April 30th 2024.
During a recent news conference at the Oregon Lottery headquarters, Cheng 'Charlie' Saephan proudly displayed a check that revealed he was one of the lucky winners of the $1.3 billion Powerball jackpot. It was a moment of pure joy and gratitude for the 46-year-old immigrant from Laos, who has been battling cancer for the past eight years.
Saephan, who currently resides in Portland, purchased the winning ticket at a local Plaid Pantry convenience store in early April. Despite undergoing chemotherapy treatment just last week, he was announced as the winner by Oregon Lottery officials on Monday. "I am truly grateful for the lottery and feel blessed beyond measure," Saephan shared during the press conference, as reported by KOIN. "This win not only allows me to provide for my family, but also gives me the opportunity to take care of my health. My life has been forever changed thanks to this incredible blessing."
Putting his faith and luck to the test, Saephan had purchased a total of 20 tickets for the drawing. "I prayed to God for help," he admitted. "As a father to young children and someone who is not in the best health, I was hopeful for a miracle." And that's exactly what happened when his numbers were called.
After taxes, Saephan opted for a lump sum payment of $422 million. He plans to split the winnings with his wife, Duanpen Saephan, and their friend Laiza Chao, 55, from Milwaukee, who had contributed $100 towards the ticket purchases. "I called Laiza and asked her where she was," Saephan recalled with a smile. "She said she was on her way to work and I replied, 'You don't have to go anymore!'"
Saephan's first priority with the winnings is to buy a home for his family in Oregon. This incredible win marks the fourth-largest Powerball jackpot in history and the eighth-largest of all jackpot games in the US, according to Oregon Lottery officials. And despite his life-changing fortune, Saephan plans to continue purchasing lottery tickets. "Who knows," he said with a laugh. "I might get lucky again. I'll definitely keep playing."
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