80-Year-Old Arizona Lyft Driver Works to Support Wife Battling Cancer

An 80-year-old Arizona man is continuing to work behind the wheel — not just for the love of driving, but to help support his wife through serious health challenges.

Richard Hoppin, of Sun City, works five days a week as a Lyft driver, using the same car he and his wife rely on for daily life. He says after retiring, staying active was important to him, and driving gave him a way to connect with people.

But neighbors say his motivation goes deeper.

Hoppin is living with multiple sclerosis and Crohn’s disease, while his wife, Catherine, is currently battling lung cancer. The couple says the extra income he earns from driving is essential to keeping them afloat.

Catherine recently underwent radiation treatment, with three sessions costing around $50,000. While insurance covered part of the expense, the couple is still paying off the remaining costs.

Hoppin says he typically completes six to eight rides a day, traveling throughout Arizona and even into California, including trips to Phoenix, Flagstaff, and Tucson.

Despite their challenges, neighbors describe the couple as positive and resilient. Still, seeing Hoppin continue to work at his age and health condition has prompted concern from those close to them.

A longtime neighbor has now stepped in, launching a fundraiser to help ease the couple’s financial burden and provide some relief.

Hoppin says he plans to keep driving for Lyft for as long as his health allows — possibly for another five years.

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