Vietnam Veteran Works Full-Time as Lyft Driver to Pay Medical Bills
An 80-year-old Marine veteran who served in Vietnam is now working full-time as a Lyft driver to help pay medical bills for himself and his wife. Richard Hoppin, who suffers from both multiple sclerosis and Crohn's disease, picks up passengers five days a week using the couple's only vehicle.
Financial Strain from Medical Costs
Hoppin drives passengers across Arizona and even into California to earn a couple hundred dollars weekly. His wife, Catherine, is fighting lung cancer and recently underwent radiation treatment, with just three sessions costing $50,000. While insurance covered some expenses, significant payments remain.
'That extra money that he makes really keeps us into where we are,' Catherine Hoppin told KYMA from their Sun City home. 'Otherwise, we'd probably be, I don't know... maybe we'd be homeless. I don't know.'
Community Support Through Fundraiser
The couple's financial struggles have drawn community attention. Friend and neighbor Michael Long started an online fundraiser, noting the Hoppins lost their only son to cancer years ago and have no family support. 'Their health is declining and the cost of medical care, food and utilities is overwhelming,' Long wrote.
'It breaks my heart to see him drive... to make ends meet,' Long said, adding he doesn't know their exact financial situation but hopes donations will help. As of Tuesday evening, over 400 donors contributed nearly $28,000.
Driving as Purpose in Retirement
Despite health challenges, Hoppin doesn't mind the long drives. 'After I retired, sitting at home isn't the thing,' he said. 'If you want to die, just sit at home. I thought I'd do something constructive and house people. And they need a ride, so I give them a ride.'
He typically completes six to eight rides daily, five days a week, with trips varying in length. Hoppin hopes to continue driving for another five years, provided his health remains stable, viewing the work as both financially essential and personally rewarding.
