Cheng “Charlie” Saephan, a 46-year-old immigrant from Laos living in Portland, Oregon, was one of the winners of a $1.3 billion Powerball jackpot. Saephan, who has been battling cancer for eight years and recently had chemotherapy treatment, decided to split the winnings with his wife, Duanpen, and their friend, Laiza Chao. The three of them opted for a lump sum payment of $422 million after taxes, with Saephan expressing his relief that he can now provide for his family and focus on his health. As a cancer patient, he has been pondering his mortality and the time he has left to enjoy his newfound wealth.
The winning ticket was purchased at a Plaid Pantry convenience store in Portland in early April. Saephan, who has been living in Portland for 30 years and working as a machinist for an aerospace company, shared that he had been diligently writing out numbers for the Powerball game and even slept with them under his pillow in hopes of winning. The jackpot, the fourth largest in Powerball history, had a cash value of $621 million before taxes, and the winners were subject to federal and state taxes in Oregon. Under Oregon law, lottery players are typically not allowed to remain anonymous, and winners have up to a year to claim their prize.
Saephan, who was born in Laos and later moved to Thailand before immigrating to the U.S. in 1994, belongs to the Iu Mien ethnic group, which has a sizable community along the West Coast, including in Portland. The Iu Mien people have roots in southern China and many of them were subsistence farmers who aided American forces during the Vietnam War. Fleeing to Thailand after the conflict, thousands of Iu Mien families eventually found refuge in the U.S. Saephan expressed his gratitude for the opportunities he has found in America, where he has been able to build a life for himself and his family.
Leading up to the drawing, Saephan had been praying for a win, feeling the urgency to secure his family’s future before his health deteriorated further. After their friend Chao sent a joking message saying “We’re billionaires” with a photo of the tickets, the trio was stunned to discover that they had indeed won. Saephan, who holds a high school diploma from 1996, is now looking forward to seeking the best medical care for himself and enjoying the time he has with his loved ones. The Oregon Lottery had to undergo a security and vetting process before disclosing the winners’ identity, as per their regulations.
Despite the challenges Saephan has faced due to his health issues, winning the Powerball jackpot has provided him with a sense of security and relief. The $1.3 billion prize is a life-changing windfall for him and his family, allowing them to address their financial concerns and focus on their well-being. With the support of his wife and friend, Saephan is optimistic about the future and intends to make the most of this opportunity to live a fulfilling life with his loved ones. The unexpected turn of events has brought joy and hope to the immigrant family, symbolizing a new chapter of prosperity and happiness for them.
