Paramedics forced to make quick decision after winning $11 million on My Lottery Dream Home
Paramedics Jon and Deb dedicated their whole lives to helping others, but after winning a whopping US$7 million (AU$11 million) the couple agreed it was time to focus on themselves.
The couple admitted they weren't even aware of their life-changing win until a neighbour flagged there had been a lottery winner in town.
Stream episodes of My Lottery Dream Home on 9Now.
In an episode of My Lottery Dream Home – which you can stream for free on 9Now – Jon and Deb enlisted the help of host David Bromstad to help them make the move from New York to sunny Florida.
Deb recounted the moment she realised they'd won: "He [Jon] didn't believe me at first.
Meet Jon and Deb and listen to their full story below.
[INSERT VIDEO 1]
"One of our neighbours is a local police officer and he told me that somebody hit the lottery in Waldon where we live," Deb explained.
"I looked at the ticket and I looked at the person and I'm like, 'We won the lottery!'"
Jon heard all the commotion and rushed over to see what was happening. With her phone in one hand and the winning ticket in the other, Deb screamed "We won! We won!"
Initially Jon thought it was a mistake, "What are you talking about?" he asked his wife.
Sure enough, when Jon took a closer look he realised that they had in fact won a life-changing sum.
WATCH: Homeless man inherits $2.1 million and buys his dream home
Following their win, the couple had to quickly choose between an up-front payout or the option of $1,000 a day for the rest of their lives.
For Jon it was a no-brainer, opting to take the US$7 million (AU$11 million) there and then.
Despite winning an astronomical amount, the couple set a modest budget of US$500,000 (AU$788,469) to spend on their new home, noting that they still had plans to travel and didn't want too much upkeep on their place.
But they still had a decent wish list of features for their forever home.
With six children between them, Jon requested a four-bedroom abode with room for plenty of visitors and a pool was an "absolute must"
EXCLUSIVE: Delta Goodrem's heartfelt commitment to spreading kindness this Christmas
The first house David showed the couple was a waterfront property that ticked all their boxes.
The only downfall was that it came in a little overbudget at US$510,000 (AU$804,238). Although they didn't seem to mind dipping into their winnings for the extra cash.
While they were blown away by the sheer size of the home, the couple were a little underwhelmed by the canal the property backed onto.
You can see the full house tour below.
At US$485,000 (AU$764,815), the next property the couple toured was within budget. The good news kept coming as David walked the pair out to a generous outdoor space with a seating area perched right on a nearby river.
For the final property, David drew a wildcard 70s style property that was up for sale for US$449,000 (AU$708,045).
The couple couldn't contain their excitement as they walked inside to see a space with a sunken living room.
"I feel like I'm in a resort!" Deb beamed.
The only thing the couple weren't chuffed about was that the home backed onto a golf course rather than a body of water.
To find out which property Jon and Deb decided on, follow their story on Episode 6, Season 12 of My Lottery Dream Home.
You can watch more stories of life-changing wins in the videos below.
