CONCORD, N.C. (August 16, 2016) – American Diabetes Association® diabetes ambassador Scott Curtis will ‘ride’ along with Roush Fenway Racing driver Ryan Reed during Friday night’s NASCAR XFINITY Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway (BMS). The Englewood, Tenn. resident will have his name featured on a decal above the passenger-side window on the No. 16 Lilly Diabetes/American Diabetes Association Ford Mustang.
Like Reed, Curtis lives with diabetes and has learned the importance of managing his health through diet and exercise. Curtis was first diagnosed with type 2 diabetes four years ago, two years after a work accident left him immobile. Weighing 489 pounds at the time of his diagnosis, Curtis’ medical situation was desperate. He lost his eyesight due to complications from diabetes and knew he had to change his life.
“I bought a good mountain bike and started riding,” said Curtis. “At first it was just 300 yards at a time. I never gave up. I kept going, each day, pushing just a little farther. I started learning about my diabetes, eating better and making smarter decisions about my health.”
When Curtis learned of the American Diabetes Association® Tour de Cure® cycling event, he immediately became involved. Curtis, who had lost over 200 pounds in two years, began riding in the Knoxville Tour de Cure as a Red Rider, a participant who lives with diabetes. Today, he rides 20-30 miles every day and says he feels better than ever. He serves on the Knoxville Tour de Cure planning committee and as a volunteer in the local Knoxville American Diabetes Association office.
“Working with the local Knoxville office has been a blessing for me,” said Curtis. “I know that what I do every day is making a difference not only in the local events but in the lives of people who are living with diabetes.”
This weekend at BMS, Curtis will have the opportunity to meet Ryan Reed and watch the race from atop the No. 16 Lilly Diabetes/American Diabetes Association pit box.
“Scott’s story of transformation is so inspiring,” said Reed. “He is a true testament to how working with your doctors and managing your health can completely change your life. I look forward to meeting him this weekend and talking about our shared love of cycling.”
Ryan Reed and the ‘Riding with Ryan’ program roll into BMS for the second time this season. In April, Reed finished 21st after starting 17th.
The NASCAR XFINITY Series takes the green flag from BMS on Friday, August 19th at 7:30 p.m. ET on USA and PRN.
About Drive to Stop Diabetes
The Drive to Stop DiabetesSM campaign strives to educate people about living well with diabetes. The campaign encourages the millions of Americans who have diabetes to talk about a management plan with their doctor, family, and friends and to lead healthy lives.
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.
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. Founded in 1940, the Association’s mission is 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 diabetes.org. Information from both of these sources is available in English and Spanish.
