Teen’s Present From Dad Turns Her Into Multimillionaire on 19th Birthday

Chicago teen wins $4 million thanks to dad's birthday present lottery tickets.

ByABC News
October 30, 2014, 4:38 PM
Deisi Ocampo won $4 million on her 19th birthday after her father gifted her two $100 Million Money Mania instant tickets and said "happy birthday."
Deisi Ocampo won $4 million on her 19th birthday after her father gifted her two $100 Million Money Mania instant tickets and said "happy birthday."
Illinois Lottery

— -- A very happy birthday, indeed!

When Deisi Ocampo woke up on her birthday on Oct. 6, she had no idea the gift her father had given her would soon make her a multi-millionaire.

“I rarely play the lottery,” Ocampo, 19, of Chicago, wrote to ABC News. “My dad buys tickets once in a while and thought it would fun to get me two tickets for my birthday.”

The following day, she didn’t think much of it when she scratched off the first set of numbers. But when she finished scratching the second ticket, “I began to shake and sweat out of nervousness,” she said. “I just couldn’t believe it was real.”

The birthday girl had won $4 million dollars.

She called her father, who needless to say, was equally stunned.

“He couldn’t believe it,” Ocampo explained of her dad’s reaction. “He thought I was teasing him. When I told him I had won, he asked if it was $500, and I said, ‘No $4 million!’”

But the newfound millionaire isn’t letting the money go to her head. She plans to continue working at a clothing store because her family "is humble and believes in a strong work ethic."

As for how Ocampo plans to spend the new earnings, she's being reasonable about that, as well.

“I will share with my dad so he can buy a new home for my mom, dad and sister,” she said. “I plan to use a portion to pay for college since I want to become a nurse and take care of babies.”

When asked if this was the best birthday she’s ever had, Ocampo simply replied, “Definitely!”