Marie Holmes’ life has literally changed overnight. The 26-year-old Shallotte, North Carolina woman is one of three winners of the $564 million Powerball jackpot and it couldn’t have happened at a better time.
“I wouldn’t have none of it if it wasn’t for God,” Holmes told her local WECT news.
The mother of four says she was forced to quit her jobs at McDonald’s and Walmart to take care of her children full time. One of her children has cerebral palsy.
Cerebral palsy (CP) is an umbrella term that refers to a group of disorders affecting a person’s ability to move, states the Cerebral Palsy Alliance. CP is the result of a brain injury or a brain malformation. Individuals with cerebral palsy were most likely born with the condition, although some acquire it later.
It is a permanent life-long condition. In addition to affecting muscle control and balance, those with CP may also have visual, learning, hearing, speech, epilepsy and intellectual impairments.
After tithing a portion of her $188 million winnings to her church, Holmes plans to set up college funds for her children and buy a new home. “I’m ready for it. I’m ready to embrace the change. I’m very grateful for what’s about to happen for my family,” Holmes shared when asked how the lottery win will impact her life.