Workout session cut short as news of $2.5M lottery win hits Mississauga woman

Elizabeth Cardoso recently had a workout session cut short, but for good reason.

More specifically, 2.5 million good reasons — as in a $2.5 million Lotto 6/49 jackpot win — interrupted the Mississauga’s woman’s exercise one day recently.

“I was at home on the treadmill when I logged into my OLG.ca account and saw that I’d won,” Cardoso recounted while visiting the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto to pick up her winnings. “It didn’t feel real, and I was skeptical. I remained calm, needing to investigate further. My husband and I reviewed the winning numbers together. As we realized what was happening, we looked at each other, saying, ‘What?’ It was a surreal moment. It was hard to get any sleep after that, as my mind was racing.”

Cardoso, a health-care worker, held one of two winning tickets in the March 5 Lotto 6/49 Classic Jackpot draw. She split the $5 million jackpot with the other lucky ticket holder.

The Mississauga woman told Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation officials she’s been playing the lottery for about 20 years, typically picking up Lotto 6/49 and Lotto Max tickets. She plays numbers that are significant to her, the OLG said in a news release revealing Cardoso as one of the two big winners.

“Little did she know that those special selections would lead her to her first big win and the thrill of becoming a multimillionaire,” lottery officials said.

Cardoso said the jackpot win means a lot to her and her family.

“It’s starting to feel more real and I’m getting emotional. I never expected anything like this,” she said. “I’m filled with gratitude and optimistic about the future. I can take a deep breath and prioritize time with my family, which is what’s most important to me. I’m so thankful for this blessing.”

Plans to spend the windfall are already underway.

“This money will be invested for our future. I’m excited to share this incredible news with my family and to plan a fun adventure for us all to go on.”

The winning ticket was purchased on OLG.ca.

(Photo: OLG)