Surprising a 10-Year-Old Corvette Superfan Battling Cancer

Big thumbs up to the Fort Wayne Corvette Club for giving a deserving boy a thrilling surprise, Corvette-style. 

In the face of adversity, there are always remarkable people that step up. This story is about two such extraordinary people who were united by a mutual enthusiasm for Chevy and Corvette. That shared interest evolved into a friendship. And that friendship inspired a community to come together for a great cause.

Kyler Drenning and Sam Collins might not seem like the most likely of friends. They first crossed paths when Drenning attended a car show where Collins’ 1955 Chevy 3100 truck caught his eye. (We know a true blue motorhead when we see one.)

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When Collins’s truck was included in an article from a local paper, Collins learned that Drenning was a great young man with a passion for all things automotive. Unfortunately, Collins also learned the 10-year-old was battling a rare form of brain cancer first diagnosed when he was four.

“This last year has been awesome spend a little time with him,” Collins says.

Wanting to do something special for his friend, Collins hit the internet to organize a surprise Corvette drive-by parade. The Fort Wayne Corvette Club immediately got the word out and helped Collins organize the event. As a result, a sizable fleet of Corvettes showed up.

Looking at the Corvettes from almost every generation gathered beforehand, Collins was humbled. “This is the response we got,” he says, a little overwhelmed. “It’s pretty awesome.”

The Corvettes lined up and drove by the Drenning’s home. Rare classics as well as the newest and fastest rides revved along. It was an incredible collection of Corvettes. As we’d expect from any enthusiast, Kyler was floored and delighted.

“He was stunned.” Kyler’s mom Kelly said. “Once again he was in awe because he knows it was for him and it shows the love and kindness of people.”

We salute Sam Collins for his kind heart. “It feels good that I’m doing something for somebody else that other people can’t do,” he says.

And of course, our thoughts go to Kyler Drenning. We have to add, this is one tough kid. He is one incredible fighter, considering doctors didn’t expect him to make it past the age of 5, he will be turning 11 next month.

As enthusiasts, we appreciate all the people in the community that joined together, not just in their love of Chevrolet and Corvettes; but to spread some much-needed joy and hope.

Photos: WPTA

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