An immigrant who has been battling cancer for eight years is celebrating his incredible luck after winning a staggering $1.3 billion Powerball jackpot. Cheng ‘Charlie’ Saephan, a 46-year-old originally from Laos, purchased the winning ticket at a convenience store in Portland, Oregon. Oregon Lottery officials announced Saephan as the lucky winner during a press conference, just days after he completed chemotherapy treatment. Saephan expressed his gratitude, stating, “I am able to provide for my family and my health… My life has been changed. Now I can bless my family and hire a good doctor for myself.”
Saephan relied on faith and luck when purchasing his 20 lottery tickets. He prayed to God for help, knowing that his young children relied on him and his health was not in the best condition. His prayers were answered when he discovered he held the winning ticket. Opting for a lump sum of $422 million after taxes, Saephan plans to share the money with his wife, Duanpen Saephan, and their friend Laiza Chao, who contributed $100 towards the tickets. Saephan happily informed Chao that she no longer needed to work, as her financial worries were now over.
With his newfound wealth, Saephan’s first plan is to purchase a home in Oregon. His incredible win ranks as the fourth-largest Powerball jackpot in history and the eighth-largest of all jackpot games in the US, according to Oregon Lottery officials. Despite his massive success, Saephan plans to continue playing the lottery, hoping that lightning will strike twice. “I might get lucky again,” he said with a smile. “I’ll keep playing.”
