NASCAR racing champ Danica Patrick is on a mission to stop chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the respiratory illness that took her grandmother’s life. In this exclusive interview, Patrick shares memories of her relative’s struggle with the condition and explains how she stays healthy and fit in such a machine-driven, male-dominated sport...
At just 5’2”, Danica Patrick, 29, isn’t the most physically menacing opponent on the NASCAR Nationwide or Indy Car circuits.
But behind the wheel, she can drive circles around her opponents. In fact, she currently holds the best NASCAR finish by a woman, a feat she accomplished this March in Las Vegas.
But her fiercest opponent isn’t on a race car track. It’s chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which claimed the life of Patrick’s 65-year-old grandmother in 2001.
“We lost her much too young to a tragic, horrible disease,” Patrick says.
Patrick was in England pursuing her career as a professional race car driver when her grandmother’s health deteriorated – a decision she now regrets.
“I wanted to be with my friends, doing my own thing,” Patrick explains. “That’s what’s so sad for me now. I think about the time I missed and all the things she’s missing out on now.”
Since her grandmother’s death, Patrick has embarked on “a crusade to prevent other families from experiencing this terrible disease,” she says.
She’s determined to get Americans to recognize their risks for the respiratory illness through Drive4COPD, a national public health initiative that raises awareness through screenings and other events.
COPD is progressive, and breathing worsens over time. Smoking is the leading cause of COPD, according to the National Health Lung Blood Institute. But long-term exposure to air pollution, dust or chemical fumes may also contribute to the respiratory illness.
Common signs of the disease are wheezing, coughing, an overproduction of mucus, shortness of breath and tightness in the chest.
Her grandmother had all the classic symptoms, Patrick says.
“She went to the hospital a lot because she wasn’t able to breathe,” she says.
She talked with Lifescript about how she’s getting the word out about COPD and how she protects herself in the physically demanding world of professional racing.
Were you aware your grandmother was sick as a child?
I always knew something was going on, but, [when I was] a young child, she seemed fine. It wasn’t until I was in my teens that I became aware of just how bad things were.
That’s when I remember her having trouble breathing. It was just awful.
When you lived in England, how did you feel coming home and seeing your grandmother struggling to breathe?
I missed the gradual stages of COPD, the ones where a person gets tightness in the chest now and then, or is coughing a lot, but doesn’t need oxygen yet.
I saw her at the end of the disease after it ravaged her body and she was so sickly and thin. It was worse than if I was closer to her. When you’re away or don’t see someone for some time, even little changes seem extreme.
So you can imagine how drastic it was to see her on oxygen for the first time. Or seeing that she had to be in a wheelchair because she’d get winded walking even just a few steps.
Did your grandmother smoke?
She was a smoker. Unfortunately, that was popular with her generation.
I don’t know if she realized she was at risk before she developed COPD. They didn’t have the educational tools available today for people who don’t yet have the disease but may get it down the road.
The signs aren’t visible on your face or skin, like a rash or lump. So many people aren’t aware they’re at risk for the disease.
Did she quit smoking?
She did, but the damage was already done.
Have you ever smoked?
Absolutely not.
What's a typical prognosis for someone with COPD?
The disease often claims people before they hit 70. My grandmother was in her mid-60s when she died.
What message do you hope to spread through your work with Drive4COPD?
This disease is the fourth leading cause of death in the country. It kills more people than breast cancer and diabetes combined.
Early detection is so critical. It can help extend lives and make the disease manageable and treatable even though it can’t be cured.
Even though smoking is the leading cause of COPD, there’s a genetic link too. Are you worried you may follow in her footsteps?
No, we all have a genetic predisposition to many things. I don’t focus on just one illness; I take my health and fitness very seriously to cut down the chances of getting any disease.
How do you to stay healthy?
I make sure to challenge my body as much as possible.
It’s important to be able to spot any little changes in your body, like tightness in the chest or feeling fatigued and winded after doing things that never used to tire you out. Pushing yourself to see how far you can go today – versus how far you went yesterday or last week – helps you spot those changes.
How do you challenge yourself?
I’ll push myself harder in a run or hike 20 floors of stairs. I like to do different things that leave me winded and exhausted, but in a good way. Then I can tell if I’m not able to run as far as normal or go as fast.
Did your grandmother exercise?
I don’t remember my grandmother ever working out. She probably wasn’t challenging her fitness level very much and wasn’t aware of what was going on in her body.
Do you have a healthy diet?
I always eat a good breakfast. It starts my day out right and makes me want to eat a good lunch.
I used to be very picky about my diet and would freak out if I ate something that wasn’t on it. Now, I’m easier on myself. I know that one slip doesn’t mean you’ve blown it all. I just get right back into eating healthy and give myself that pass.
I have small portions of things I crave and understand the benefits of moderation. So I don’t overeat, but don’t deprive myself either.
You’re in a sport dominated by men. What do you credit with your success?
I’m very fortunate to come from a family that encouraged me to try everything – cheerleading, band, choir, volleyball, basketball and racing.
I fell in love with racing and found my passion at age 10. My parents recognized that and let me move to England to pursue my racing career when I was 16.
How do you stay committed on those tough days?
I try to be positive and surround myself with good and optimistic people. Negativity is bad for anybody, not just athletes. I’m at my best when I’m enjoying life and there’s no negative tension.
When I get on the track, I never think: I’m going to crash. I get in the car and think: I’m going to win.
Get more information at Drive4COPD.
For more information and expert advice about the respiratory illness, visit our new COPD Health Center.
How Much Do You Know About COPD?
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is on the rise, according to the National Institutes of Health. More than 12 million people in the U.S. are currently diagnosed with it, and another 12 million may have it but don’t know.
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