Oregon Man Battling Cancer Wins $1.3 Billion Powerball Jackpot
In an astonishing turn of events, an Oregon man who has been battling cancer for eight years has emerged as one of the three lucky winners of this month’s $1.3 billion Powerball lottery jackpot. Cheng “Charlie” Saephan, along with his wife, Duanpen Saephan, and friend Laiza Chao, opted for the cash option, which will amount to more than $422 million after taxes. Chao will receive 50% of the winnings, while the Saephans will split the remaining 50%.
At a recent Oregon Lottery news conference, Cheng Saephan expressed his gratitude for the windfall that will ensure a comfortable life for his family. However, he also shared his concern about finding the time to enjoy his newfound wealth while battling cancer. Despite this, Saephan remains optimistic about the future, intending to purchase a dream home for his loved ones and lead a “normal” life.
The historic win marks the fourth largest prize in Powerball history and the largest prize ever won in Oregon. The winning ticket was purchased at a Plaid Pantry store in Portland, with the store earning a bonus of $100,000 for selling the winning ticket. Saephan, a native of Laos and a Portland resident for three decades, revealed that the winning numbers were randomly generated using the Quick Pick option, crediting the win to a higher power.
Upon learning of his victory, Saephan immediately contacted his friend Laiza Chao, who had contributed $100 for the lottery tickets. Chao, who was on her way to work at the time of the call, was elated to hear the news and was told by Saephan that they had won the jackpot, freeing her from the need to go to work.
The heartwarming story of Cheng Saephan’s triumph over adversity has captured the attention of many, showcasing the unpredictable nature of life and the power of hope. With a bright future ahead, Saephan and his loved ones are sure to make the most of their newfound fortune.
–CNN’s Amanda Musa contributed to this report.