Gloucester man diagnosed with brain cancer wins $1 million in instant ticket

Brian Parisi from Gloucester is the first $1 million winner of the “Double Your Money” instant lottery game and plans to use the money to pay it back.

Parisi was seriously injured in a car accident and later diagnosed with brain cancer two years ago, according to the Massachusetts State Lottery. Parisi now plans to use his earnings to thank his brother-in-law for all he did to help during that time. He hopes to replace the roof on his brother-in-law’s house with a portion of the funds and plans to invest the rest of the money for himself and his two children.

Parisi’s winning ticket was purchased at Ed’s Mini Mart located at 89 Washington Street in Gloucester. The store will receive $10,000 for the sale.

Parisi chose to receive her prize in the form of a one-time payment of $650,000 before taxes, the Massachusetts State Lottery said.