An 80‑year‑old Arizona man has found himself working five days a week as a Lyft driver just to keep up with basic living expenses for himself and his wife.
Keep reading to learn more.
A neighbor says it’s heartbreaking to watch an 80‑year‑old still driving nearly every day simply to cover medical bills and essential costs.
Richard Hoppin, a retired Marine, never pictured his later years spent sitting at home.
“If you want to die, just sit at home. I thought I’d do something constructive and help people,” he told 12 News.
So he did. Born in the 1940s, Hoppin began driving for Lyft, the second‑largest rideshare service in the country.
“They need a ride, so I give them a ride,” said Hoppin — who lives with multiple sclerosis and Crohn’s disease — in an interview with NBC affiliate KYMA‑DT.
Five days a week, he heads out in the only car he and his wife, Catherine, own, picking up six to eight passengers a day.
“Some rides are long, some are short. I’ve been to California, Phoenix, Flagstaff, and Tucson,” he said.
Catherine, who recently completed three rounds of radiation for lung cancer, says the couple of hundred dollars her husband earns through Lyft makes a meaningful difference.
Without that income, she believes they might be homeless.
Although her insurance covers her $50,000 radiation treatments, she still has to pay part of the cost out of pocket — a burden that adds to their financial strain.
That pressure is exactly why Hoppin keeps driving.
Concerned neighbors have stepped in, launching a GoFundMe to help the couple.
“It breaks my heart to see him just trying to get through the day,” wrote Arizona resident Michael Long, who started the fundraiser.
“Their health is declining, and the cost of medical care, food, and utilities is overwhelming.
“With no family left to support them, they are relying on the kindness of neighbors and the community.
“I want to help them cover their medical bills and everyday living expenses so they can focus on their health and well‑being, rather than worrying about how to make ends meet.”
Long added that helping others is a “gift,” and that any support would “mean the world to Richard and Catherine.”
“[It] will help them feel less alone during this difficult time,” he wrote.
Speaking to 12 News, Long said he didn’t know the full extent of the couple’s financial struggles but hoped “the goodness of people” would inspire donations.
At the time of writing, the GoFundMe has raised $34,979 of its $40,000 goal.
We’re hoping for the best for Richard Hoppin and his wife. Share this story so others can stay informed.
