Imagine the excitement of winning the lottery – it’s a dream for many, but the odds are slim.
Yet, there’s always that one lucky person or group who hits the jackpot.
It’s common for co-workers to pool their money for lottery tickets, agreeing to share any winnings.
This practice is widespread, though it’s hard to say how often it leads to a big win.
When lottery jackpots soar to astronomical amounts, it’s no surprise that ticket sales skyrocket.
That’s precisely what happened with a group of 126 NICU nurses at Mercy Children’s Hospital in Missouri.
They all chipped in to buy a few tickets each.
While they didn’t win the massive $1.6 billion jackpot, they did score a $10,000 prize.
Winning $10,000 sounds fantastic, but with so many nurses in the pool, the individual share wasn’t as significant as one might think.
After taxes, the total amount dropped to $7,200, meaning each nurse would only receive about $56.
It wasn’t a life-changing sum for them, but it was still a nice little bonus.
However, these nurses had a heartwarming idea.
They realized that $56 each wasn’t going to make a big difference in their lives.
So, they decided to do something truly special with the money.
They chose to split the $10,000 between two of their colleagues who were in dire need of financial support.
One of the recipients was Casey Orellana, a neonatologist, mother of four, and a devoted wife.
Her world turned upside down when her husband, Phil, was diagnosed with cancer.
Phil had to quit his job in July, putting a significant financial strain on the family.
Casey juggled work, caring for her children, and managing Phil’s medical expenses, which forced her to reduce her working hours, further tightening their financial situation.
The timing of the lottery win couldn’t have been more perfect for Casey.
She was struggling to find the funds for her husband’s medication when she received the call about the money.
It was a much-needed relief during a challenging time in her life.
The second nurse to receive a share of the winnings was Gretchen Post.
Her colleagues chose her because she was dealing with the heartbreaking loss of her 17-year-old son, Jack, who had died just a month earlier.
The money would help cover the funeral costs, a small comfort for a grieving mother and family.
This act of kindness and solidarity among the nurses did more than just provide financial assistance; it brought them closer together.
It’s a beautiful example of selflessness and compassion, showing how people can support each other in times of need.
Their decision to help their colleagues rather than keep the small winnings for themselves was a testament to their character and empathy.
While the nurses were initially thrilled about their lottery win, their ultimate choice to help their fellow nurses in need was incredibly thoughtful and caring.
This story not only highlights the bond among these healthcare professionals but also serves as an inspiration for others to prioritize kindness and generosity in their own lives.
See this heartwarming story in the video below!
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