Winner of Dh10 million Mahzooz prize says it will pay for his son’s cerebral palsy treatment
An oil and gas worker who won Dh10 million ($2.7m) in the Mahzooz draw said the money will pay for his son’s cerebral palsy treatment.
Paterio, 54, has been working in Fujairah for three years to support his wife and two children in the Philippines.
He has not seen them since the coronavirus pandemic started.
“The money couldn’t have come at a better time,” Paterio told The National.
“My son suffers from cerebral palsy and he needs an operation that could really help him.
“With this money, we can try to improve his life. It’s life-changing for us.”
Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder that affects movement, muscle tone and posture.
It can also cause problems with swallowing and eye muscle imbalances. Paterio’s 18-year-old son has to use feeding tubes that pass through the mouth and nose.
Surgery would make it possible for him to use gastrostomy tubes, so that he can be fed directly through his stomach.
“When I got the call about the prize, I thought they were just joking. I couldn’t believe it and it’s still surprising to me,” Paterio said. “We have a lot of plans and we’re still deciding when and how we are going to use the money.
“We do have plans to buy a bigger house in the Philippines.
“We’ve thought about buying a house here in Dubai.
“My wife and I have spoken about her and the children moving here, but we’re still discussing that.”
Mahzooz, previously known as Emirates Loto, is one of a number of jackpot draws in the UAE.
Participants have to register online and buy a Dh35 bottle of water to enter.
The bottles are collected by the organisation and donated to charity.
Last month, a Bangladeshi crane operator in Dubai won Dh1m in a Mahzooz draw.
Abdul Kadeer was earning Dh2,400 each month, most of which he sent back home to his family.