In the midst of battling cancer, Cheng “Charlie” Saephan, a 46-year-old immigrant from Laos, experienced an unexpected stroke of luck: winning one of the largest Powerball jackpots in history, a massive $1.3 billion prize. Saephan, who resides in Portland and has undergone chemotherapy for eight years, expressed immense gratitude, seeing his win as a beacon of hope during a challenging time. Saephan noted, “I’ll find a good doctor for myself,” highlighting the crucial role this windfall could play in his ongoing health journey.
Saephan’s win doesn’t only offer him a fresh start with his health—it also shines a light on his heritage and community.
A Life-Altering Moment
Saephan’s journey to the win involved a bit of camaraderie and faith. Teaming up with his wife and his friend, Laiza Chao, 55, from Milwaukie, they pooled resources to buy over 20 tickets for the April 7 draw. After purchasing the tickets, Chao humorously shared a photo, joking, “We’re billionaires.” Little did they know, that joke would turn real the very next day.
Upon discovering their winning ticket, Saephan couldn’t hold back. He immediately called Chao, telling her she no longer needed to go to work: “You don’t have to go anymore,” he said, revealing the life-altering news. As he later explained in a press conference, “I am grateful for the lottery and how I have been blessed.”
Saephan opted for a lump sum payout, totaling $422 million after taxes, which he intends to share with his wife and friend. For Saephan, this prize offers the chance to ensure his family’s financial security and, importantly, his healthcare.
A Milestone for the Iu Mien Community
Saephan’s remarkable story also spotlights the Iu Mien people, an ethnic group from Southeast Asia with roots in China. “I am born in Laos, but I am not Laotian,” Saephan clarified, sharing a bit about the history and struggles of the Iu Mien.
During the Vietnam War, many Iu Mien were recruited by the CIA and U.S. military to aid the anti-communist forces in Laos. After the war and the subsequent rise of a communist government in Laos, the Iu Mien people faced persecution and had to flee to refugee camps in Thailand before eventually being resettled in the U.S., particularly along the West Coast. Saephan’s win thus represents not just personal triumph but a moment of visibility for the Iu Mien, who have long worked toward establishing their place in America.
What’s Next for Saephan?
Saephan’s top priority is to buy a home for his family in Oregon, creating a stable environment as they adjust to this new life chapter. He also mentioned a lighter note, saying he might continue playing the lottery: “I might get lucky again.”
