CONCORD, N.C. (July 28, 2015) – American Diabetes Association® Youth Ambassador Kolsie Bixler will ride along with Roush Fenway Racing driver Ryan Reed during Saturday’s NASCAR XFINITY Series race at Iowa Speedway. The Lisbon, Iowa 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.
Like Reed, Bixler lives with type 1 diabetes and knows the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. She participates in the American Diabetes Association® of Cedar Rapids’ Tour De Cure® cycling event as a Red Rider. Red Riders are children or adults living with diabetes who showcase the courage it takes to live with the disease by riding in the event.
She also participates in the American Diabetes Association Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes®. In 2015, she raised over $2,000 for the walk and was named a Champion to Stop Diabetes.
When she’s not riding her bike, 8-year-old Bixler enjoys spending time with her family, including her younger brother and sister, playing with friends and reading.
“Kolsie is clearly motivated to help find a cure for diabetes and show everyone that having diabetes doesn’t have to slow you down,” said Reed. “I love hearing the stories of how kids as young as Kolsie are getting involved and inspiring others to chase their dreams. Hopefully we can bring home a good finish this weekend for Kolsie and the Drive to Stop Diabetes program.”
Ryan Reed and the ‘Riding with Ryan’ program roll into Iowa Speedway this weekend for a 250-lap event on the short track. Reed finished 16th in his last appearance at the track earlier this season.
The NASCAR XFINITY Series takes the green flag from Iowa Speedway on Saturday, August 1 at 8 p.m. ET on NBC.
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.
