Cancer Patient Wins $1.3 Billion Powerball Prize Alongside Spouse and Pal
A cancer-stricken immigrant received the $1.326 million Powerball prize he won earlier this month alongside his wife and friend.
The winning numbers for the Powerball drawing on April 6 were 22, 27, 44, 52, 69, and red Powerball 9. Among the 20+ tickets that 46-year-old Cheng "Charlie" Saephan bought for his wife, 37-year-old Duanpen Saephan, and friend, 55-year-old Laiza Chao, at Portland's Plaid Pantry convenience store (6060 NE Columbia Boulevard), one ticket matched the six drawn numbers.
Saephan received the life-changing prize at the Oregon Lottery. He mentioned that he's previously dealt with cancer and is currently undergoing a recurrence.
"I prayed to God to help me," Saephan said. "My kids are young and I'm not that healthy."
The trio of winners will collect 50% each of the $422.3 million cash payment after federal taxes.
The Plaid Pantry, the store that sold the ticket, received a $100K bonus commission for the sale. This prize was the richest lottery payout in Oregon's history, surpassing the $340 million jackpot in 2005.
Win Highlights Asian Community
Saephan disclosed to the press that he's Laotian but identifies as Iu Mien, a Southeast Asian ethnicity with Chinese origins.
Many Iu Mien members migrated from Laos to Thailand during the Vietnam War before relocating to the U.S., where they aided the U.S. in disrupting the Ho Chi Minh Trail used for transporting troops and weapons through Laos and Cambodia to South Vietnam.
Saephan explained that he and his family moved to Thailand in 1987 before immigrating to the U.S. in 1994. He earned his high school diploma two years later and has resided in Portland for 30+ years, working as a machinist at an aerospace company.
However, his long-term job may be jeopardized due to his newfound wealth.
"I will be able to provide for my family and my health," Saephan said, adding that he plans to find the best doctor for his ongoing treatment.
Saephan confessed that he prayed for a miracle to win the jackpot as it rolled over, fearing he might die before helping his family.
"I need some help - I don't want to die yet unless I've done something for my family first," Saephan shared.
Now, blessed with a feat that secures family riches for generations to come, Saephan can rest easy.
Next Potential Winners
Mega Millions and Powerball often change lives, with these two popular games set to grant generational wealth in the near future.
Tuesday's Mega Millions jackpot is estimated at $257 million, with a cash option of $115.6 million. The odds of a ticket matching the six drawn numbers stand at more than one in 302.5 million.
Wednesday's Powerball jackpot is estimated at $178 million, with an $81.3 million cash option. The chances of winning Powerball's top prize are one in 292.2 million.
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Source: www.casino.org
