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Brooklyn Mom Picks Up Big Check
By
Jen Carlson
Published Oct 6, 2010
Modified Oct 6, 2010
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By
Jen Carlson
Published Oct 6, 2010
Modified Oct 6, 2010
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The Brooklyn mom who went from rags to riches by winning a recent $54MM Mega Millions jackpot has picked up her big check. The Rikers corrections officer has been bankrupt and homeless, but now 34-year-old Garina Fearon has got herself $22,723,873 after taxes. She told the NY Post, "All my life, all I ever wanted was a home for me and my family and a car. I already had both even before I won this money. Now I can focus on my work and my family. That’s what’s important to me now."
She plans to buy a BMW 5 series, a new home, and wants to help out her family and close friends. She still says she feels too loyal to leave her job, but wants to take a leave of absence for now. She added that she "hopes this doesn’t change [her two teenage kids] or me."
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Jen Carlson
Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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