The FINANCIAL — On February 21, NASCAR Xfinity Series driver and Lilly Diabetes ambassador Ryan Reed won the Alert Today Florida 300 at Daytona International Speedway.
This is his first win as a NASCAR driver and shows that with hard work and proper management, anything is possible – even for people living with diabetes. Reed, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 17, was told that he would never race again. He refused to give up on his dream of racing and in 2013, became a driver for Roush Fenway Racing.
Since his diagnosis, Reed has also joined forces with Lilly Diabetes and the American Diabetes Association on Drive to Stop DiabetesSM, an initiative that brings awareness and diabetes education to thousands at NASCAR races nationwide. Through Reed’s example, children and adults with diabetes can see that the disease doesn’t need to stand in the way of pursuing their dreams.
“When I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, I knew that through hard work and a great support system, I could learn how to manage the disease and continue to compete as a racecar driver,” said Reed. “I’m so excited to get this first win at Daytona, but am even more excited for what this means to the diabetes community. I’m living my dream and others with diabetes can do the same.”
Reed will continue to compete in the NASCAR Xfinity Series races this season with Roush Fenway Racing in the No. 16 Lilly Diabetes/American Diabetes Association Ford Mustang.
“We are so proud of Ryan’s winning performance at Daytona and continue to be impressed by his will to help raise awareness of diabetes,” said Mike Mason, vice president, U.S., Lilly Diabetes. “Lilly Diabetes is honored to work with him – he’s such an inspiration to the millions of Americans, including NASCAR fans, who are at risk for, living with, or supporting a loved one with diabetes. We hope this win will further awareness of prevention and management of diabetes.”
“Working with Ryan and Lilly Diabetes on the Drive to Stop DiabetesSM campaign has been an exciting experience. To see the effect he has on people with diabetes and their loved ones is truly inspirational. With the win at Daytona, he continues to show that anything is possible,” said Kevin L. Hagan, CEO, American Diabetes Association. “This win continues to help us raise critical awareness about diabetes and allows us to further our movement to Stop Diabetes.”
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