The world of tournament poker is certainly full of more than its fair share of shady characters with less than perfect moral compasses. But, as in poker, the cream often rises to top. This is most apparent when the community rallies around one of its own in support.
Dean Porter has cancer. B-cell Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, to be more specific.
Dean, an avid poker player and fan, has been a constant source of support and encouragement for his son, Devin “TranquilChaos” Porter, since the start of his career.
“He taught me how to play,” said Devin. “That’s why I’ve been successful. He’s always there on the rail to sweat me.”
Now, Devin is rallying the online poker community around him to return the favor and support his father through this tough time. Dean’s cancer is in stage 4 and has spread throughout his entire body. Still, though the situation looks bleak, Devin knows that, with proper treatment, his father can beat this disease.
Of course, treatment is costly, and to offset his father’s medical expenses, Devin has set up a $30+$3 tournament on PokerStars to benefit his father. Tournament participants who make the money are being asked to donate 50 percent of their winnings to Porter’s family.
This humble request has been taken one step further by many in the online community, and donations have already started coming in. James “P0KERPR033” Campbell has already committed and said that 100 percent of his winnings will be donated. Jonathan “Wein” Wein has already earmarked $500, regardless of his finish, and Shawn Rice has decided to commit 2 percent of his World Series of Poker winnings to the cause.
“I can’t believe the response I’m getting from the community, and even complete strangers,” said Devin. “It’s overwhelming and greatly appreciated.”
After getting the prognosis, Dean had a tough request for his son, to win him a bracelet before he passes. Despite the pressure, Devin came close last year, finishing in fourth place in event No. 19. Dean starts chemotherapy next Thursday, and Devin will spend the series playing for his father, in more ways than one.
Details of the charity tournament and how to donate are below:
When: May 19, 2008 at 20:30 EST
Where: PokerStars (in the “Private” tab)
Password (case sensitive): pocketfives
Online donations can be made, and players can also send direct transfers to Devin on three of the major online sites. Players can write off their contribution and retain a receipt for tax purposes by donating through the link above.
Full Tilt: TranquilChaos
Ultimate Bet: TranquilChaos
PokerStars: Tobias Fuke – Location: Halloweentown
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