A Tale of Triumph, Faith, and Unimaginable Luck
In a story that reads like the ultimate dream come true, a Portland man, his wife, and their close friend have just claimed a piece of American Powerball history.
Cheng “Charlie” Saephan, 46, joined the elite club of Powerball jackpot winners recently, nabbing the fourth-largest prize in the game’s history. But this isn’t just a story about winning big—it’s a story of resilience, community, and the unexpected turns that life can take.
On April 6, 2024, Charlie Saephan purchased what would soon become the golden ticket – the only American Powerball ticket in the nation to match all five numbers plus the Powerball.
The lucky numbers were more than just digits; they were a lifeline for Saephan, who has faced down cancer and is currently fighting a recurrence. He bought over 20 tickets for the drawing, each one representing a glimmer of the future he dreamed of.
Saephan didn’t keep this momentous win to himself. Instead, he chose to share the fortune with his wife, Duanpen Saephan, 37, and close family friend Laiza Chao, 55. The trio agreed on a split: 50% for Chao, and 25% each for the Saephans. With all three opting for the cash payout, the final take-home after taxes amounted to a staggering $422,309,193.97.
Charlie’s journey to this life-changing win is nothing short of inspiring. Born in Laos and of Iu-Mienh heritage, he has called Portland home for the last 30 years. Battling health issues, Saephan had turned to his faith, praying for a miracle that could secure his family’s future. He even wrote out numbers from 1 to 69 on a sheet of paper and tucked it under his pillow, hoping that one of those combinations would be the key to a better life.
And then, the unbelievable happened.
“I prayed to God to help me,” Saephan said. “My kids are young, and I’m not that healthy.”
The moment he realized he was holding the winning ticket, Saephan knew exactly who to call. “I said, ‘Laiza, where are you?’ and she said, ‘I’m going to work,’” Saephan recounted. His reply? “‘You don’t have to go anymore.’”
The enormity of the win isn’t just a life-changer for the winners – it’s a milestone for the state of Oregon. This colossal win marks the largest Powerball prize ever claimed in Oregon, surpassing the previous $340 million jackpot won in 2005. The state reaps rewards with about a third of Powerball sales supporting vital programs like economic development, education, veteran services, and state parks. Even the Plaid Pantry that sold the winning ticket received a $100,000 bonus.
The Oregon Lottery encourages players to sign the back of their tickets and consult with a financial planner if they strike it big. With a year to claim the prize, there’s plenty of time to savor the moment and plan for the future.
But for Charlie Saephan, Duanpen, and Laiza, the future has already begun—and it looks brighter than ever.
Will you be the next big American Powerball winner? Play from anywhere in the world at Lotto Express.
