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Kale Corbett's story inspires many, earns him $50 thousand Dr Pepper Tuition Giveaway
Kale’s Story
At the age of 10, Kale Corbett was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) and was given a slim 15% chance of survival. A bone marrow transplant from a rare match saved his life. His parents, Tim and Brandy, and sister, Katy, were by his side through the entire journey.
Doctors’ orders included a stoppage in playing football among other sports, and a quick pivot to a battle off the field in tackling ALL. Through Kale’s incredible journey, he discovered his life dream of being able to give back through his future career plan to become a pediatric oncology nurse.
Dr Pepper Tuition Giveaway and Dude Perfect
Dr Pepper has given over $10 million in scholarship tuition to date, and in its 12th year, is awarding a historic $2 million in tuition.
Kale recorded his story on his phone in 57 seconds and submitted it to Dr Pepper. With his story being one of more than 93,000 entries submitted, he knew it was a long shot. He worked with his sister, Katy, on his video.
Along with head-to-head throw competitions with the finalists, Dr Pepper teamed up with Dude Perfect's Brian Bosworth - The Sheriff of Dr Pepper Fansville, Kane Brown, Justin Guarini as “Lil’ Sweet,” and The Dallas Cowboys through social media and Scholarship America. Finalists completed a throw competition for a shot at $125, 000 in tuition dollars in mid-November at the Dude Perfect headquarters. Those will be aired during the December 19 ACC, BIG12 and SEC Championship games.
However, there were also Virtual Giveaways in 2020, and that’s where Kale’s story comes in.
Kale joined a video chat thinking he was about to play in a trivia contest as part of the competition. That’s when Bosworth told him that he had already won the $50,000 tuition giveaway, surprising Kale and his family.
“In the Dr Pepper Tuition Giveaway, they’d never had a submission quite like Kale’s,” stated Bosworth on social media.
In the Dr Pepper Tuition Giveaway, they’d never had a submission quite like Kale’s. Watch to hear his story, from beating leukemia at a young age to winning the 2020 Tuition Giveaway. Congrats, Kale!
— Brian Bosworth (@GotBoz44) December 12, 2020
Learn more about the #DrPepperTuitionGiveaway at https://t.co/w1cj6mVo8r pic.twitter.com/OLbGtFYJOZ
Be The Match
No sooner had he been told he won a $50,000 scholarship award before he was given an even bigger surprise – the chance to meet his bone marrow transplant donor from nearly 10 years ago. He knew the donor’s name, but had never met her.
Bosworth informed Kale in the video chat they were able to locate Barbara, Kale’s donor. She popped up on screen, much to Kale’s surprise. For the first time, Barbara and Kale saw each other, with each recognizing the impact of that decision many years ago.
“I’ve got one more surprise for you,” said Bosworth in the video call.
Bosworth announced to the surprise of all present on the video chat, that Barbara’s two children would also be receiving $50,000 in tuition money to pursue an education. While Barbara was reduced to tears, Kale spoke up, as it was his original idea to share any funds awarded with Barabara.
“It doesn’t even begin to amount to what you’ve done for me though,” added Kale. “Thank you so much for everything you’ve done.”
The Dr Pepper Tuition Giveaway validates the longstanding commitment Dr Pepper has to education by giving students a chance to make their academic dreams a reality. The Dr Pepper Tuition Giveaway is part of an official sponsorship of the College Football Playoff and Presenting Sponsorship of the National Championship Trophy.