American Diabetes Association Youth Ambassador Eli Spencer to ‘Ride with Ryan’
BRISTOL, Tenn. (April 14, 2015) – For the second time this season, Roush Fenway Racing’s Ryan Reed has a special guest riding along with him during Saturday’s NASCAR XFINITY Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway (BMS). The No. 16 Lilly Diabetes American Diabetes Association Ford Mustang will carry Eli Spencer’s name above the passenger-side window. Spencer is a Youth Ambassador for the American Diabetes Association’s East Tennessee Region.
Spencer was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in May 2013. The 14-year-old high school freshman has refused to let diabetes slow him down. He was a Red Rider in last year’s Knoxville Tour de Cure®, raising more than $500 for the American Diabetes Association. Spencer also runs track for his school track team and participates in local duathlons. Eventually, he plans to compete in an Ironman Triathlon.
The ‘Riding with Ryan’ program rolls into its second weekend at BMS for the Drive to Stop Diabetes 300. The name of a Youth Ambassador will be featured on the No. 16 Ford Mustang each weekend for the remainder of the 2015 season.
“I’m excited to have the name of another Youth Ambassador on the car for the Drive to Stop Diabetes 300 this weekend,” said Reed. “One of the most exciting things about this platform is recognizing other young people living with diabetes that continue to chase their dreams. I continue to be amazed by these Youth Ambassadors as well as what the American Diabetes Association and Lilly Diabetes do for the diabetes community.”
The NASCAR XFINITY Series takes the green flag from Bristol Motor Speedway on Saturday, April 18 at 1:30 p.m. ET on Fox Sports 1 and PRN.
About The American Diabetes Association
The American Diabetes Association is leading the fight to Stop Diabetes and its deadly consequences and fighting for those affected by diabetes. The Association funds research to prevent, cure and manage diabetes; delivers services to hundreds of communities; provides objective and credible information; and gives voice to those denied their rights because of diabetes. For the past 75 years, our mission has been to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. For more information please call the American Diabetes Association at 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383) or visit www.diabetes.org. Information from both these sources is available in English and Spanish.
About Lilly Diabetes
Lilly has been a global leader in diabetes care since 1923, when we introduced the world’s first commercial insulin. Today we are building upon this heritage by working to meet the diverse needs of people with diabetes and those who care for them. Through research and collaboration, a broad and growing product portfolio and a continued determination to provide real solutions—from medicines to support programs and more—we strive to make life better for all those affected by diabetes around the world. For more information, visit www.lillydiabetes.com or follow us on Twitter: @LillyDiabetes.
