CONCORD, N.C. (July 12, 2016) – American Diabetes Association® ambassador, volunteer and advocate Jeff Gillis will ‘ride’ along with Roush Fenway Racing driver Ryan Reed during Saturday’s NASCAR XFINITY Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS). The Burlington, Mass., 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, Gillis lives with diabetes and knows the importance of staying healthy. He was diagnosed 18 years ago and manages his diabetes through adhering to medication, sticking to his diet and getting plenty of physical activity. His favorite form of exercise is cycling with his daughter Emily, who lives with type 1 diabetes.
Gillis participates in and raises money for the Association’s North Shore Tour de Cure® cycling event. For the past two years, he has led the top-fundraising corporate team and has organized a company-wide spin-a-thon for the team.
“It’s awesome that Jeff has included his entire company in his efforts to raise awareness for diabetes,” said Reed. “He’s a great leader by example of what to do to manage your diabetes, and I’m proud that he’s a part of the Drive to Stop Diabetes program.”
Ryan Reed and the ‘Riding with Ryan’ program roll into NHMS for the first time this season. In this race last year, Reed finished 13th after starting 21st.
The NASCAR XFINITY Series takes the green flag from NHMS on Saturday, July 16, at 4 p.m. ET on NBCSN and PRN.
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.
