CONCORD, N.C. (August 18, 2015) – American Diabetes Association® Youth Ambassador Hallie Cook will ride along with Roush Fenway Racing driver Ryan Reed during Friday night’s NASCAR XFINITY Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway (BMS). The Kingsport, Tenn. 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.
Cook was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes just over a year ago at the age of seven. Now eight, she remains active and loves to sing, dance, act, write, camp and attend church. She also enjoys baseball and attending Kingsport Mets games with her family. Family members describe her as a social butterfly who cares about others more than herself and strives to make everyone happy.
Like Reed, Cook is determined not to let diabetes get in her way. She has dreams of becoming an artist, musician or singer and looks up to Reed as an inspiration to chase her dreams.
“Hallie has such a great attitude towards life that makes me excited to have her on the No. 16 Lilly Diabetes American Diabetes Association Ford Mustang this weekend,” said Reed. “I’m so happy to see that she hasn’t let her diagnosis get her down in the last year and that she continues to do what she loves. Kids like Hallie are truly inspiring to me and represent the Drive to Stop Diabetes program so well.”
Ryan Reed and the ‘Riding with Ryan’ program roll into BMS for the second time this season. In his last appearance at the track in April, Reed finished 21st in the Drive to Stop Diabetes 300.
The NASCAR XFINITY Series takes the green flag from BMS on Friday, August 21 at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Network 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.
