09/06/2016
Diabetes Awareness Advocate Bedford Thaxton to ‘Ride’ with Ryan Reed at Richmond
CONCORD, N.C. (September 6, 2016) – American Diabetes Association® diabetes awareness ambassador Bedford Thaxton will ‘ride’ along with Roush Fenway Racing driver Ryan Reed during Friday night’s NASCAR XFINITY Series race at Richmond International Raceway (RIR). The Richmond, Va. 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.
Like Reed, Thaxton lives with diabetes and knows the importance of managing his diabetes through working with his doctor, diet and exercise. When he was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 1982, he made lifestyle changes, including more exercise and reduced carbohydrate intake, to manage his diabetes. Today, he enjoys walking in his neighborhood and on the treadmill, in addition to working out at the local YMCA three days a week.
“My routine helps me manage my diabetes, increase my energy level, improve some arthritis symptoms, and allows me to relax and feel good,” Thaxton says.
Thaxton has volunteered with the American Diabetes Association for the past 15 years, representing the Association at health fairs, community events and speaking engagements with various organizations discussing diabetes and spreading awareness. He currently serves at the grant coordinator for the Central Virginia Association’s Diabetes Education Program, working with community organizations and churches to schedule diabetes education workshops. In 2014, he was recognized as the American Diabetes Association of Central Virginia’s Volunteer of the Year.
“I encourage people with diabetes or prediabetes to understand their risk factors for type 2 diabetes and commit to changing the risk factors they can control,” said Thaxton. “Diabetes is a serious disease, however, you can live a great life with diabetes. You have to decide who’s in control: YOU or diabetes.”
Ryan Reed and the ‘Riding with Ryan’ program roll into RIR for the second time this season. In April, Reed finished 11th after starting 18th.
The NASCAR XFINITY Series takes the green flag from RIR on Friday, September 9th at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBCSN and MRN.
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.
