Dick Hoyt and his son Rick are local legends in Boston, and their story has gone on to move people all over the world. When Dick learned that his son had cerebral palsy, he refused to follow the recommendations of doctors and put him in an institution. Instead, he decided to try to give Rick as normal a life as possible.
As a part of that goal, he found a passion for them to pursue together. Dick began training as a runner, and he did it while pushing Rick in his wheelchair. The first race they ran as a team was, appropriately enough, the Boston Marathon. Since that time, they have entered more than 1000 races together. Not only have they done foot races, they have also participated in swimming races by staying connected with a rope.
After decades of doing this, Dick and Rick have forged an incredibly deep bond that any father and son would be blessed to share. Rick is now in his 50s, and the doctors who once believed he should be institutionalized have been proven radically wrong.
Thanks to his dad’s dedication and determination, he has lived an incredibly full and meaningful life. His inspiring story provides a powerful demonstration of the power of love to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.