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.
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