A Laotian immigrant who is undergoing cancer treatment was one of those who raked in a $1.3 billion Powerball jackpot earlier this month, the fourth-largest prize in the game’s history.
Portland, Ore., resident Cheng “Charlie” Saephan, 46, was the only person in the country whose ticket matched all five numbers as well as the Powerball, the Oregon Lottery said Monday.
His wife, Duanpen Saephan, 37, and their 55-year-old friend, Laiza Chao, will split the prize, with 50% going to Chao and 50% to the Saephans. They are taking the cash option, netting Chao and the Saephans $422 million.
Saephan bought more than 20 tickets, writing out the game’s numbers on a piece of paper slipped under his pillow while he slept, the Oregon Lottery said in a media release.
“I prayed to God to help me,” he said. “My kids are young, and I’m not that healthy.”
Those prayers were answered after Saephan, a lu-Mienh who was born in Laos and moved to Portland 30 years ago, teamed up with Chao, who chipped in $100 for the tickets.
Saephan said he is looking forward to being able to “provide for my family and my health” and “find a good doctor for myself.”
With News Wire Services
