Pittsburgh Breast Cancer Survivor Plays PA Lottery, Comes Up Winner

CASTLE SHANNON, PA — Pennsylvania Lottery officials on Monday presented a Pittsburgh-area woman with the keys to a 2024 Ford Bronco after she recently won the top prize on the Keys and Cash Scratch-Off. The event was held at Kenny Ross Ford South.

Jodie Kavka, the lottery winner, revealed that she is a recent breast cancer survivor. That fact, coupled with her big win, has left her feeling extremely thankful as Thanksgiving approaches this week.

Kavka recalled the day she purchased the winning ticket.

“I was going to the mall to buy clothes for my son. My family was going to the beach for vacation the next day,” she said. “I stay home every year to take care of my elderly mom.”

Kavka was looking for a drink that day, which led her to the GetGo on Monroeville Boulevard in Monroeville, which received a $500 bonus for selling the ticket.

“People were at the drinking fountain, so I put my $5 bill in the lottery machine next to it,” Kavka said. “I’m so grateful! I’m a recent breast cancer survivor and we were just talking about selling our second car before it breaks down to get some house repairs done.”

Kavka said when she realized she won, “It felt like a present since I stay home every year when everyone goes on vacation.”

She said she couldn’t wait to tell her partner the great news.

“He was in disbelief and thought I was joking,” she said. “I just love that little guy, Gus (the lottery's groundhog mascot). Yinz can’t win if you don’t play.”

“Congratulations to Jodie," Secretary of Revenue Pat Browne said. "We’re thrilled to help her celebrate her big win and make sure that she has the keys to her new vehicle in time for the holiday season."

The PA Lottery Scratch-Off, Keys and Cash, went on sale on May 21. The $5 game offers players top prizes of a 2024 Ford Bronco of their choice or a cash option of $100,00o."