CONCORD, N.C. (September 1, 2015) – American Diabetes Association® Youth Ambassador Asher Huddlestun will ride along with Roush Fenway Racing driver Ryan Reed during Saturday’s NASCAR XFINITY Series race at Darlington Raceway. The Columbia, S.C. native will have his name featured on a decal below the passenger-side window on the No. 16 Lilly Diabetes American Diabetes Association Ford Mustang.
Like Reed, Huddlestun lives with type 1 diabetes. He was diagnosed in 2013 at age 11. Now age 13, Huddlestun is an advocate for everyone living with the disease. He loves to teach others about what diabetes means and how to live with it. He has encouraged and mentored newly-diagnosed friends to help them get back on their feet after a life-changing diagnosis and looks forward to sharing his story with others in the community. His fundraising efforts to find a cure for diabetes include his participation in South Carolina’s Tour de Cure® cycling event.
Huddlestun mimics Reed’s desire to live a normal life, despite his diagnosis. He is an avid reader who enjoys learning and has hopes to become a social studies teacher one day. He stays active through running and riding his bike. He and his family enjoy spending time together playing video, card and board games. He also participates in Boy Scouts and helps teach young children at his church.
“Asher is such a great role model for kids living with diabetes,” said Reed. “I love hearing how he has become a mentor to others diagnosed with diabetes and has not let his diagnosis stop him from living a normal life. I am continually encouraged by kids like Asher and know that with his help the Drive to Stop Diabetes program is helping to bring awareness and find a cure for this disease.”
Ryan Reed and the ‘Riding with Ryan’ program roll into Darlington Raceway this weekend for the first time this season. Reed finished 13th at the track in 2014.
The NASCAR XFINITY Series takes the green flag from Darlington Raceway on Saturday, September 5 at 3:30 p.m. ET on NBC 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.
