Ailing lottery winners pledge funds for medical research

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2003 | 8:58 a.m.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- A couple battling multiple sclerosis and diabetes claimed a $21 million Lotto South jackpot Tuesday, and immediately pledged part of their winnings to medical research.

Shirley and Rudolph Yearby waited an extra day to become millionaires because he spent Monday tethered to a kidney dialysis machine.

Rudolph Yearby, 52, a retired letter carrier, suffers from diabetes and has waited several years for a kidney transplant.

His 47-year-old wife was diagnosed with MS in 1998. She worked at a nursing home before being stricken with the debilitating disease.

They promised to donate part of their newfound wealth to support research into kidney disease and multiple sclerosis.

"I've prayed so many times for God to give me enough money to find a cure for this sickness that I have," Shirley Yearby told reporters at the Kentucky Lottery headquarters.

The couple, who live in Louisville suburb of Okolona, opted for a lump sum payment of nearly $11.4 million. They will receive nearly $8.1 million after taxes, lottery spokesman Chip Polston said.

It was the biggest Lotto South jackpot won in Kentucky and the fifth largest ever for the game, also played in Georgia and Virginia.

Rudolph Yearby bought the winning ticket at a Louisville convenience store Saturday night. He let the computer choose his numbers. The couple said they only play the lottery when the jackpots are big.