Photo: Iowa Lottery
(Clive, IA) -- A 60-year-old Iowa woman is one of 29 nationwide finalists for the Powerball First Millionaire of the Year drawing.
Chris Manuel will spend New Year's Eve in New York for the drawing. She tells the Iowa Lottery, she still can't believe it.
"I am excited," said Manuel. "I still think I'm being punked."
Manuel underwent cancer surgery and radiation treatments this year. She says her perspective on life has changed due to the disease.
"Anytime you wake up in the morning, that's a good morning," said Manuel.
Chris and her husband Randy will be at New York City's Times Square on New Year's Eve to celebrate 2023's arrival, which could bring positive news for the Manuels. Chris hopes to hear she's cancer free in February.
Manuel said winning the $1 million would bring early retirement.
"I still got another year and a half, but if I won the million, I could retire early and enjoy time with my husband," said Manuel.
The $1 million winner will be announced live after midnight eastern time during the ABC broadcast of “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2023."