Cheng “Charlie” Saephan, a 46-year-old immigrant from Laos battling cancer, won the historic $1.3 billion Powerball jackpot. He plans to share the prize equally with his wife and a friend who chipped in for tickets.
Opting for a lump sum payment of $422 million after taxes, Saephan expressed gratitude for the life-changing win at a news conference held by the Oregon Lottery. He looks forward to providing for his family and prioritizing his health with his newfound wealth. Let’s have a closer look at Saephan’s journey of luck and generosity.
From Immigrant to Powerball Winner
Saephan, originally from Laos, moved to the US in 1994 and has been battling cancer since 2016. He had received his latest chemotherapy treatment just a week ago. Before his cancer diagnosis, he worked as a machinist in the aerospace industry.
Reflecting on his win, Saephan felt grateful for his family’s future and wondered how he would manage the money. He regularly played the lottery, often splitting $200 worth of tickets with a friend named Chao. In a surprising turn of events, Saephan’s numbers came up, far exceeding his expectations. He attributed his win to prayers, considering his children’s young age and his health concerns. His first plan with the winnings is to buy a dream home in Oregon. Saephan intends to keep playing the lottery, hoping for more luck in the future.
Record-Breaking Powerball Win
Saephan bought the winning ticket from the Plaid Pantry store in Portland, Oregon. Oregon Lottery Director Mike Wells said it was a huge win for the state. This prize is the fourth largest in Powerball history and the eighth largest in US jackpot games. Oregon law says winners, except for a few cases, must be known, and they have up to a year to get their prize.
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