April 30th 2024.
Cheng, also known as 'Charlie', stood proudly holding a display check at a news conference. It was a moment he had been eagerly waiting for, a moment that would change his life forever. He was one of the lucky winners of the $1.3 billion Powerball jackpot at the Oregon Lottery headquarters on Monday.
Charlie, an immigrant from Laos, had been fighting a tough battle against cancer for the past eight years. Despite all the challenges he faced, he considered himself blessed after winning the lottery. It was a miracle, and he couldn't thank God enough for it. With tears of joy in his eyes, he shared, "I prayed to God to help me. My kids are young, and I'm not that healthy."
The winning ticket was bought by Charlie at a Plaid Pantry convenience store in Portland, where he has been living for the past 30 years. It was a spur of the moment decision, but it turned out to be the best one he ever made. "I had faith and a little bit of luck on my side," he said with a smile.
The news of his win couldn't have come at a better time. Just last week, Charlie had undergone chemotherapy treatment. And now, he was standing in front of the media, as the winner of the fourth-largest Powerball jackpot in history. It was a surreal feeling for him. He expressed his gratitude, saying, "I am grateful for the lottery and how I have been blessed. I can now provide for my family and take care of my health. My life has been changed, and I am overwhelmed with happiness."
Charlie and his wife, Duanpen, will be sharing the money with their friend, Laiza Chao, who had contributed $100 towards the tickets. When asked about it, Charlie replied, "I said, 'Laiza, where are you?' and she said, 'I'm going to work.' That's when I told her, 'You don't have to go anymore.' We are all winners in this together."
The prize money will be split equally, with 50% going to the Saephan family and the remaining 50% going to Chao. They have opted for a lump sum amount of $422,309,193.97 after taxes. Charlie's first plan is to buy a home in Oregon for his family.
This win is not only life-changing for the three of them and their families, but it is also a huge win for the state of Oregon. According to the Oregon Lottery officials, it is the largest prize ever won in the state, surpassing a $355 million jackpot in 2005. The director of Oregon Lottery, Mike Wells, congratulated the winners, saying, "I want to offer my heartfelt congratulations to the Saephans and Ms. Chao on this historic win. It's not only a life-changing moment for them, but it's also a big win for the state."
Despite this huge success, Charlie remains humble and grateful. He plans to continue purchasing lottery tickets, hoping to get lucky again. "Who knows, I might just win again," he said with a chuckle. "I'll keep playing."
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