11/18/2015
American Diabetes Association Youth Ambassador Brigid McDonald to ‘Ride with Ryan’
CONCORD, N.C. (November 16, 2015) – American Diabetes Association® Youth Ambassador Brigid McDonald will ‘ride’ along with Roush Fenway Racing driver Ryan Reed during Saturday’s NASCAR XFINITY Series season finale at Homestead Miami Speedway (HMS). The Hollywood, Fla. native will have her name featured on a decal above the passenger-side window on the No. 16 Lilly Diabetes American Diabetes Association Ford Mustang.
McDonald was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of six. The now 16-year-old high school junior has remained active since her diagnosis, which she knows is an important step in managing her diabetes. The former gymnast, now cheerleader, won several state titles and a national YMCA tournament title for competitive gymnastics. She also enjoys dancing, jazz and ballet, and has competed in numerous school and church dance events.
McDonald is very outgoing and willing to spread the word about diabetes, including her own diabetes management. She aspires to become a diabetes educator and work with children who have been diagnosed. She also helps raise awareness through her participation and fundraising in the yearly local American Diabetes Association Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes®.
“I have really enjoyed getting to hear the stories of other young people who are helping to spread awareness about diabetes throughout this season,” said Reed. “Wrapping the season up with Brigid on our car at HMS is really special because she is a great example of how you can live a normal life beyond a diabetes diagnosis. I want to thank her and all of the other Youth Ambassadors for all they are doing in their communities and hope to make Brigid and the entire diabetes community proud in this final race of 2015.”
Ryan Reed and the ‘Riding with Ryan’ program roll into HMS, one of Reed’s favorite tracks, for the NASCAR XFINITY Series season finale this weekend. In 2014, Reed finished 27th after getting caught up in an incident on the track.
Reed’s No. 16 Lilly Diabetes American Diabetes Association Ford Mustang will feature an American Diabetes Month® decal this weekend at HMS.. American Diabetes Month is part of an effort by the American Diabetes Association to spread awareness of the disease, featuring programs designed to focus the nation’s attention on the issues surrounding diabetes and the many people who are impacted by the disease.
The NASCAR XFINITY Series takes the green flag from HMS on Saturday, November 21st at 2:45 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
