07/18/2016
Diabetes Awareness Advocate James H. (Andy) Anderson, Jr. to ‘Ride’ with Ryan Reed in Indianapolis
CONCORD, N.C. (July 18, 2016) – American Diabetes Association® ambassador and diabetes advocate James H. (Andy) Anderson, Jr. will ‘ride’ along with Roush Fenway Racing driver Ryan Reed during Saturday’s NASCAR XFINITY Series Lilly Diabetes 250 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS). The Indianapolis, Ind. 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.
Anderson Jr.’s interest in diabetes began during his time at Louisiana State University’s Medical School, where he did experiments on insulin secretion. He enjoyed it so much that he spent the next two summers in the lab, with support from the local American Diabetes Association. That work led to a fellowship in diabetes and endocrinology, and a career as a diabetologist in patient care, academic research and experiments in long-acting diabetes medicines.
Later in life, he developed diabetes and sought out diabetes management programs associated with the local American Diabetes Association. Through these programs, Anderson Jr. found help with his weight loss, physical activity and a support structure to manage his health.
“The time, effort and, most importantly the financial support, I along with my family have invested in the American Diabetes Association, has served not only the community, but has personally improved my life as a person living with diabetes,” Anderson Jr. said.
“Andy’s work in diabetes research is outstanding and I thank him for all he’s doing for everyone living with diabetes,” said Ryan Reed. “It’s so special to honor someone like him who has truly devoted his life to the diabetes community. We are grateful to honor him by having his name featured on the No. 16 Lilly Diabetes/American Diabetes Association Ford Mustang during this weekend’s Lilly Diabetes 250.”
Ryan Reed and the ‘Riding with Ryan’ program roll into IMS for the first time this season. In this race last year, Reed finished 20th after starting 22nd.
The NASCAR XFINITY Series takes the green flag from IMS in the Lilly Diabetes 250 on Saturday, July 23, at 3:30 p.m. ET on NBCSN.
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.
