04/20/2015
American Diabetes Association Youth Ambassador Eli Hopkins To ‘Ride With Ryan’
RICHMOND, Va. (April 20, 2015) – Roush Fenway Racing’s Ryan Reed will have American Diabetes Association Youth Ambassador Eli Hopkins riding along with him during Friday night’s NASCAR XFINITY Series race at Richmond International Raceway (RIR). The No. 16 Lilly Diabetes American Diabetes Association Ford Mustang will carry Hopkins’ name above the passenger-side window.
Hopkins, who is from West Point, Va., was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age seven and like Reed is a racer. Hopkins is a two-time ATV National Champion and currently competes in dirt bike racing. He says his diagnosis has made him more focused and helped him mature in his racing.
When he’s not racing or traveling throughout the state supporting events and initiatives to raise awareness about diabetes, Hopkins also enjoys fishing, hunting and riding bikes. He also enjoys spending time with his brother and his diabetes assistance dog, Clutch.
The ‘Riding with Ryan’ program rolls into its third weekend at the site where Reed made first XFINITY Series start in 2013. The name of a Youth Ambassador will be featured on the No. 16 Ford Mustang each weekend for the remainder of the 2015 season.
“It’s cool to have a fellow racer like Eli, who knows how important it is to manage your diabetes to be able to stay on the racetrack, on the car this weekend at Richmond,” said Reed. “I’m excited that he has been able to continue doing what he loves after his diagnosis and is active in sharing his message in the community. It’s so gratifying to hear the stories of other young people living with the disease and I’m grateful to represent the diabetes community through the Drive to Stop Diabetes.”
The NASCAR XFINITY Series takes the green flag from RIR on Friday, April 24 at 7:30 p.m. ET on Fox Sports 1 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.
