After a seven-week battle with the virus, COVID-19 Survivor wins $1-Million Lottery Jackpot

After battling COVID-19 for seven weeks, a North Carolina man has been awarded a $1 million lottery prize.

Donalise Stewart of Timberlake is a grandfather of six. He reportedly purchased the winning $10 Platinum7s scratch-off ticket at Timberlake Mart on Durham Road in Timberlake as he returned home from work on Wednesday, December 8, FOX8.

Stewart stated,

One year ago I was in the hospital with COVID-19. I spent seven weeks in the hospital. Here I am, one year later. Almost losing my life to true blessings.

Stewart stated that he isn’t sure what caused him to stop at the store the day after his lucky win. Stewart explained that his grandmother, on Dec. 24, passed away last December. He decided to play the winning numbers of 1-2-2-4.

He said,

I don’t know why I stopped. I felt a little down and thought about 1-2-2-4 since my grandmother died Dec. 24, so I decided that I would play them. As I was about to leave the room, someone stopped me and asked me if I would like to purchase scratch-offs. Next thing I know, I am on my knees…overwhelmed.

Stewart stated that he was “jumping for joy” for 15 minutes when he realized he had won $1 million.

Stewart stated,

I have always wondered what I would do if I won. Nothing can prepare you for that feeling. It was something I didn’t expect. Dreams do come true.

Stewart received his winning prize money on Thursday, December 9. Stewart could choose to take $50,000 per year for 20 years, or a lump sum totaling $600,000. Stewart chose to take $424,503 each year for 20 years or a lump sum of $600,000. MSN reported that Stewart took the lump sum home and received $424,503 after completing required federal and state tax withholdings.

Stewart answered a question about his plans for the money. He said he would use it to pay medical bills and to buy some land.

“COVID-19 has messed up me. This will take some of the burdens off your medical bills. We will save some and invest some. He suggested that we might buy some land.