Richard Dooley says family and friends have helped him through six years of fighting spinal cancer.
But sometimes, life can take a turn.
KTVI reports Dooley, 41, endured four major surgeries before he hit the Illinois Rockin’ Bingo instant-win ticket for $500,000.
The Illinois Lottery confirms the winning, saying Dooley bought his winning ticket at a gas station in Alton.
Dooley said he planned to renovate his home to better accommodate his wheelchair, donate some of the winnings to charity and put some away for his children’s college education.
“I can’t believe I won the lottery – I have so much to be thankful for!” Dooley said.
