A group of nurses who won a Mega Millions lottery decided to donate the winnings to two nurses “going through heartbreak,” instead of splitting the winnings evenly.
The nurses work together at Mercy Children’s Hospital in Missouri in the NICU unit.
They won $10,000 after coming just one number away from taking home the big one.
“We never thought in a million years we would win anything at all and then we came one number away from winning $1.6 billion,” NICU nurse Stephanie Brinkman told KMOV.
Instead of each of the 125 nurses getting just $56 each after taxes, the group decided that only a few should get the money.
“The majority said, ‘let’s give it to our co-workers, our family, the ones that are in biggest need’ so that’s what we decided to do,” Brinkman said.
The checks were presented to Gretchen Post, a nurse, and Casey Orellana, a neonatologist whose husband was diagnosed with sarcoma cancer earlier this year. Her husband stopped working while she cut her hours to help care for him and their four children.
“When I got that phone call [about the lottery winnings], it was a day I was wondering how we were going to pay for certain medications and it just touches your heart,” Orellana said.
The couple has also raised over $75,000 for Phil Orellana’s care through GoFundMe.
Post’s 17-year-old son committed suicide the same night the group won the lottery. She will use the money to pay for his funeral.
“Jack always had a smile on his face. He did not lead anyone on that this would happen,” Post said. “It’s actually going to pay for Jack’s funeral, which I’m very grateful for.”
Mercy promoted the article, saying, “When it comes to incredible nurses, we hit the jackpot!”
Twitter users praised the nurses for their generosity.
“You gals are AWESOME!!! I mean seriously, you dedicate your life to helping your fellow human beings and then you go one step further. There is so much good out there, I wish we heard more of it,” one said.
“GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU! Keep up the great work,” said another.
Mega Millions Jackpot Unclaimed
The news of the women sharing their lottery winnings came soon after it was revealed the person who won the $1.6 billion Mega Millions jackpot still hasn’t claimed it.
The winning ticket sold in Simpsonville, South Carolina, has not been claimed, state lottery officials told WLTX.
Shortly after the Oct. 23 drawing, officials urged the winner to sign the ticket, put it in a safe location, and seek advice from a financial planner or lawyer.
The winner has 180 days to come forward, placing the deadline on April 21.
The winning combination was 5, 28, 62, 65, 70 and Mega Ball 5.