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The veteran, who has multiple health conditions, works several days a week as his wife undergoes costly cancer treatment.
SUN CITY, Ariz. — An 80-year-old veteran is continuing to work as a ride-share driver, helping cover mounting medical expenses for himself and his wife as they both face serious health challenges.
Richard Hoppin, a former Marine who served in Vietnam, spends five days a week driving passengers, often logging six to eight rides a day. He said the job gives him purpose in retirement.
Hoppin said he first turned to ride-share driving after realizing staying home wasn’t for him.
“After I retired, sitting at home isn’t the thing. If you want to die, just sit at home,” he said. “I thought I’d do something very constructive. And they need a ride, so I give them a ride.”
What many of his passengers may not realize is that Hoppin is living with multiple sclerosis and Crohn’s disease. His wife, Catherine, is also battling lung cancer.
Despite their health struggles, neighbors describe the couple as positive and upbeat.
The extra income Hoppin earns through driving has become essential. Catherine said it helps the couple stay afloat financially.
“That extra money that he makes really keeps us where we are. Otherwise, we’d probably be — I don’t know — maybe we’d be homeless,” she said.
Catherine recently underwent radiation treatment, saying three sessions cost about $50,000. While insurance covered part of the expense, the couple is still paying off the remaining balance.
Hoppin said his work often takes him on long trips, with some rides lasting far beyond a typical drive.
“I pick up, normally six to eight rides a day, normally five, five days a week. Some rides are real long, some are real short. I’ve been to California, I’ve been to Phoenix, I’ve been to Flagstaff and Tucson.”
His efforts have not gone unnoticed.
“It breaks my heart to see him drive to make ends meet,” one neighbor said.
A longtime neighbor, Michael Long, has launched a fundraiser to help ease the couple’s financial burden, hoping others will contribute to make their lives more comfortable.
Hoppin said he plans to continue driving for as long as his health allows, with hopes of staying on the road for several more years.
Long said the fundraiser is just the beginning of efforts to support the couple.
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