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Let's wish ICE_TIGER a speedy recovery

ajmiltonajmilton
edited March 2016 in Poker Chat
I've only met Steve Ball (ice_tiger) once, at a live poker event organised 
by the sky community Milton Keynes. 
I have to say it was a pleasure to meet him. at my first and only live poker tourney.
He is a true gent on or off the table.

We have had some great battles at the plo8 tables 
Win or lose i enjoy every one (i mostly win, i'm the champ)
Some of you may already know that Steve is facing another battle 
the biggest battle of his life.

I've started this thread with Steve's permission
wouldn't do it without it. In the hope that this great community
can lift his spirits in his hour of need.

I'm friends with Steve on FB, and what i read a couple of weeks ago
really touched me, to the extent that my cheek got a little moist.
I'll copy and paste it below, and let Ice_Tiger tell you in his own words,
what he his going through.

Regards Alan (plo8 big softy, champ)
.......................................................................

Yesterday was not a good day. After extensive tests, it seems that my cancer has now spread and the tumour has grown and is no longer operable.

I see the oncologist next week but the prognosis isn't good. I can receive chemotherapy to reduce the pain and help me to eat but the chances of the cancer going away are slim, bordering on non-existent. This is a sad turnaround from the position before yesterday where the experts were optimistic.

To my poker buddies, we got all the chips in with AA against AK but the flop came KK2. We now have just two cards to hit that single Ace.

I don't know how long I have got. It might be days, it might be weeks, it might be months but however long it is, I intend to live each day to the full and try to enjoy it. I will treat every day left as a bonus and try to fill it with the things that I and my closest loved ones enjoy the most.

I probably won't have another holiday abroad. I probably won't see Sheffield Wednesday win anything (not many will). I probably won't feel the sun on my back again.

Every theatre trip, football match, poker tournament, day out might be my last so I am going to enjoy it.

Obviously my pain will soon be over but it will go on for those closest to me, in particular Helen Ball, Henrietta Ball & Max Ball. Our time together now will be so much more precious and I can put my affairs in order but for them, the pain will continue for some time.

I am grateful to have had such a great life, to have met so many good people along the way and to have a fantastic family to support each other through this period.

Maybe I have completed my primary job in life by helping to give Henri & Max a great start in life and I am so proud of the young adults that they have become. Sadly, I won't get the opportunity to grow old with Helen and watch the kids start their families. I have little doubt that they will both have many happy times ahead.

As time is precious then I cannot say goodbye to everyone individually. Apologies but I will read every post on my facebook threads for as long as I am able and thank you for the memories.



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Comments

  • Darkangel7Darkangel7
    edited December 2015
    I too met Steve at Milton Keynes, my first ever proper live tourney. I remember him coming up to me to introduce himself. He had his White Tiger T-shirt on from Bush Gardens. He was very lucky I didn't take it from his back there and then. He was so kind and gave me some sound advice. What a lovely kind and gentle man. I don't think I ended up on his table, can't remember it's all a blurr. But he is a fellow sheffielder, born in the city of Steel, follower of the mighty Owls. I just wish I could wave a magic wand and it all be gone. I want to wish Steve and the family all my support. Anything at all in my power I will try and help. Much respect to an awesome and true gent. xxx
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  • 67Bhoys67Bhoys
    edited December 2015

    I have never met Steve, but I know him as a stalwart of the skypoker community.  I think of him as a friend, as I think of many who share our virtual tables as friends.  He has always been a gentleman at the tables I've frequented, in the chatbox and in posts on the forum.

    Steve, I'm very sorry to hear the news.  I admire the fact that even in adversity, you are putting your family to the forefront of your mind.

    I sincerely hope you hit your 2 outer, but if not, let me just say you have played a very very good game.

    All the best.

    Craig
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  • jordz16jordz16
    edited December 2015
    So sad to hear, I never met the bloke but have been at his table online many times as well as crossing words with him on various threads, mainly his betting ones where he provided great in depth statistics which must have helped plenty of punters. I truly hope he manages to win this battle, and if i can do anything of benefit during the fight then just give me a shout.
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  • Tikay10Tikay10
    edited December 2015

    I don't know what to say, I was unaware of any of this as I don't use Facebook.

    So sad, so brave, such dignity.      
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  • craigcu12craigcu12
    edited December 2015
    A community reg getting cancer is the last thing we need, if it happening around chrismas wasn't bad enough, a community reg died earlier this year from cancer.

    My greatest wishes go to Ice tiger and wish him all the best.
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  • EnutEnut
    edited December 2015
    Like many I only know Ice Tiger from the online tables but news like this is horrible.

    But Steve if you read this please don't give up. Sadly I have pretty close hand experience of cancer and know that those who do best fight against it and fight against the sort of prognosis you have been given. I have personally met someone who was cancer free 3 years after being given a terminal, 'only weeks to live' prognosis by her cancer 'specialist', she fought against that diagnosis and beat it, using alternative therapies.

    My partner and I went to The Oasis of Hope in Mexico 12 years ago for treatment for her cancer. Dr Contreras and his team over there are second to none. In my experience they know so much more than our UK specialists about the treatments available, not just the standard UK 'throw Chemo at everything' approach, but also the 'alternatives' such as natural treatments (apricot kernels, metabolic therapy and things like that) that cannot even be advertised or promoted over here.

    If I was diagnosed with cancer the first thing I would do would be to speak to The Oasis of Hope and ask their advice, they may even have links over here now to more open minded doctors (as I said we went there 12 years ago) however the UK is sadly quite strict on it's 'protocols' and UK doctors are not allowed to deviate from those. Google is your friend if you are looking for options.

    You might have more chance of hitting that 2 outer if you stack the deck in your favour.

     
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  • VespaPXVespaPX
    edited December 2015
    Thanks for your company at the tables Steve and your work with The Hitsquad.
    Legend
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  • percival09percival09
    edited December 2015
    my best wishes go to Steve and his family + friends. 
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  • TeddyBloatTeddyBloat
    edited December 2015
    Thoughts are with you and your family sir.

    Only good words to say about you from whenever we shared a table in the dtd tournaments

    Much love to you and the family

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  • vegasmanvegasman
    edited December 2015
    steve its a  shock  too you  and your family  at this time  all i can say is  like many  our thoughts are with  you  your family  sky  has a wonderful community
    unlike any other poker site ive seen  your surrport  on the forums and such is much  appreiceated   at the tables ive seen ur  name many times  you come across too me as a gent   who will go that extra  mile for people   i hope  you hit the  ace board 

    all the best  phil
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  • Jac35Jac35
    edited December 2015
    Best wishes to you and your family Steve 
    You're a true gentleman 
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  • dragon1964dragon1964
    edited December 2015
    I don't know you Steve but have enjoyed reading your contributions on the forum a lot.

    What devastating news.
    I can't begin to know what you and your family are going through.

    Best wishes to all of you.

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  • imberimber
    edited December 2015
    Like most people on here -I haven't met you Steve but we have met on the tables - your alias always has me singing to myself "it's the ICE of the TIGER" - you are showing the strength, fight and resolve of the legendary Rocky and I am humbled in wishing you peace - Bless you sir.
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  • day4eire76day4eire76
    edited December 2015
    Never been great with words .

    Truly devesating news .
    Taughts and prayers with you and your family

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  • paige55paige55
    edited December 2015
    such a shock, going to send you all of my charmed luck ice _tiger stay strong and never give in to fight you are facing love paige xxx
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  • Ice_TigerIce_Tiger
    edited December 2015
    I am touched by these comments.

    I have met hundreds of fantastic people in poker in general and on SKY in particular and can count on the fingers of one hand those who I would rather not associate with.

    I am sure that having Tikay as a figure head sets a tone for the site and that is why there is real friendliness across the site. I have enjoyed the Heads Up Knockout & hope to survive in more ways than one to win it by May. I met two new players Hendrick (Neil) & JonnyRKid who are both great guys & were a pleasure to play against (and beat!!!) - LOL

    I cannot list all the people who it has been a pleasure to interact with on SKY. Always loved the TV shows and I sadly watched all 15 hours each week, albeit whilst playing online. I certainly have well over 100 facebook friends from the SKY community and I always look forward to meeting up when I can. These include Michael, David, Tony, Mark, Jon, Mac, Danny, Gary, Steve, Dave, Brian, Donna, Simon, Teresa, Kevin, Carl, Cameron, Was, John, Alan, Trevor, Duncan, Richard, Roddy, Rab, Jamie, Colin, Nicholas, Wynne, Natalie, Matt, Benny, Stuart, Martin, Shaun, Andrew, Bryan, Ryan, Paul, Neil, Wayne, Rob, Robert, Barry, Tom, Donald, James, Alan, Lorraine, Dale, William, Matt, Shaz, Rosarie, Jason, Gemma, Jo, Karen, Sam, Sian, Jim, Chris, Lisa, Craig, Josh, Tommy, Adam, Conor, Glyn & many more - just took those off my facebook list & probably missed loads.

    It was Lisa Reynolds that got me involved with the community by asking me to join the Hit Squad and I have played the Community DTD tournaments most Mondays since. I have recently become a PLO8 player & love the Thursday Community Tournaments & play most weeks.

    I met with the Onchologist on Friday & he says that I have about six months left although I am starting chemotherapy in January & he says that may extend my life as well as making eating easier for me. I am exploring alternative therapies and am eating as healthily as possible so that I am able to cope with chemo & the cancer.

    I have been overwhelmed by the support I have receieved here & elswhere & am humbled that I have touched so many lives in a positive way. Anyway, I am not dead yet and I will still be trying to take your money to provide for my kids. I plan to play in the APAT Team event next month in Luton if I am well enough so may see several friends there.

    I have had a good life & been lucky to have great friends & family so although we all want to live longer, I shall not go complaining and will be riding every wave like it is my last and fighting all the way.
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  • unknown_usernameunknown_username
    edited December 2015
    I hope I can display such courage and dignity when my time comes.

    My thoughts are with you and your family. 

    Best wishes,

    Ian
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  • Tikay10Tikay10
    edited December 2015
    In Response to Re: Let's wish ICE_TIGER a speedy recovery:
    I hope I can display such courage and dignity when my time comes. My thoughts are with you and your family.  Best wishes, Ian
    Posted by 4EVERGREEN
    Absolutely that.
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  • paige55paige55
    edited December 2015
    In Response to Re: Let's wish ICE_TIGER a speedy recovery:
    In Response to Re: Let's wish ICE_TIGER a speedy recovery : Absolutely that.
    Posted by Tikay10
    +1
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  • vinny67vinny67
    edited December 2015
    Never met you, Never played with you, But this stopped me in my tracks,

    God bless you ,

    love to you and your family,

    vinny


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  • Ice_TigerIce_Tiger
    edited December 2015
    I say it as I see it which may annoy some people but I always start with the premise that everyone is a good person until they prove themselves otherwise. Sadly in life there are a few people who prefer to stick the boot in on people down on their luck rather than finding a way to give them a leg up. Life is so much more pleasant and fun if you surround yourself with positive & kind people. Maybe that is why I have had such a happy life.

    The female dogs will female dog and the moaners will moan. My only advice is to ignore them and be positive in everything you say & do. Thankfully there are very few of them on SKY.
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  • bromley04bromley04
    edited December 2015

    Best wishes to you and your family.  No words can change anything but my thoughts and prayers are with you.

    Case Ace one tiiiiiiiime.

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  • GaryQQQGaryQQQ
    edited December 2015
    We're all rooting for you Ice. I wish there was some way I could ship you all my run-good.

    I'm in the early stages of planning another fund raising event for McMillan Cancer Support that will hopefully happen towards the end of 2016. The last was my end-to-end walk in 2010. I really hope you're around to see it. 
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  • tomgooduntomgoodun
    edited December 2015
    Good luck with your battle Steve. I wish I could add words that would make a difference, all I can wish is peace and happiness for you and your family.
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  • unknown_usernameunknown_username
    edited December 2015
    jesus ::::::(keep marching lad.be strong
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  • FeelGroggyFeelGroggy
    edited December 2015
    Such a brave inspirational man. Don't give up hope, 1 out is still an out and comes in more often then you'd think!
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  • hhyftrftdrhhyftrftdr
    edited December 2015
    Clashed with you a few times on the forum, but also had some decent chats away from it; I really hope for yourself, and your family, you win this flip.

    All the best.
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  • mondo1985mondo1985
    edited December 2015
    Best wishes to you and the family
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  • HotwhealsHotwheals
    edited December 2015
    I am so sorry to hear this mate. We have had some great plo8 heads up matches and I rate your game highly. Stay strong x
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  • Phantom66Phantom66
    edited December 2015
    Wishing you the best of run good Steve.

    If you battle the cancer cells as well as you battle me on PLO8 tables you can defy those odds.

    GL.
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