Our Story

Diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis in 2005, Dad bravely battled this punishing disease for eight long and difficult years. As Dad’s lung function diminished, his breathing progressively became more labored, and his overall condition worsened. His doctors were amazed at how many more years he lived beyond their expectations, and we treasured every moment possible.

Dad was a poker player. He loved the competition and he loved to bring our family together for a “friendly” game of Texas Hold’ Em poker. We played for hours at a time, meeting his fierce competitive nature the best we could.

Throughout Dad’s last years and months, and right up to his last few weeks of life, we played poker with him whenever he was physically able. We played at his kitchen table when he couldn’t leave the house, and we even brought cards and chips to his hospital and rehab rooms! During these few hours of poker play, Dad curiously and miraculously forgot about his illness and showed virtually no symptoms of the disease. He perked up and literally came alive while he check raised, bluffed, and masterfully picked his “all-ins” and collected our chips. Dad fiercely competed playing poker as he fiercely competed for life.

Texas Hold’ Em poker was a hugely effective way for Dad to fight this deadly disease of pulmonary fibrosis, and we truly believe this helped Dad beat the odds and live longer—to be with our family.

Playing poker was a way for our family to come together and help Dad get through the toughest of times. We are forever grateful for every moment of time we had with him, and in honor and in memory of our Dad, it is with great respect and love that our family has established the “Annual Irv Feldman Texas Hold’ Em Tournament” benefiting patients and families affected by pulmonary fibrosis.

We invite you to come together with us annually to play some poker, have some fun, and honor our Dad—while we raise charitable funds and awareness for a worthy cause. Let’s make a difference and help those who are fighting this horrible deadly disease of pulmonary fibrosis.

Thank you for your love and support,
The Feldman Family

Watch Irv Feldman play  Texas Hold ‘Em Poker with his family.