Rhode Island Woman Celebrates Lottery Jackpot Win Shortly After Cancer-Free Declaration
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In a heartwarming turn of events, a Rhode Island woman, Melissa Bourassa from West Warwick, struck luck in the local lottery, winning a $12,000 jackpot at JJ’s Café. This stroke of fortune came just a month after Melissa received the uplifting news of being officially declared cancer-free by her doctors. The joyous moment unfolded as Melissa was playing Keno at the café when the winning numbers aligned in her favour, as reported by the Rhode Island Lottery.
Sharing her exhilarating experience with local news outlet WPRI 12, Melissa recalled the disbelief of those around her when she announced her win. Despite her excitement, she recounted, “Nobody believed me, I swear to God. So, I showed them all the picture, and they go, ‘You’ve got to be kidding me! You won!'” This win marked a double celebration for Melissa, who had been battling breast cancer and underwent a double mastectomy in 2020. Her recent victory added another layer of positivity to her journey towards recovery.
Reflecting on her challenging path to remission, Melissa expressed her gratitude towards her doctor, Dr. Doreen Wiggins, who performed the life-changing surgery and declared her cancer-free after battling the disease for years. Melissa’s resilience and unwavering spirit were evident as she shared her story of triumph over adversity with the community. The compassionate staff at JJ’s Café, where Melissa works, rallied behind her during her illness, organising fundraisers to support her through the tough times when she couldn’t work.
Melissa’s plan to spend a portion of her winnings on holiday gifts for her supportive co-workers highlighted her generous and kind-hearted nature. She acknowledged the pivotal role her colleagues played in her healing process, stating, “If I didn’t have everybody here, I would have been a psychological mess.” Beyond spreading joy within her workplace, Melissa intends to spread goodwill in her local community by creating wreaths for community members, a hobby she picked up during the pandemic lockdown.
Describing Melissa as a selfless and caring individual, her co-worker, Amanda Bodington, praised her giving nature, saying, “Even though she doesn’t have much, she’s always there for somebody. Always thinking about somebody. Always.” Melissa’s positive outlook and acts of kindness serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration, uplifting those around her with her contagious optimism.
In a world often clouded by challenges and uncertainties, Melissa Bourassa’s story shines brightly as a reminder of the power of resilience, community support, and the unwavering human spirit in overcoming obstacles. Her journey from battling cancer to celebrating a significant lottery win is a testament to her strength and determination, offering a ray of hope and joy to all who hear her story. Melissa’s unwavering courage and generosity serve as a touching example of the transformative impact of perseverance and kindness in the face of adversity.
As Melissa continues to bask in the joy of her lottery win and cancer-free status, her story stands as a source of inspiration, proving that even amidst life’s darkest moments, light and hope can shine through. Her uplifting tale serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and fortitude that reside within each of us, waiting to be unleashed in times of challenge and triumph. Melissa’s journey is a testament to the enduring power of positivity, community support, and unwavering faith in the face of adversity, resonating with all who encounter her remarkable story.
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Rhode Island Woman Celebrates Lottery Jackpot Win Shortly After Cancer-Free Declaration
by Toria Sheffield
December 14, 2025
Melissa Bourassa, a West Warwick resident, recently won a $12,000 jackpot in the local lottery.
Melissa, who underwent a double mastectomy in 2020, received the news of being cancer-free from her doctors just a month before her lottery win.
Amidst disbelief from onlookers, Melissa was elated to share her unexpected victory at JJ’s Café, where she works.
Melissa expressed her gratitude towards her supportive co-workers, who stood by her during her illness and held fundraisers to assist her financially.
Her generous spirit shines through as she plans to use a portion of her winnings for holiday gifts for her colleagues and creating wreaths for her community.
Described as a selfless and loving individual by her peers, Melissa’s story embodies resilience, kindness, and the triumph of the human spirit.