08/29/2015
American Diabetes Association Youth Ambassador Kaitlin Radtke to ‘Ride with Ryan’
CONCORD, N.C. (August 26, 2015) – American Diabetes Association® Youth Ambassador Kaitlin Radtke will ride along with Roush Fenway Racing driver Ryan Reed during Saturday’s NASCAR XFINITY Series race at Road America. The Milwaukee, WI 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.
Radtke was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2007 at the age of 10. Despite some initial struggles getting comfortable with her day-to-day diabetes management, her family says she has learned so much about herself and it has made her stronger than ever. Three years ago, she began participating in the American Diabetes Association of Milwaukee’s Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes®. In 2014, she raised over $1,000 for the Walk and is now a part of the event’s planning committee.
“Step Out is a great way to get my friends and family together to support me and my dreams,” said Radtke. “We always have a lot of fun no matter what the weather is!”
Now 18, Radtke is starting her senior year of high school. She loves hanging out with her family and friends and being outdoors camping and swimming. She even enjoys making and eating s’mores on occasion. She is a huge racing and Green Bay Packers fan, as well as a supporter of her little brother’s little league team.
Like Reed, Radtke is determined to chase her dreams and show the world diabetes doesn’t have to slow you down. After high school, she plans to get her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and work with special needs children.
“I can really relate to Kaitlin’s learning how to manage the disease, even though she was much younger at the time of her diagnosis,” said Reed. “I admire her desire to give back and help others through her career in nursing and hope that we can bring home an awesome finish for her this weekend at Road America.”
Ryan Reed and the ‘Riding with Ryan’ program roll into the third and final road course on this season’s schedule at Road America. Reed finished 21st in his first start at the track in 2014.
The NASCAR XFINITY Series takes the green flag from Road America on Saturday, August 29 at 3 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Network 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.
