
Michael & Linda Noble Topf fund
Donation protected
Sometimes we are fortunate to have people in our lives that embody love, kindness, compassion, other qualities and human spirit in a way that we experience them as ‘superhuman’. We are unable to imagine them needing support from us. And then, reality chooses its own path. Michael Topf and his wife Linda Noble Topf, examples of life lived so powerfully, now need our support.
Michael, a humorous, kind, loving person, experienced a sudden, potentially life threatening medical emergency on February 10, 2020. He was admitted to Lankenau Hospital where he underwent extensive testing, including CT scans and an MRI. Michael was then transferred to Byrn Mawr Rehabilitation Hospital in Malvern where he received PT, OT, speech, and cognitive therapies for several weeks. He was re-admitted to Lankenau on Saturday February 29; on March 3, Michael underwent extensive brain surgery to remove two large tumors.
A final pathology report indicates that Michael’s brain tumors were cancerous. The diagnosis tells us that the cancer is a form of primary brain cancer called glioblastoma multiforme (GBM for short). GBM is a very aggressive stage 4 cancer with a very high probability of recurrence. Needless to say, Michael and Linda are in shock and feeling devastated by this news. They are doing everything they can to comfort each other at this time. And so are their closest friends and loved ones. Michael met with a medical ongologist (cancer doctor) on March 20 to review recommended treatments (5-6 weeks, M-F of radiation and oral chemotherapy daily during radiation). Without treatment, the average life expectancy for someone with GBM is less than a year. With treatment, life might possibly be extended to almost two years. A small percentage of patients have survived over five years. Michael has not made a decision yet whether he will choose treatment or comfort care at home.
These events turned Michael and Linda’s world upside down overnight. What compounds the tragedy is that in addition to the amazing man that Michael is, he was also the ‘legs’ for Linda, who has MS and is wheelchair-bound.
Michael and Linda now face formidable short and long-term challenges. Few of us have a grasp of these matters, including the daunting financial hurdles presented to them. Linda, being wheelchair bound, has been dependent on Michael 24 hours/7 days a week for daily care and overall mobility. Also, Michael has been the sole source of their income. Now, with Michael being unable to work, brand new, extensive and unexpected expenses have arisen that eclipse their regular monthly budget. These include: fulltime home health/personal care aides (approximately $21,000 a month), special medical care, long-term rehabilitation therapy, and special-needs transportation… all in addition to their previous day-to-day expenditures. A conservative budget estimate for the next twelve months approaches $300,000. And these costs may continue for several years.
Two of our own are now in need of our support. Please be generous and donate to assist them in this time of need.
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Michael and Linda’s Recent Journey and Love Story
After experiencing symptoms on Monday February 10, Michael Topf underwent tests (CT scan and MRI) and was admitted to Lankenau Hospital in Wynnewood, PA. Results showed two masses with bleeding and swelling on the right side of his brain. After several days of medical care and treatment, Michael was transferred to Bryn Mawr Rehabilitation Hospital (BMRH) in Malvern, PA on Friday 2/14 where he underwent various rehab therapies (physical, speech, occupational, and psychological). He was progressing in his recovery until Friday 2/28 at which time he was transferred to Paoli Hospital for additional brain scans. Michael underwent three hours of surgery at Lankenau Hospital on Tuesday March 3 during which the masses were removed successfully. He is now awaiting pathology results from the biopsies done during the surgery and was re-admitted to BMRH on Saturday March 7 where he is undergoing more rehab therapies. Regardless of the biopsy results, Michael is facing a very long period of medical care and treatment over the next year and most likely longer.
Michael (77) is the founder of TOPF Initiatives, a company whose goal is to transform corporate and industrial safety cultures by assuring that each person takes responsibility for his/her health, safety and the environment. He originated this business 36 years ago. In the past, Michael consulted with leaders of many companies and facilitated workshops/training programs with thousands of participants. His work helped improve the lives of many people who made behavioral changes to be healthier and safer both on and off the job. Now he is unable to work at all. As a workaholic for over 40 years, we cannot imagine the devastating emotional effect this may be having on his mind, body and soul. Michael is in our prayers moment to moment.
Michael has been married to Linda Noble Topf for 42 years. Linda, author of Wheelchair Wisdom and You Are Not Your Illness, has been living life with multiple sclerosis (MS) since 1981. She is an ordained minister, a published author, an advocate for disability rights, a spiritual leader, and an inspiration to Michael. Being wheelchair bound, Linda depends on Michael for mobility and managing her everyday tasks. Anyone who knows the couple has witnessed their love that transcends circumstances and hurdles. Even though Michael and Linda have faced hardships before, their love prevails and is always present. Linda and Michael are magnanimous and generous to all, just like they are to each other.
Michael has been the sole financial source for the couple all these years. Since he is unable to work currently and in the foreseeable future, they are currently (and will be) receiving no income, which has created significant challenges in dealing with all day-to-day expenses. Because of her MS, Linda requires 24-hour home care aides, who are being paid out of pocket. In order to visit Michael at the hospital, Linda requires a specialized automobile to transport her to and from the hospital to visit and spend precious time with her beloved Michael. Once Michael completes his rehabilitation and returns home, they will face previous AND additional expenses for HIS home and medical care including additional transportation costs to and from medical appointments.
While the emotional cost of Michael's circumstances are hard enough with which to deal, no one in this situation should be burdened with financial worries to this degree. Linda and Michael have been generous on many levels (physical, emotional, and spiritual) to a magnitude of people. At this critical time, please return their generosity and contribute to their needs by making a financial donation now and in the coming weeks/months.
*********************************************
Michael, a humorous, kind, loving person, experienced a sudden, potentially life threatening medical emergency on February 10, 2020. He was admitted to Lankenau Hospital where he underwent extensive testing, including CT scans and an MRI. Michael was then transferred to Byrn Mawr Rehabilitation Hospital in Malvern where he received PT, OT, speech, and cognitive therapies for several weeks. He was re-admitted to Lankenau on Saturday February 29; on March 3, Michael underwent extensive brain surgery to remove two large tumors.
A final pathology report indicates that Michael’s brain tumors were cancerous. The diagnosis tells us that the cancer is a form of primary brain cancer called glioblastoma multiforme (GBM for short). GBM is a very aggressive stage 4 cancer with a very high probability of recurrence. Needless to say, Michael and Linda are in shock and feeling devastated by this news. They are doing everything they can to comfort each other at this time. And so are their closest friends and loved ones. Michael met with a medical ongologist (cancer doctor) on March 20 to review recommended treatments (5-6 weeks, M-F of radiation and oral chemotherapy daily during radiation). Without treatment, the average life expectancy for someone with GBM is less than a year. With treatment, life might possibly be extended to almost two years. A small percentage of patients have survived over five years. Michael has not made a decision yet whether he will choose treatment or comfort care at home.
These events turned Michael and Linda’s world upside down overnight. What compounds the tragedy is that in addition to the amazing man that Michael is, he was also the ‘legs’ for Linda, who has MS and is wheelchair-bound.
Michael and Linda now face formidable short and long-term challenges. Few of us have a grasp of these matters, including the daunting financial hurdles presented to them. Linda, being wheelchair bound, has been dependent on Michael 24 hours/7 days a week for daily care and overall mobility. Also, Michael has been the sole source of their income. Now, with Michael being unable to work, brand new, extensive and unexpected expenses have arisen that eclipse their regular monthly budget. These include: fulltime home health/personal care aides (approximately $21,000 a month), special medical care, long-term rehabilitation therapy, and special-needs transportation… all in addition to their previous day-to-day expenditures. A conservative budget estimate for the next twelve months approaches $300,000. And these costs may continue for several years.
Two of our own are now in need of our support. Please be generous and donate to assist them in this time of need.
****************************
Michael and Linda’s Recent Journey and Love Story
After experiencing symptoms on Monday February 10, Michael Topf underwent tests (CT scan and MRI) and was admitted to Lankenau Hospital in Wynnewood, PA. Results showed two masses with bleeding and swelling on the right side of his brain. After several days of medical care and treatment, Michael was transferred to Bryn Mawr Rehabilitation Hospital (BMRH) in Malvern, PA on Friday 2/14 where he underwent various rehab therapies (physical, speech, occupational, and psychological). He was progressing in his recovery until Friday 2/28 at which time he was transferred to Paoli Hospital for additional brain scans. Michael underwent three hours of surgery at Lankenau Hospital on Tuesday March 3 during which the masses were removed successfully. He is now awaiting pathology results from the biopsies done during the surgery and was re-admitted to BMRH on Saturday March 7 where he is undergoing more rehab therapies. Regardless of the biopsy results, Michael is facing a very long period of medical care and treatment over the next year and most likely longer.
Michael (77) is the founder of TOPF Initiatives, a company whose goal is to transform corporate and industrial safety cultures by assuring that each person takes responsibility for his/her health, safety and the environment. He originated this business 36 years ago. In the past, Michael consulted with leaders of many companies and facilitated workshops/training programs with thousands of participants. His work helped improve the lives of many people who made behavioral changes to be healthier and safer both on and off the job. Now he is unable to work at all. As a workaholic for over 40 years, we cannot imagine the devastating emotional effect this may be having on his mind, body and soul. Michael is in our prayers moment to moment.
Michael has been married to Linda Noble Topf for 42 years. Linda, author of Wheelchair Wisdom and You Are Not Your Illness, has been living life with multiple sclerosis (MS) since 1981. She is an ordained minister, a published author, an advocate for disability rights, a spiritual leader, and an inspiration to Michael. Being wheelchair bound, Linda depends on Michael for mobility and managing her everyday tasks. Anyone who knows the couple has witnessed their love that transcends circumstances and hurdles. Even though Michael and Linda have faced hardships before, their love prevails and is always present. Linda and Michael are magnanimous and generous to all, just like they are to each other.
Michael has been the sole financial source for the couple all these years. Since he is unable to work currently and in the foreseeable future, they are currently (and will be) receiving no income, which has created significant challenges in dealing with all day-to-day expenses. Because of her MS, Linda requires 24-hour home care aides, who are being paid out of pocket. In order to visit Michael at the hospital, Linda requires a specialized automobile to transport her to and from the hospital to visit and spend precious time with her beloved Michael. Once Michael completes his rehabilitation and returns home, they will face previous AND additional expenses for HIS home and medical care including additional transportation costs to and from medical appointments.
While the emotional cost of Michael's circumstances are hard enough with which to deal, no one in this situation should be burdened with financial worries to this degree. Linda and Michael have been generous on many levels (physical, emotional, and spiritual) to a magnitude of people. At this critical time, please return their generosity and contribute to their needs by making a financial donation now and in the coming weeks/months.
*********************************************
Fundraising team: The Topf Team (4)
Raj J
Organizer
Gladwyne, PA
Marianne Sladzinski
Team member
Mitchell Blatstein
Team member
Raj J
Team member