American Diabetes Association® Youth Ambassador Asher Huddlestun will ride along with Roush Fenway Racing driver Ryan Reed during Saturday’s NASCAR XFINITY Series race at Darlington Raceway. The Columbia, S.C. native will have his name featured on a decal below the passenger-side window on the No. 16 Lilly Diabetes American Diabetes Association Ford Mustang.
Like Reed, Huddlestun lives with type 1 diabetes. He was diagnosed in 2013 at age 11. Now age 13, Huddlestun is an advocate for everyone living with the disease. He loves to teach others about what diabetes means and how to live with it. He has encouraged and mentored newly-diagnosed friends to help them get back on their feet after a life-changing diagnosis and looks forward to sharing his story with others in the community. His fundraising efforts to find a cure for diabetes include his participation in South Carolina’s Tour de Cure® cycling event.
Huddlestun mimics Reed’s desire to live a normal life, despite his diagnosis. He is an avid reader who enjoys learning and has hopes to become a social studies teacher one day. He stays active through running and riding his bike. He and his family enjoy spending time together playing video, card and board games. He also participates in Boy Scouts and helps teach young children at his church.
“Asher is such a great role model for kids living with diabetes,” said Reed. “I love hearing how he has become a mentor to others diagnosed with diabetes and has not let his diagnosis stop him from living a normal life. I am continually encouraged by kids like Asher and know that with his help the Drive to Stop Diabetes program is helping to bring awareness and find a cure for this disease.”
Ryan Reed and the ‘Riding with Ryan’ program roll into Darlington Raceway this weekend for the first time this season. Reed finished 13th at the track in 2014.
RFR PR
