05/23/2016
Diabetes Awareness Advocate Stephanie Bradshaw to ‘Ride’ with Ryan Reed at Charlotte
CONCORD, N.C. (May 23, 2016) – American Diabetes Association® representative and diabetes advocate Stephanie Bradshaw will ‘ride’ along with Roush Fenway Racing driver Ryan Reed during Saturday’s NASCAR XFINITY Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The Garner, N.C. resident will have her name featured on a decal above the passenger-side window on the No. 16 Lilly Diabetes/American Diabetes Association Ford Mustang.
Like Reed, Bradshaw lives with diabetes and knows the importance of staying healthy to manage her health. After watching her father fight diabetes for over 25 years, Bradshaw was determined not to let diabetes win. Through working with her doctor, eating healthy and exercising, Bradshaw has lost over 97 pounds and counting since her diagnosis.
“I decided I wanted a better life for myself and made changes to get healthier,” said Bradshaw. “I speak with people every chance I get to let them know that a diabetes diagnosis doesn’t have to be a death sentence. I may have diabetes but it doesn’t have me. When you put in the hard work and dedication, you can accomplish great things.”
Bradshaw raises awareness and funds for the American Diabetes Association of Raleigh Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes® event. Last year, her team raised the most money in the family and friends division for the Raleigh event. This weekend at Charlotte, Bradshaw will have the opportunity to meet Reed and watch the race from atop the No. 16 Lilly Diabetes/American Diabetes Association pit box.
“Stephanie’s attitude towards diabetes is so uplifting,” said Reed. “Her example just proves that through working with your doctor, and managing your diet and exercise, diabetes doesn’t have to slow you down. I encourage fans to share how they manage their health as well using #IDriveMyHealth on Twitter for a chance to have their answer included in my paint scheme at Phoenix International Raceway later this season.”
Ryan Reed and the ‘Riding with Ryan’ program roll into Charlotte Motor Speedway this weekend for the first time this season. In 2015, Reed took home 12th– and 11th-place finishes in the spring and fall events at the track, respectively.
The NASCAR XFINITY Series takes the green flag from Charlotte Motor Speedway on Saturday, May 28th at 2:30 p.m. ET on FS1 and PRN.
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.
