A year has passed since Cheng “Charlie” Saephan’s life changed dramatically when he discovered that his Powerball ticket was worth $1.3 billion. This win not only became the largest in Oregon’s history but also the fourth-largest Powerball jackpot in the game’s history. Saephan, who shared the prize with his wife and a close friend, has since faced personal challenges, including a cancer diagnosis. Despite his health struggles, including undergoing two surgeries, Saephan has stayed mostly in the Portland area, only taking a brief trip to Las Vegas with friends.
Looking back on how the win has impacted his life, Saephan shared, “I don’t worry about money now. I’ve got my family set up.” He used part of his prize to purchase a new home for his family and indulged himself with a rare, metallic, neon Lamborghini, bought from a Canadian dealer. However, his spending wasn’t only for personal gain; Saephan also invested in his community by purchasing apartments on the east side and providing financial support to a local Thai restaurant group.
Despite his newfound wealth, Saephan’s day-to-day life remains mostly unchanged. He still spends time at home, waiting for his children to return from school, and enjoys a simple lifestyle. He continues to play the lottery, purchasing Powerball and Megabucks tickets weekly, still holding onto the hope that he may win again, while using his fortune to benefit his family and the community.
