Wife plans dream trip for husband with terminal cancer after winning $3 million in lottery

A Pennsylvania couple who has endured many hardships said they can finally fulfill their long-cherished dream of visiting Alaska after winning $3 million in a state lottery game.

Penny Reep, 50, won $3 million from a scratch-off ticket and planned to fulfill her husband's wish, who was diagnosed with cancer.

She spent $30 on the "$3 Million Diamonds and Gold" Pennsylvania instant game she bought at Rummy Mart on South Main Street in Chicora.

"I had a dentist appointment in Butler that Monday and stopped at Rummy Mart to exchange some winning tickets," Reep told the Lottery. "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 told the Lottery she busted out in tears on Oct. 16 after she learned she had purchased her winning ticket.

"I'm in disbelief," Reep told the Lottery. "It still doesn't seem real."

She visited the Pennslyvania Lottery on Oct 19 to claim her $3 million prize. She told the Lottery officials the prize couldn't have come at a better time.

"My husband has a very rare form of cancer and it's not curable," Reep told the Lottery. "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."

Not only will the prize provide some much-needed relief, but it will also fulfill her husband's longtime dream of visiting Alaska. 

"It was always a pipe dream," Reep told the Lottery. "Now, I'm going to be able to give him everything he's always wanted."

According to the Lottery, Reep and her husband will continue living in their house and invest the money.

The retailer, Rummy Mart, who sold the winning ticket, will receive a $10,000 bonus from the Lottery.

More winners:Two person Michigan Lottery group wins $1 million from Powerball

What is $3 Million Diamonds and Gold?

$3 Million Diamonds and Gold is a $30 game that offers five top prizes of $3,000,000. As of now, there is only one top prize of $3 million left to win in the "$3 Million Diamonds and Gold" game, which was launched in July 2022. Additionally, there are three second-tier prizes of $300,000 and eight third-tier prizes of $30,000 available to claim.

What are the odds of winning $3 Million Diamonds and Gold?

The chances of winning any prize are approximately 1 in every 2.95 attempts.

Where can you buy lottery tickets?

Tickets can be purchased in-person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.  

You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Texas, Washington D.C. and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.  

Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. Must be 18+, 21+ in AZ and 19+ in NE. Not affiliated with any State Lottery. Gambling Problem? Call 1-877-8-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY); 1-800-327-5050 (MA); 1-877-MYLIMIT (OR); 1-800-GAMBLER (all others). Visit jackpocket.com/tos for full terms and conditions.