$1.3 billion Powerball winner is in eight-year cancer battle

By Kathie J on April 29, 2024

Oregon Lottery announced that husband and wife, Cheng and Duanpen Saephan, and their friend Laiza Chao, are the winners of the massive lottery drawing.

Saephan immigrated to America in 1994 from Laos and used to work in aerospace in Portland.

Saephan has been battling cancer for eight years and said this money will help him afford better doctors and care. Saephan also said that he and his wife are looking for a new home, and the money will be good for his family.

Saephan, his wife and Chao shared $100 and bought 20 Powerball tickets in hopes of winning the jackpot.

They are taking a lump sum payment, $422 million after taxes.

The $1.3 billion prize is the fourth-largest Powerball jackpot in history.