In a recent holiday episode of the Tamron Hall Show, AFTD Ambassador Carrie Edwards opened up about an extraordinary act of generosity that has touched hearts across the country. Edwards shared the story behind her decision to donate her entire $150,000 lottery windfall to three charities, including AFTD, that have shaped her life’s journey. 

Edwards never played the lottery before September. The winning number itself came from an unlikely source—she asked ChatGPT to select her Powerball numbers during a friendly competition with a friend. When she received the notification that she’d won $150,000, she was stunned. But standing in her kitchen that day, Edwards experienced what she calls a divine moment. “I heard this voice say it’s not your money. This is something you need to pass through you to other people and start a wave of kindness,” Edwards told Tamron Hall. “I knew exactly who I was going to give it to.” 

A third of her winnings went to AFTD. For Edwards, this was a tribute to her late husband, Steve, and a way to transform her grief into meaningful action. Steve Edwards, her high school sweetheart, spent his career as a firefighter with Fairfax County. On September 11, 2001, he served as battalion chief at the Pentagon. At age 57, he was diagnosed with early-onset dementia. He passed away on New Year’s Eve last year. 

Turning Pain Into Passion

During Steve’s illness, Edwards found crucial support through AFTD’s resources while serving as his primary caregiver. She became a recurring donor and has since emerged as a passionate advocate for FTD awareness. Earlier this year, her efforts resulted in an official Virginia state resolution recognizing FTD Awareness Week. This came after an official commendation by the General Assembly last January, recognizing the Edwards family for their advocacy on behalf of FTD awareness.  

“The AFTD is there to give hope and to help me heal and turn my pain into passion,” Edwards told Hall. As AFTD CEO Susan L-J Dickinson noted, “This generous gift will directly support vital research and family services as we work toward a future free of FTD.” 

Edwards also directed portions of her winnings to Shalom Farms, a food justice organization in Richmond where she volunteers, and to the Navy-Marine Relief Society in honor of her father.  

The show surprised Edwards with a vacation to Cabo San Lucas—a gesture that brought her to tears.  

Further reading:  

• Ways you can support AFTD’s mission 

• The Carrie Edwards episode of the Tamron Hall Show 

• Previous news of Edwards’ donation of her lottery winnings 

• Commendation of the Edwards family by the Virginia General Assembly