CONCORD, N.C. (May 18, 2015) – American Diabetes Association Youth Ambassador Jordan Rice will ride along with Roush Fenway Racing driver Ryan Reed during Saturday’s NASCAR XFINITY Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The Charlotte native will have her name featured on a decal above the passenger-side door on the No. 16 Lilly Diabetes American Diabetes Association Ford Mustang.
Rice, age 13, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2003 as a 20-month-old baby. She is currently an eighth-grade student at J.M. Robinson Middle School where she plays the French horn in the band and participates in gymnastics and the drama program.
Like Reed, Rice is active in the diabetes community. She has attended the American Diabetes Association’s Camp Carolina Trails for the last six years and participates in the annual Step Out®: Walk to Stop Diabetes® with her family.
“Working with the American Diabetes Association reminds me I’m not alone and gives me hope,” said Rice. “It’s amazing to know there are people and companies out there that care about me and my journey with diabetes.”
Ryan Reed and the ‘Riding with Ryan’ program roll into Charlotte Motor Speedway this Memorial Day weekend for a 200-lap event on the 1.5 mile track. The name of a Youth Ambassador will be featured on the No. 16 Ford Mustang each weekend for the remainder of the 2015 season.
“It’s awesome to see how involved Jordan is in the Charlotte community, spreading awareness and sharing her story with other kids living with diabetes,” said Reed. “Hopefully we can get Jordan and the Drive to Stop Diabetes® program a win this weekend at Charlotte.”
The NASCAR XFINITY Series takes the green flag from Charlotte Motor Speedway on Saturday, May 23 at 2:30 p.m. ET on FOX 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.
