Arizona man works as a Lyft driver to help pay for his and his wife’s medical bills

SUN CITY, Ariz. (NBC, KYMA) - An 80-year-old Arizona man works five days a week as a Lyft driver in spite of his age and his health. He says he does it because he likes to drive and meet new people.

Richard Hoppin is using the only vehicle he and his wife own to pick up passengers five days a week while being a Lyft driver.

"As after I retired, sitting at home isn't the thing. If you want to die, just sit at home. I thought I'd do something very constructive and house people. And they need a ride, so I give them a ride," Hoppin explained.

Neighbors described the couple as extremely positive and happy people. Two people they would never think deal with debilitating diseases.

Hoppin has both multiple sclerosis and Crohn's disease while his wife, Catherine, is currently fighting lung cancer.

The Hoppins say the couple hundred dollars Hoppin makes through being a Lyft driver is essential for them.

"That that extra money that he makes really keeps us into where we are. Otherwise, we'd probably be, I don't know...maybe we'd be homeless. I don't know," Catherine remarked.

Catherine recently underwent radiation, saying three sessions cost $50,000, and while insurance covered some of the cost, she's still making payments.

They credit a lot of their ability to pay those bills to Hoppin's Lyft driving, and by doing that, the 80-year-old is taking passengers to far further places than just Sun City.

"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, excuse me and Tucson," he shared.

Hoppin's efforts don't go unnoticed by the community.

"It breaks my heart to see him drive...to make ends meet," said Michael Long, the Hoppins' friend and neighbor.

In fact, Long is making it his mission to help the couple out as he has started a GoFundMe with hopes of reliving the Hoppins from any type of financial strain.

"I don't know their real financial situation, so I just hope that you know that the goodness of people will come forward and donate something whatever, just to make their lives a little bit more comfortable. That's all I can ask for," Long expressed.

Hoppin says he plans to keep driving for Lyft for another five years, as long as his health remains the same.

The GoFundMe has a goal of $35,000, with nearly $27,300 raised so far. If anyone would like to donate to the GoFundMe, click here.