Family birth dates deliver her second-tier prize
The record-breaking $2.04 billion Powerball jackpot run got her into a Lottery retailer, a Washington, D.C. woman told Lottery officials on Monday, and her family got her to Lottery headquarters. She credits both for helping her become Maryland’s newest millionaire.
“I don’t play too often,” admitted the fire department veteran of almost 30 years. “All of the excitement surrounding the Powerball jackpot got to me, though.” When it came time to decide what numbers to play, all that came to mind were the birthdays of various family members. “I mixed in a few random numbers, but it was those birthdays that made this happen.”
Although she bought her $1 million-winning Powerball ticket on Nov. 2, it wasn’t until last week that she ran it through a scanner at a Lottery retailer. “When I first looked, I thought it read $10,000, which was amazing. Then, I looked closer.”
She was stunned when she realized the size of her win. “I literally froze there for a few moments.” Not quite believing the number of zeros on the screen, she told herself it wasn’t real. “I wouldn’t let myself believe it until I got home to find the winning numbers on the website. When I did, while there was joy and shock, my biggest feeling was relief.”
Our new Powerball millionaire tells us that her winnings erase many of her worries about her retirement years. “This is such a blessing. The best part, though, is that it’ll allow me to bless others. Isn’t it amazing how life can change from one moment to the next!”
The management of Cross Keys Exxon at 4434 Falls Road in Baltimore played a central role in the paramedic’s happy Powerball story. The store will receive a $2,500 bonus from the Lottery for selling the second-tier winning ticket.
