For one 75-year-old from Pennsylvania, the last year has been full of profound highs and lows. After completing her breast cancer treatment, great-grandmother Donna Osborn found herself in disbelief as she scratched off a $5 million winning lottery ticket—a moment that has forever altered her life.
A Twist Of Fate
The journey to Donna’s incredible win began with a series of frustrating flight delays, according to a Pennsylvania Lottery news release. Donna and her daughter were at an airport preparing to visit family in Florida. When their flight faced multiple delays, Donna decided to head home while her daughter continued with the trip.
“It was delayed so many times, I decided to go home,” she recounted. Her spontaneous decision led her to a Speedway gas station in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, where she purchased the winning ticket from the MONOPOLY Own It All scratch-off game.
The Moment Of Realization
In the parking lot of the gas station, Donna scratched the ticket and stared at the result in disbelief. Unsure if she was seeing correctly, she walked back into the story and asked the clerk to verify the ticket. “Can you please check this? Is it right or wrong?” she asked. The clerk confirmed her win with a resounding, “It’s right!”
Overwhelmed with excitement, Donna immediately called her daughter in Florida to share the incredible news. Her daughter, like many would be, was initially skeptical. “She didn’t believe me,” Donna said.
Bittersweet Victory
Donna’s win came on the heels of her completing radiation treatment for breast cancer, adding a layer of poignancy to her joy. The timing of the win also coincided with her birthday, making the celebration even more special.
Despite her newfound wealth, Donna has no plans to retire. For over a decade, she has dedicated her time to providing transportation for the Amish community. “I don’t know what I’d do with myself, I have to keep moving,” she explained. Instead, she plans to invest some of her prize money and has her sights set on an adventure to Alaska.
An Inspirational Tale
Donna’s story is evidence of the unexpected twists of fate. Her journey of resilience, from battling breast cancer to becoming a millionaire lottery winner, is a powerful reminder that life can hold surprising and uplifting moments, even in the midst of challenges.
References:
CNN: A 75-year-old great-grandmother had recently finished her breast cancer treatment. Then she won a $5 million scratch-off game
Time: Great-Grandmother Who Just Finished Breast Cancer Treatment Wins $5M Lottery Prize
Pennsylvania Lottery News Release
National Breast Cancer Foundation
