New jersey teacher uses scratch-offs to bring joy to her ailing father

New Jersey teacher uses Scratch-Offs to bring joy to her ailing father

by
December 18, 2024
·

TRENTON, N.J. — In a year where New Jersey Lottery players have claimed over $2 billion in prizes, a school teacher from North Jersey found her own jackpot—strengthening her bond with her 81-year-old father through the simple joy of Scratch-Off tickets.

Her father, battling advanced prostate cancer and having endured open-heart surgery, finds solace and excitement in games like Crossword and Bingo Scratch-Offs. The teacher says it’s not about winning large sums of money but about the joy and hope the games bring to her father.

The family, who emigrated from Peru after the 9/11 attacks, credits the father’s hard work as a welder for enabling his children to achieve advanced degrees and successful careers. For the teacher, buying Scratch-Off tickets for her father is a way to repay his sacrifices and bring him moments of happiness.

Over the past few years, the family has also taken the father on multiple destination vacations, with another cruise planned for this summer. The tickets and trips provide him with something to look forward to, helping him stay hopeful despite his health challenges.

Her father remains optimistic, often joking about using his lottery winnings to pay for the next family vacation.

Chris Quigley

Chris Quigley

Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

As a member of the Shore News Network editorial team, Quigley works closely with public officials, community leaders, first responders, and local organizations to provide factual coverage of breaking news, municipal government, public policy, and events affecting New Jersey residents. Her work highlights both major developments and the local stories that shape communities across the state.

Quigley is committed to responsible journalism, emphasizing accuracy, source verification, and transparency in every story she reports. She strives to present information in a clear and accessible manner, helping readers better understand the issues, decisions, and events that impact their daily lives.

Through her work at Shore News Network, Chris Quigley contributes to the organization's mission of providing trusted local news coverage, accountability reporting, and community-focused journalism throughout New Jersey.

Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

Degrees: Business B.A. - Stockton University

Experience and interests: Criminal Justice, Business, Animal Care, Entertainment, Lottery News, Local News