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An 80-year-old Marine veteran, in poor health, is now driving full-time for Lyft to cover medical expenses for himself and his spouse.

Richard Hoppin transports passengers five days each week using the couple’s sole vehicle, and then takes them to various destinations.Arizona and even into Californiato earn a few hundred dollars.

“That additional income he earns really helps keep us where we are,” said Hoppin’s wife, Catherine. told KYMA from their Sun City residence.

Otherwise, we might probably be, I don’t know… perhaps we’d behomeless. I don’t know.’ 

Hoppin suffers from both multiple sclerosis and Crohn’s disease, while Catherine is battling lung-related issues.cancerShe recently had radiation therapy, with three sessions totaling $50,000.

The insurance covered part of the expense, although she mentioned she is still paying the remaining amount.

The pair now attributes much of their ability to cover those expenses to Hoppin’s Lyft driving.

I usually take between six and eight rides each day, typically five days a week,” he said. “Some of the rides are very long, while others are quite short.

Increasing support for an 80-year-old ride-hailing driver dealing with rising medical expenses

Richard Hoppin works additional jobs to earn more money as he and his spouse deal with significant health issues. Recently, a neighbor has offered assistance.

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Hoppin’s contributions have not escaped recognition within the neighborhood.

“It breaks my heart to watch him drive… just to make ends meet,” said Michael Long, a friend and neighbor, who has initiated anonline fundraiserto assist in easing the couple’s monetary pressure.

It mentions that the Hoppin family lost their only son to cancer a few years back and ‘since then, they have had no one looking after them.’

“Their health is worsening, and the expenses for medical treatment, food, and utilities are becoming too much to handle,” Long wrote in the donation appeal.

Without any family remaining to assist them, they are depending on the generosity of their neighbors and the local community.

It was long stated that KYMA is unaware of the couple’s actual financial condition.

So I just hope that, you know, the kindness of people will emerge and they’ll contribute something, anything to make their lives a little easier,” he said. “That’s all I can request.

Over 400 contributors have since offered assistance to the couple, having raised almost $28,000 for them by Tuesday night.

However, Hoppin mentioned that he doesn’t mind the long trips, referring to them as a method to stay occupied in retirement and connect with new individuals.

Once I retired, staying at home wasn’t the way,” he said. “If you wish to die, just remain at home.

I believed I would do something useful and provide shelter for people,” the Marine veteran added. “And they require transportation, so I offer them a ride.

He mentioned that he now wishes to continue racing for an additional five years, provided his health stays consistent.

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