I won $344m on the Powerball but got less than half of that after I made a controversial decision with my winnings

Winning the Powerball is a dream many fantasize about, envisioning luxury vacations, lavish homes, or extravagant cars.

But when Lerynne West, a single mother from Iowa, found herself holding a winning $350 million ticket, her dreams turned in a different direction. Rather than indulging in personal luxuries, West made the unexpected decision to share her newfound wealth by giving back to those in need—specifically U.S. veterans and others facing hardship.

An Unconventional Choice: Generosity Over Glamour
At a time when most might revel in their personal fortune, West’s immediate instinct was to help others. She made headlines by donating $500,000 of her winnings to The Travis Mills Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides support to veterans who have been injured in combat. Her decision to allocate such a large portion of her prize to charity quickly set her apart from the typical lottery winner, showcasing her compassion and commitment to giving back.

West’s philanthropic journey began soon after she appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, where she discussed her newfound fortune and her vision for the future. During the interview, she unveiled her long-term plans, which went far beyond individual donations. West announced the creation of The Callum Foundation, a charitable organization named in memory of her grandson, who tragically passed away shortly after his premature birth. The foundation’s mission focuses on several important causes: fighting poverty, promoting animal welfare, and supporting U.S. veterans.

A Connection to Veterans: West’s Personal Motivation
The choice to support veterans through her foundation wasn’t random. West has a deep personal connection to the military, which significantly influenced her decision. Her father served in Vietnam, and three of her brothers are combat veterans. For West, the struggles and sacrifices of veterans are not abstract; they’re part of her family history.

Her connection to the military, coupled with her drive to make a meaningful difference, led her to select The Travis Mills Foundation as one of her foundation’s first beneficiaries. This foundation is particularly known for its commitment to assisting veterans who have suffered life-altering injuries, providing them and their families with the resources and support they need to rebuild their lives. West’s $500,000 donation to the organization marked a significant contribution, one that would aid countless veterans in their recovery and rehabilitation.

In explaining her choice, West emphasized her admiration for the men and women who serve the country, noting how her family’s military background played a significant role in shaping her values. “I wanted to give back to those who have given so much for our freedom,” she said during her interview with Ellen. “It’s important that we remember their sacrifices and do our part to help them transition back into civilian life.”

From Struggles to Triumph: West’s Path to Winning
West’s journey to wealth wasn’t an easy one. Before hitting the Powerball jackpot, she lived a life of hard work and resilience. As a single mother raising three children, West juggled multiple jobs just to make ends meet. At 51, she finally managed to buy her first home—a major milestone that symbolized years of determination and sacrifice.

Ironically, it was during her move into this new home that she purchased the winning lottery ticket. West and her sister had stopped at a local gas station for pizza and coffee when she decided, almost out of habit, to buy a Powerball ticket. She had always opted for computer-generated picks, believing that luck was on her side one day. Little did she know, this small purchase would alter her life forever.