Support Bob Topping's Home and Health Needs

My name is Bob Topping, and I am a father, a nerd, and a veteran. In June of 2017, I was formally diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, and it has deeply impacted my mobility and quality of life. I live in an 1895 farmhouse in Jackson, Michigan, which was bought in 2010 to start a family and because of my love of historic buildings and architecture. Unfortunately, this home is now in urgent need of repair. My deteriorated health and changes in my family situation have taken their toll and I am now forced to look for some help to be able to see my son and daughter grow up as well as keep me in my home and help with a reasonable quality of life. My disability has prevented me from both doing anything to forestall further damage and to work and pay for these repairs. At the moment, the most important and necessary are to the plumbing as well as some much needed updates to allow me to safely live and maintain basic hygiene. I also need repairs to the property and my vehicle.

Physically I need dentures and new eyeglasses and a new electric wheelchair.

Asking for help is an embarrassment to me, truth be told. My grandparents and father came from England in the mid 1920s and didn’t accept handouts from anyone during the Great Depression. Dad fought in World War II and after coming back, married my mom in 1946 and settled in to live the American dream. But I must realize that this time is not that time. I face the looming spectre of my Social Security Disability becoming unreliable and my Medicaid possibly disappearing. Even with those safety nets in place I would still be far below the poverty line.

I have jumped through every hoop I was asked to and left no stone unturned so this is pretty much the end of the road where I come, hat in hand, and beg for money. Even though I am a veteran I don't qualify for VA benefits because I was never activated for 180 consecutive days on active duty which is the requirement for benefits. I know and understand that there are people in far more need than I which is another reason why I’m so reticent to ask. But you’ve gotta do what you’ve gotta do. So I am.

I know that even if you can only afford a couple of dollars it’ll seem like just a drop in the bucket. But it all has to start somewhere. A single bucket eventually fills. The Grand Canyon didn’t start that way. Its original name was “The Mildly Damp Divot in the Ground.” Even if you can't afford to share monetarily, share my story. Share with friends on social media, if you know anyone who’s looking for a feel-good media story to tell, share. Does anyone have Mitch Albom’s or Keanu Reeves’ or Taylor Swift’s number? I’m new at this. I've given money out but never asked for it. I'm winging it. But know — no matter what, I appreciate your taking the time to read and for keeping me in your thoughts.

This is not the position I was ever expecting to be in when I was younger, healthier and serving my country. Nor was it what I was expecting when I bought my house for me and my young family. I have stubbornly tried to make this all work by myself. But I have to admit defeat. I deeply appreciate any help you can offer. Please keep me and my family in your thoughts and please, please don’t think less of me for begging.

With love,

Bob.

15 March 2025 UPDATE:

I so very humbled by the generosity on display here! I have already been able to buy some needed supplies without fear of spending money I didn't have. That was an amazing feeling.

I am not sure that I'm doing any of this correctly but I didn't want to leave the GFM without an update. If you happen to know if there is a wa to post updates in an “additional” way so that there is a supplemental list of additional comments, that would be great! (Think of a Facebook posting as the original GFM and then subsequent replies after that.)

Another thing that gobsmacked me is the donations from people who I don't even personally know! Simply amazing and beautiful.

I'd love for you (the editorial ‘you’) to continue to spread the word about this to help me out.

I will continue to post updates every few days. If you have any thoughts or questions, let me know and I'll try my best to answer your question.