Bryan Topper’s life before his diagnosis was a testament to hard work, adaptability, and a love for life. A metastatic prostate cancer survivor, Bryan reflects on his journey with gratitude and resilience. “I’ve always taken care of myself and never been sick with anything,” he shares. His career was as dynamic as his personality, evolving from a graphic designer for 20 years to an insurance agent for 7 years, and finally, a crane project manager and estimator for 4 years.
“In 2023, I got a $10K bonus and a $20k raise. I finally felt like I reached my goals and was respected,” Bryan recalls, highlighting how his career pivots built confidence and taught him that determination makes anything possible. Beyond work, his life was full of fitness, outdoor adventures, and volunteer efforts, including regular volunteer work as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
The Diagnosis: Metastatic Prostate Cancer Survivor
When Bryan was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic prostate cancer, it came as a complete shock. “I was very surprised because of my physical shape. I’d never been sick at all,” he says. The diagnosis brought immediate and profound changes to his life. “My energy level is limited. If I mow the yard for half an hour, I am spent,” he explains.
Despite these challenges, Bryan maintains a remarkable outlook on life. “I have an all-new view of life since my diagnosis. I take nothing for granted and look for all the good things I have, not what I don’t have. I give lots of hugs.”
Enter Pickleball: A New Source of Joy
Bryan’s love affair with pickleball began eight years ago when his cousin’s wife introduced him to the game. As a former tennis enthusiast, he was instantly drawn to the sport. Today, pickleball plays a vital role in his physical and emotional well-being.
“Pickleball takes me away from my worries, and the endorphins are amazing. Physically, it keeps me moving,” Bryan explains. Playing twice a week, depending on his energy levels, has become a cornerstone of his routine. Even more meaningful is the support he receives from the pickleball community. “I have met great people who regularly check on me. They genuinely care about me and my wife.”
Financial Struggles: The Hidden Burden
Cancer treatment comes with a hefty financial burden, and Bryan’s story is no different. “I get two Eligard shots a year with a co-pay of $1,000 each. We cannot afford this and get help from my wife’s mother. We are paying $100 a month on my co-pay for a $24,000 PET scan,” he shares. Despite these obstacles, Bryan and his wife have managed to adapt by cutting back on expenses and receiving occasional help from family members.
“Trying to fight to stay alive should be any cancer patient’s focus, not how they will pay for their treatments,” Bryan emphasizes. Although they have not initiated any formal fundraising efforts, some generous friends have sent money through Venmo. To help ease his financial burden, you can contribute via Venmo.
How the Pickleball Community Can Help
Bryan dreams of a world where cancer patients don’t have to worry about finances. “It would be great to have an agency that would help us with the $1,000 co-pay for my shots,” he says. He also believes the pickleball community has a unique opportunity to support those in need: “The pickleball community can adopt people who are struggling and build them up to thrive and survive with joy and confidence.”
Beyond financial support, Bryan offers emotional support to others, inspiring and motivating those he meets online and on the court. His positive spirit and willingness to help others embody the heart of the pickleball community.
Looking Ahead: A Future Filled with Hope
Despite the immense challenges he faces, Bryan remains hopeful. “I have so much to be thankful for. I have a great wife and great friends who love me,” he says. His faith also provides a source of strength. “Even if I die, I will be resurrected to a paradise earth in the future with no more death or pain,” he shares, citing his favorite scriptures.
When asked what he’s learned through this journey, Bryan offers timeless advice: “Always appreciate the good things you have and not what you don’t have. Focus on the goal, not the obstacles.”
Final Thoughts: An Uplifting Message for All
Bryan’s message to those facing their own struggles is simple yet profound: “Stay positive and let people help you. Keep moving physically!” He reflects on a cherished memory from a pickleball retreat in Riviera Maya, Mexico, where he had the chance to meet and play with top professionals like Ben Johns. “We loved it and learned so much about this awesome game,” he recalls with a smile.
If Bryan could tell his younger self one thing, it would be, “Show love and patience to everyone and build people up. Just move on from the negative experiences in life and don’t let them paralyze you.”
Bryan Topper’s story is a powerful reminder that even in the face of life’s greatest challenges, there is always room for hope, joy, and community. Through pickleball, he has found a way to stay active, connected, and uplifted—proof that sometimes, a simple game can indeed change lives.
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