$1.3B Powerball winner is Laos-born immigrant battling cancer
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Well, you didn’t win the billion-dollar Powerball jackpot — unless you were introduced at an Oregon Lottery press conference Monday afternoon.
The person who won the $1.3 billion Powerball after buying a ticket at a Portland Plaid Pantry was Cheng “Charlie” Saephan, a Laos-born immigrant who has been fighting cancer for the past eight years.
Drone footage reveals extent of Steel Bridge train derailment
He decided to take his winnings as a lump sum with Duanpen Saephan and Laiza Chao.
“I am grateful for the lottery and how I have been blessed,” Saephan said. “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 shared the story of how he shared the news with his friend Laiza after realizing his numbers matched the jackpot.
“I call her and she’s driving on the way to work, and I told her, ‘What are you doing now?’ and she said, ‘I’m driving on the way to work,’ and I told her, ‘You don’t have to go work now,'” he said.
Charlie Duanpen, an immigrant battling cancer, revealed he won the $1.3 billion Powerball earlier this month. April 29, 2024. (KOIN) Charlie Duanpen, an immigrant battling cancer, revealed he won the $1.3 billion Powerball earlier this month. April 29, 2024. (KOIN) Charlie Duanpen, an immigrant battling cancer, revealed he won the $1.3 billion Powerball earlier this month. April 29, 2024. (KOIN)
Saephan said he is a regular player of the Oregon Lottery, and plans to first purchase a home for himself and his family in Oregon. He said he will likely continue to play the lottery after his winnings.
“I might get lucky again,” he said, laughing. “I’ll keep playing.”
The winning ticket — 22, 27, 44, 52, 69 and the red Powerball 9 — was sold at the Plaid Pantry at 6060 NE Columbia Boulevard. Lottery officials, along with Plaid Pantry President/CEO Jonathan Polonsky, shared that $7.6 million will be transferred back to the state once the winnings are finalized.
Cold case killer found guilty in second 2020 murder, given life sentence
Saephan immediately came forward to claim the prize, but the “process involves security measures and vetting that will take time before a winner can be announced.” The process to verify includes going through video surveillance and checking the person’s identification.
“I’m am in the middle of battling cancer, so I was thinking, ‘How am I going to have time to spend all of this money?'” he said.
The finalization of the jackpot will also come with a $100,000 bonus for Plaid Pantry.
“I want to offer my heartfelt congratulations to the Saephans and Ms. Chao on this historic win,” Oregon Lottery Director Mike Wells said. “Not only is the prize life-changing for the three of them and their families, it’s also a huge win for the state.”
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
