Jackie and Rande plan to use the money to pay their immediate bills and then use the rest of their earnings to help raise their grandchildren.
A New Jersey couple raising their daughter’s three children after losing her to lupus in recent years finally had a touch of good luck when they won $1 million through the lottery.
In their 17 years of marriage, Jackie and Rande have faced their fair share of difficult challenges, including the devastating loss of their daughter, according to lottery officials.
The pair stepped up to raise their three grandchildren while continuing to extend themselves in any way necessary to help others in need.
But their luck finally turned around when they bought a Mega Millions ticket earlier this year.
On March 31, the ticket they bought matched all five of the numbers drawn, earning them $1 million.
Read: See Woman's Reaction As She Learns She Won $2 Million Lottery Jackpot
"They are the most deserving people in New Jersey,” their friend Debbie said. “They have helped so many other people in their times of need and now it is their turn to receive this very necessary blessing.”
The couple plans to use the money to pay their immediate bills and then use the rest of their earnings to help raise their grandchildren.
“This will be the beginning of good fortune to our family,” Jackie, whose last name was not given by lottery officials, said through tears.
Her husband agreed, saying: “I am just very grateful. This will help our lives out a lot.”
Read: Meet Couple Who Are $187 Million Richer After Winning Florida Lottery
Jackie and Rande bought their ticket at Long Branch Convenience in Long Branch.
The winning numbers for the March 31 drawing were 17, 24, 27, 32 and 58. The Mega Ball, which the couple didn't have, was 10 and the “Megaplier” was 3.
If Rande and Jackie had spent an extra $1 to exercise the “Megaplier” option, they would have won $3 million.
Watch: Manager Where Winning Lottery Ticket Was Sold: 'I Instantly Started Crying'
