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Stratford Man Hopes To Cripple The Deck To Keep Research Moving Forward STRATFORD, Conn. - The fifth annual Turek Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Tournament will be held on Saturday, Nov. 15, at TJ's Restaurant in Port Chester , N.Y. Last year’s tournament raised $20,000 to benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Connecticut Chapter and the thousands of Connecticut residents battling the potentially debilitating effects of multiple sclerosis (MS). Jason D’Aloia, a resident of Strattford , Conn. , established the tournament in 2004 in honor of his mother-in-law, Janice Turek, who lives in Enfield , Conn. Turek was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis ten years ago. “This all began as a Christmas gift,” said D’Aloia. “I gave my mother-in-law a letter one Christmas informing her that a charity poker tournament was going to be held in her honor to help find a cure for MS. After witnessing her strength in fighting the disease, I knew a fun poker tournament would be a wonderful way to show our support as a family. The tournament has grown steadily ever since.” More than 6,000 Connecticut residents, like Turek, live with the unpredictable and baffling effects of multiple sclerosis. The cause is unknown, and, as a result, there currently is no cure. Symptoms can include, among other things, numbness in the limbs, difficulties with vision and speech, stiffness and, in some more severe cases, total paralysis. The progress, severity, and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot be predicted. Funds raised through events, such as the Turek Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Tournament, ensure ongoing scientific research to find a cure and the continuation of programs and services provide by the chapter to Connecticut residents living with multiple sclerosis. Since the first tournament was held in May of 2004, the event has raised $87,000 to benefit the Connecticut Chapter and those it serves. The tournament has received national recognition and worldwide sponsorship, including Cardplayer.com, Full Tilt, World Series of Poker Academy, Foxwoods, Sam Adams, La-Z-Boy, NY Knicks, David Wright Foundation, New York Giants, New York Jets, ESPN and the Bridgeport Soundtigers to name a few. Professional poker player Andy Bloch has contributed to the event for the past three years. His involvement and that of many other poker professionals, like 2004 WSOP Champ Greg Raymer, Antonio Esfandiari and Matt Matros, has helped to bring recognition to the tournament. NBA N.Y. Knick great John Starks and WKTU DJ Goumba Johnny will be playing and teaming up in the fight against MS. “The event promises to be both lively and very competitive,” said D’Aloia. “The winner will receive a World Series Poker Seat worth $10,000 where he or she will have an incredible opportunity to win millions.” The event features an open bar. There is a $200 fee to register to play and $50 fee for spectators. TJ's restaurant is located at 225 Westchester Ave. in Port Chester, N.Y. For more information on the 2008 Turek Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Tournament, contact Jason D'Aloia at mscharitypoker@yahoo.com or visit http://www.mscharitypoker.com/. For more information on multiple sclerosis and vital programs and services offered by the Connecticut Chapter, please visit http://www.ctfightsms.org/ or e-mail programs@ctfightsMS.org.
10/3/08 NOTE TO MEDIA |
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