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Mike Kosowski, a former New York City police officer, was one of thousands of U.S. players who lost their ability to play online poker when Black Friday struck in the middle of April. Like so many others, Kosowski was outraged to find that the game in which he found so much enjoyment would no longer be accessible, at least not from his own home.

Online poker detractors often wonder why the game can’t be restricted to live casinos and home games, noting that poker has only been played online for roughly a decade anyhow. Kosowski and others like him have an answer: accessibility.

On 9/11, Kosowski was trapped along with eight other rescuers in the collapse of the south tower of the World Trade Center. As a first responder to the worst terrorist attack in the history of the United States, Kosowski was lucky to escape the day alive. Unfortunately, however, he sustained severe injuries to his back and legs that forced him to ultimately retire from the NYC police force in 2004.

While bedridden, Kosowski took up online poker as a way of keeping his mind occupied. By 2009, his game had improved tremendously, and he gained real fame in the poker world when he won an online qualifier to play a heads up match against Daniel Negreanu, arguably the world’s best poker player, on TV. Kosowski won the event and the million dollar prize that came along with it.

Unfortunately, Kosowski’s health issues continue, making frequent trips to a live casino into an overwhelming chore. In an interview with PokerListings, Kosowski said that he hopes online poker will be legalized and regulated in the U.S. soon, especially considering that the government only stands to gain money from such legislation. He said, for himself and those older than him, online poker represents a perfect way to have fun and perhaps make a little money without leaving home.

Right now, Kosowski is living his dream: after getting the go-ahead from his doctor, he made the trip to Las Vegas, where he’s currently holding 80,000 chips in the World Series of Poker Main Event. If you think Kosowski deserves to continue his poker career without the obligation to drive to a casino, write to your congressman and say so.