Photo credit Pennsylvania Lottery
A Pennsylvania Lottery scratch-off player’s dreams came true on Thursday when he was presented a commemorative check for $3 million.
Penny Reep of Armstrong County won the prize playing the $3 million Diamonds and Gold last month.
She purchased the ticket at the Rummy Mart on South Main Street in Chicora, Butler County.
During the presentation, Reep explained what it felt like after she realized she won.
“I had a dentist appointment in Butler that Monday and stopped at Rummy Mart to exchange some winning tickets,” said Reep. “I bought one of the $10 tickets and the $30 ticket. I scratched the $30 ticket and thought, ‘I’m not seeing this right.’ When I scanned it, it said, ‘Congratulations, you won $3 million.’ I grabbed the counter and started crying. I had chest pain and it felt like my feet were coming out from underneath of me.”
Reep says the prize is coming at the right time with her husband dealing with a serious health issue.
“My husband has a very rare form of cancer and it’s not curable,” said Reep. “We don’t know how long we have with him. He’s no longer able to work and I’ve been trying to take care of him, but I’m also having health problems.”
She adds she’ll now be able to give him a trip to Alaska, a dream of his.
Winners of big prizes should sign the back of the ticket immediately and call the lottery at 1-800-692-7481.