Turning ALS into opportunity

By Andy Dygert/adygert@columbustelegram.com

COLUMBUS - “You have three to five years to live.”

Those were the doctor's words heard by Charles “Chuck” Fowler Jr., of North Bend, Dec. 14, 2005.

The reason? A condition referred to as ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), better known as Lou Gehrig's disease. Fowler was told his life was about to be cut short and his quality of life also would be diminished.

But Fowler decided he wouldn't accept his fate and brood over his bad fortune. No, he accepted his condition, but decided that instead of waiting for his health to diminish, he would better the way he was living.

So Fowler bought a race car.

Fowler's late father-in-law had always encouraged him to get into racing and buy a car, but different things had held Fowler back. Now he decided any former reasons for putting things off in his life no longer applied, and he purchased the vehicle.


Telegram photo by Blaine McCartney Chuck Fowler instructs his son and pit crew member, Levi, to put a little bit of air in one of his tires on his Dwarf car prior to a race Saturday evening at U.S. 30 Speedway in Columbus.

“I found the car - a dwarf car - in Colorado,” Fowler said. “It had a crotch-rocket motorcycle engine in it.”

The engine meant Fowler was right at home. Fowler has been riding motorcycles and racing them around since he was 10 years old. He also knew about competition, having been a top-notch jet ski racer. Twice he finished ninth in the world racing jet skis, so Fowler was used to the competitive side of racing.

That could explain why this 46-year-old man did so well his first year of racing dwarf cars, finishing fourth in Nebraska in his class.

One thing having a disease has taught Fowler, he said, is never to quit at anything. For instance, last year in a race at Columbus' U.S. 30 Speedway, Fowler was running well, having won his individual heat.

Then, in the feature race, he was struck by another car. Though far behind following the crash, Fowler continued to race and wound up passing several cars to finish fifth in the race. What's even more significant is what Fowler found when he popped the hood of his race car afterward.

“When I opened it up and tore (the engine) down, it had pushed a valve through the piston,” Fowler said. “It was leaking oil all over - it was a big hole.”

That never-quit attitude has kept Fowler racing even now, when his disability has forced him to stop working, walk with a cane and shop in a wheelchair. And Fowler's not just content with driving well - he wants to win.

“I believe I would have won last year if I hadn't been hit,” Fowler said. “I'm pretty sure that my car's always in the top five, and I always have the chance to win.”

This year Fowler was right back in a car (he owns more than one now) and driving at the fifth annual Cornhusker Vintage Nationals Saturday night at the U.S. 30 Speedway. Fowler finished fourth in his heat race and eighth in the feature field of 16 cars Saturday.

Though Fowler is currently able to drive just fine, if he loses that ability later in the year or for next year's races, he has no intention of quitting the racing business. Racing has given him a reason to get up in the morning and stay active - something he feels is a key to fighting his ALS.

“I want to make the best of every day,” Fowler said. “The more active I am, the healthier I am. I don't understand some people who just give up.”

So when his ability to drive leaves him, Fowler will stay involved in a different way.

“Next year, if I can't drive, I'll still run my race cars - I'll just put other people in them,” Fowler said. “I love doing it, and I'm not going to quit.”

Fowler has been aided in his efforts by the Muscular Distrophy Association (MDA), which pays for his racing and sponsors on a car.

He also has been helped recently by ALS in the Heartland, a support group that meets every third Monday of the month in Columbus.

“They came to my home last weekend and built a wheelchair ramp for me,” Fowler said. “They paid for everything.”

Fowler would like to get the word out about ALS in the Heartland and encourage anyone with any questions about ALS to get involved with the organization. Those interested in the group can find out more at www.alsintheheartland.com.

He was sponsoring the group in this last race and Fowler, his family, and Good Ol' Time Racing Association (GOTRA) raised $205 for the group. They did this by holding a ride-along for fans in the race cars, with all proceeds going to ALS in the Heartland.

When it comes right down to it, Fowler said he has lived better now that he has ALS then he did without it.

“After being diagnosed I decided it was time to start living,” Fowler said. “So I'm doing what I love to do.”

Worrying about his diagnosis?

That can wait.

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