Lilly Diabetes and the American Diabetes Association have announced a multi-year renewal of their successful Drive to Stop Diabetes NASCAR program with Roush Fenway Racing and NASCAR Nationwide Series driver Ryan Reed. ‘I am very excited for the opportunity to move forward and expand the program,’ said Reed, who at the age of 17 was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. ‘As someone who was diagnosed and told that my dream of being a professional driver was over, I personally understand the importance of education and awareness as well as tapping into resources to manage my diabetes. With so many people living with or at risk for diabetes, it is so important that we continue to educate people about how to get out ahead of it and live with this disease.’ Over the past nine months, the Drive to Stop Diabetes platform has utilized a multi-faceted approach to reach children, parents and at-risk adults of all ages to bring education and awareness to diabetes. Through the program, Reed has been able to educate, inspire and personally connect with thousands of children living with diabetes, while raising unprecedented awareness of the disease across the country. The program has included visits to children’s hospitals and summer camps as well as holding a major presence at diabetes scientific conferences, designed to educate those dealing with and affected by diabetes. In addition, the Drive to Stop Diabetes team launched a dynamic social media campaign to regularly engage those in the diabetes community and hosts an at-track activation experience at selected races that features educational materials, games and prizes, while providing insight to fans as to how Reed manages his diabetes with a successful racing career.(Roush Fenway Racing)(10-8-2014)
