Breast cancer patient wins lottery second time

May 10, 2016, 1:17 pm (13 comments)

North Carolina Lottery

Includes video report

North Carolina Education Lottery officials said a woman who has been battling breast cancer for six years has won the lottery two times in the past three months.

Gina Short, from Mecklenburg County, claimed her $250,000 All or Nothing prize last Wednesday — just months after she snagged $1 million in the Ultimate Millions second-chance drawing, lottery officials said in a statement.

"We're still in disbelief mode," Short said.

Officials said Short, who is currently undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer, celebrated her $1 million victory in February. Video released by the state lottery shows her falling to the floor and holding her head when she discovers that she has won.

She's presented with a giant check, and others are seen throwing confetti, clapping and cheering.

Her entry was drawn from more than 1.2 million others, officials said in February.

"If you would have told me, in a million years I still wouldn't have believed you," Short said at the time. "I would have said, 'No you've got the wrong girl,' because that's what I said to them when they told me I had cancer, 'No you've got the wrong girl.'"

She added that the prize — a lump-sum payment of $415,500, after taxes — would help her in her fight.

"I have a second chance," she said at the time. "That's what my whole life is about, second chances."

A few weeks ago, Short said, she was feeling lucky again, so she asked her husband to grab a $2 Quick Pick ticket at a local pharmacy.

On April 29, she beat the odds again in the All or Nothing game, in which players either have to match all 12 numbers or none of them at all.

Officials said Short did not get a match, resulting in a $250,000 prize — worth $173,125 after federal and state tax withholdings.

"We kind of didn't believe it," she said in a statement released by the lottery. "We checked the same ticket six or seven times because we thought we misread it."

The odds of winning the quarter-million prize were 1 in 2.7 million, according to the state lottery.

Short's husband, Len, said they plan to use the money to help cover her treatment costs.

"It's not something you can put into words," he said. "For us to have the good fortune of winning not just one big prize, but two — we are just very thankful for that."

VIDEO: Watch her priceless reaction

News story photo(Click to display full-size in gallery)

Washington Post, Lottery Post Staff

Comments

music*'s avatarmusic*

 Congratulations to Gina Short!!  What beautiful surprises in her life. WOWShocked

LiveInGreenBay's avatarLiveInGreenBay

I'd really like to see her win a third time.

myturn's avatarmyturn

FAQ

Do I have the option of remaining anonymous with regard to the media and the public?

The NCEL will consider a winner’s name, city/county, and the prize amount a matter of public record, unless the winner produces a valid protective order or Address Confidentiality Program authorization card.

Seattlejohn

Congratulations to her.  If anyone deserves it, it's her...

Saylorgirl's avatarSaylorgirl

Congratulations and the best of luck to her as she continues her fight!!

rcbbuckeye's avatarrcbbuckeye

Just a terrific story. Really happy for her!

Groppo's avatarGroppo

.

That's just unbelievable. I wonder if she contacted some kind of psychic for help for this/these winnings?

Like for instance:  "The Psychic Friends Network", or "California Psychics", or "Psych Me, Psych You".

But I hope she continues a successful fight. And continued good luck.

noise-gate

Oh Gina- That is just wonderful.More Power to you Girl.Party

sully16's avatarsully16

PartyGreat story, Congrats Gina.

HaveABall's avatarHaveABall

What a thrilling situation to be in again, Gina! Banana

American Indian's avatarAmerican Indian

WOW,WOW,WOW IS ALL I CAN SAY!Dance CONGRATULATIONS, AGAIN!! If anyone deserves to win It's YOU, I agree with the other comments posted, I am extremely HAPPY for your Lotto Winnings, May Blessings continue to come your way, I will Pray for YOU and YOUR"S that you are Healthy again and continue to win so you can enjoy your winnings instead of paying Dr, bills with it, although I'm glad you have won what you have so you can pay them, that does take some of the burden off, MANY BLESSINGS Disney

American Indian's avatarAmerican Indian

Quote: Originally posted by LiveInGreenBay on May 10, 2016

I'd really like to see her win a third time.

I DOUBLE THAT!Hurray!

luckyshoes's avatarluckyshoes

Yes ! Love when good things happen to deserving people !    WTG Gina ! Banana

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