The 2024 World Series of Poker (WSOP) was filled with plenty of heart-warming stories, one being that of 79-year-old Navy Veteran David Lower out of Gilbert, Arizona.
He played in Event #59: $1,000 Super Seniors and cashed his first-ever WSOP tournament finishing 42nd out of 3,362 runners for $9,709. What’s more, he donated $5,000 of that to help in the efforts for his friend’s son to receive a double lung transplant.
Lower is also hoping other poker players may be willing to donate to HelpHopeLive.org for Shannon Zane King, who is currently in a hospital in Oklahoma City. Donations can be made to the above 501(c)(3) organization or the South-Central Transplant Fund in honor of Shannon.
“Shannon is the son of one of my high school classmates back in Oklahoma,” Lower told PokerNews. “She and I have been friends since high school. When I found out about Shannon's illness, I told her that I would donate half of any winnings. Not having cashed in six previous Senior Event, this was my first Super Seniors and my only cash.”
According to HelpHopeLive.org:
“Shannon is 56 years old and lives in Oklahoma City. Born in Weatherford, Oklahoma, he has lived in Oklahoma all his life except for a period of 23 years when he worked in Dallas, Texas. When he was 18 years old, he tried to join the Army but learned he had juvenile onset macular degeneration. By the time he was 21 he was legally blind. He didn’t let this stop him though and quickly set out on a new path. He got into body building, nutrition, weightlifting and martial arts. Then, in his mid-30’s he was diagnosed with Alpha-1. It has progressed to the point of severe COPD and he is now in need of a double lung transplant. Through all of his hardships Shannon has maintained a positive, loving attitude, always there for anyone who needs a friend — or even just a friendly smile. Please take a minute to view his Family Album and meet a few of the people who have been so important in his life.”
The fund has a goal of $30,000 with it being nearly a third of the way there.
Click here to learn more or make a donation!
Lower’s son, Todd, introduced him to poker back in 2013 and he’s been playing ever since.
“It took me a while, but I started winning on a semi-consistent basis,” Lower admitted. “I have made the final table numerous times, but my real run was making the final table on five consecutive Fridays at Talking Stick Resort and Casino in Scottsdale. With my winnings, I took my two daughters to the Rose Bowl between Oklahoma and Georgia!”
PokerNewsactually reported on Lower’s run in the Super Seniors Event. For instance, on Day 2 in Level 22 (10,000/25,000/25,000), reporter Jeff McMillan came across a board of 5♠2♠4♣2♦7♠with Keith Williams, who got his chips all in on the flop with the 3♥3♣, departing the table after failing to overcome the 10♠10♥of Lower. That hand put Lower up to 1,275,000 in chips and helped propel him to his deep run.
“During the tournament, I had the pleasure of playing next to Barry Greenstein,” Lower also shared. “I have a photo of me and Barry that my son captured!”
While Lower had an amazing time at the 2024 WSOP, he is hoping his kind gesture might inspire other poker players to help donate to the cause. Those interested can click here to donate.
Find out who won the 2024 WSOP Super Seniors here!
