“WHEN I won, I wanted to say thank you,” said Michelle De Roma, “It is an amazing blessing.” The Surrey resident matched all seven numbers in the Lotto Max draw held Friday, December 28, 2018, to win the massive jackpot of $39.5 million.

De Roma found out she won after heading to Tsawwassen Mills to do some shopping. “I heard someone won in South Delta, so I decided to check my ticket,” she said. “I went and scanned it myself and it said ‘it’s a winner,’ and then the number $39 million came up.”

De Roma, a mother of three, waited a few days to celebrate with her husband and family before claiming her prize. She said: “My husband didn’t believe me at first, so we checked it again online and we matched all the numbers. He is very happy – he shouted ‘wow!’ and then he kissed me.”

Despite still being in shock, De Roma has some big plans for the future, including a new house and new travel destinations. “We are planning to move out of Surrey, but we don’t know where yet,” she explained. “I have always wanted to go to Rome and I really want to see the Coliseum. For the most part right now, though, I’m just thinking about my kids and their future.”

Speaking through happy tears she added, “Our lives have been changed forever. Dreams really do come true.”

De Roma purchased her winning ticket at the Gateway Newstand in Tsawwassen Mills.