For the fifth time this season, Roush Fenway Racing’s Ryan Reed has a special guest riding along with him during Saturday’s NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) race at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The No. 16 American Diabetes Association Drive to Stop DiabetesSMpresented by Lilly Diabetes Ford Mustang will carry Micah Chapman’s name above the passenger side window.
Chapman was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of six. However, the now 11-year-old refuses to let the disease dictate his life. Instead Chapman focuses his efforts on raising diabetes awareness as well as funds to find a cure.
“I want to raise awareness so we all can support one another,” said Chapman. “Even though I have type 1 diabetes, I can do great things!”
Chapman’s duties as an American Diabetes Association Youth Ambassador include public speaking at events to help support awareness of diabetes. He has presented at the Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes, Tour de Cure and Father of the Year along with numerous other community events.
The ‘Riding with Ryan’ program rolls into its fifth weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The name of a Youth Ambassador will be featured on the No. 16 Ford Mustang at 11 races this season, coinciding with races where there is an activation space for Drive to Stop Diabetes.
Drive to Stop Diabetespresented by Lilly Diabetes will host an activation space in the fan midway at a total of 14 races during the 2014 season. The display area features the No. 16 Drive to Stop Diabetes racing simulator, diabetes awareness and educational materials, as well as various prizes.
“What Micah has done to raise awareness for diabetes is truly inspiring,” said Reed. “I’m honored to carry his name on our Drive to Stop Diabetes Mustang this weekend. It’s amazing to see how active and supportive the diabetes community is, it’s something that I am proud to be a part of.”
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