LINCOLN, Ala. (May 2, 2014) – Roush Fenway Racing’s (RFR) Ryan Reed will have a special guest riding along with him during Saturday’s NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) race at Talladega Superspeedway. American Diabetes Association Youth Ambassador Kathryn Morgan’s name is featured on a decal riding inside the No. 16 American Diabetes Association Drive to Stop DiabetesSM presented by Lilly Diabetes Ford Mustang.
Morgan, from Birmingham, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes on April 1, 2012 at age seven. However, just like Reed, nine-year-old Morgan has not let diabetes slow her down. Her favorite activities include gymnastics, swimming and riding horses.
“It is not scary to have diabetes,” said Morgan. “You just have a part inside that does not work right any more. You can get a pump that acts like the broken part.”
The ‘Riding with Ryan’ program kicks off this weekend at Talladega Superspeedway. The name of a Youth Ambassador will be featured on the No. 16 Ford Mustang at 11 races this season, coinciding with races where there is an activation space for Drive to Stop DiabetesSM.
Drive to Stop DiabetesSM will host an activation space in the fan midway at a total of 15 races during the 2014 season. The display area features the No. 16 Drive to Stop DiabetesSM racing simulator, diabetes awareness and educational materials, as well as various prizes.
“One of the best parts about the Drive to Stop DiabetesSM program is the strong tie to the community,” said Reed. “The Youth Ambassador program is a great example of the American Diabetes Association’s efforts to help those impacted by diabetes. I’m proud to be associated with the American Diabetes Association and Lilly Diabetes as they continue to show that people living with diabetes can live a life without limits.”
The NNS takes the green flag from Talladega Superspeedway on Saturday, May 3 at 3:00 p.m. ET on ESPN and MRN.
