Rick and Dick Hoyt

Dick pushing Rick in one of their many races. (www.verandasuntanning.com ())

Team Hoyt

On January 10, 1962 Rick Hoyt was born with cerebral palsy. The doctor told Rick's parent's that he would be nothing but a vegetable. Despite what the doctors said to them, the Hoyt's decided to keep Rick and treat him like any other child. As Rick got older he wanted to succeed in school just like everyone else, and that's exactly what he did. He graduated high school and college. Then Rick went on to "run" with his dad. Even though Rick's disabilities keep him limited he has the same education as everyone else, finds freedom in "running", and has so much appreciation for everyone who's helped him succeed.

When Rick first went to school he had the motivation to be like everyone else. For someone like Rick that is a huge deal, to have so much motivation to want to succeed. He felt that it was needed to have a full education to seem not handicapped. As he went to Boston University he had some struggles but that all paid off in 1993, when he graduated. Rick graduated with a degree in special education. As he walked across the stage to receive his diploma he lifted his arm and shouted with excitement! He did the same when he threw his cap in the air. His mother and father cried tears of joy and yelled for their only son who was handicapped doing something everyone told them he'd never be able to do.

At the age of 15 and 36 the Hoyt team ran their first race for a paralyzed lacrosse player. After this race Rick told his father "Dad, when I'm running, it feels like I'm not handicapped." Rick saying this to Dick sparked something in Dick that motivated him to help Rick "run." As the years went on the Hoyt team ran six Ironman's, 32 Boston Marathons, 255 triathlons, and many more. The Hoyt Team traveled everywhere to be in races, and to give their speeches. Rick and Dick decided to retire, because Dick is now 74 and well past the age to help Rick run. This doesn't mean Rick is done "running," he will just need a new partner.

With so much publicity the Hoyt Team got a lot of people who have waited at the finish line to cheer Rick on as he crosses. Some of his fans go to the extreme as to follow him around the United States and cheer for him. As many fans as Rick has you would have to give them tons of appreciation for being so dedicated. Besides the fans he doesn't know well, his parents have been there for everything, which makes them the biggest fans of all. With that being said, how much gratitude Rick has for his parents is outstanding. As a sign of his appreciation he goes around the country and gives speeches.

Rick graduating college. (www.dailymail.co.uk ())

Rick may have been handicapped, but that doesn't mean he couldn't be successful with his life. Rick graduated high school and college, can "run", and still shows tons of appreciation for all the people who have ever supported him. Even though Rick's disabilities keep him limited he has the same education as everyone else, finds freedom in "running", and has so much appreciation for everyone who's helped him succeed. Just because someone tells you, you can't doesn't mean you can't, it just means you try harder to prove them wrong.