CONCORD, N.C. (May 26, 2015) – American Diabetes Association Youth Ambassador Justin Keel will ride along with Roush Fenway Racing driver Ryan Reed during Saturday’s NASCAR XFINITY Series race at Dover International Speedway. The Wyomissing, Pa. native will have his name featured on a decal above the passenger-side door on the No. 16 Lilly Diabetes American Diabetes Association Ford Mustang.
Keel is an active 13-year-old who doesn’t let his type 1 diabetes slow him down. His need for speed is evident in his passions for soccer, running and fast cars. His dream is to find a cure for the disease so that he can someday serve his country as a member of the Armed Forces, an opportunity that is currently not available to those living with insulin-dependent diabetes.
Keel is one of four family members that have been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. He has been active in the American Diabetes Association’s Delaware Family Retreat since he was a baby as his older sister also has the disease. He also attends a camp each summer with other children living with diabetes. Despite losing his grandfather from complications with type 1 diabetes, Keel stays positive and is a role model for other children, inspiring them to stay active.
Ryan Reed and the ‘Riding with Ryan’ program roll into Dover International Speedway for a 200-lap event on the one-mile oval. The name of a Youth Ambassador will be featured on the No. 16 Ford Mustang each weekend for the remainder of the 2015 season.
“Jordan is clearly motivated to chase his dreams and live a normal life despite his diagnosis,” said Reed. “It’s inspiring to see how positive he’s stayed given how devastating the disease has been in his own family. I’m honored that we could feature Jordan on the Drive to Stop Diabetes Ford Mustang this weekend at Dover and hope we can get him and his family a win.”
The NASCAR XFINITY Series takes the green flag from Dover International Speedway on Saturday, May 30 at 2:30 p.m. ET on FOX and MRN.
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.
