(KGTV) - Two New Jersey grandparents are getting a much needed helping hand thanks to some good luck.
Jackie and Rande, of Long Branch, N.J., won $1 million in New Jersey's March 31 Mega Millions lottery, matching five of six numbers.
And it couldn't have happened to a more deserving couple.
The two grandparents have been married for 17 years, and have faced some difficult times, lottery officials said. They've been raising their three grandchildren after the couple's daughter lost her battle with Lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease.
"They are the most deserving people in New Jersey. They have helped so many other people in their times of need and now it is their turn to receive this very necessary blessing," a family friend told NJ Lottery.
Jackie and Rande said they plan to use the money to pay off immediate bills, then use the rest to continue raising their grandchildren.
Upon news of their win, Jackie told lottery officials, "this will be the beginning of good fortune to our family."
