Get well card after open heart surgery leads to $1 million prize for local man

A Massachusetts man has won a $1 million prize in the Massachusetts State Lottery’s “$5,000,000 100X Cashword” instant ticket game.

Alexander McLeish, who had open heart surgery earlier this month, received a get well card from a friend with three instant tickets enclosed, including the eventual big winner. As he began to scratch the “Your Letters” area of the ticket, the first three letters revealed were A, W and M, his initials. As if that wasn’t enough of a positive omen, the word that appeared on the bottom row of his winning puzzle was “HEART.”

McLeish, who claimed his prize at Mass Lottery headquarters in Dorchester Friday, November 26, chose the cash option for his prize and received a one-time payment of $650,000 (before taxes).

McLeish, who is from Attleboro, said he won a $1,000 prize several years ago on a ticket he received from the same friend as a birthday gift.

His $1 million winning ticket was purchased at Quickeez Beer, Wine and Convenience Store located at 60 North Main St. in Carver. The store will receive a $10,000 bonus for its sale of this ticket.