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I heard about this story from a Leadrship convention. The speaker had used this story as an example. Now I know the full story.
Posted about 1 month ago by Dave. E from Saginaw, MI

I was so surprised and happy to see this billboard on West Colfax in Denver as I'd known about Team Hoyt for years and had seen you zip by in Boston years ago when my son was running. I found a place to turn around and parked, mesmerized. I cannot read your story without a huge lump in my throat and tears, father and son have the most amazing relationship I have ever seen, you are so inspiring that words fail me. I am in awe of this act of selfless and complete love. What a testimony and blessing you are to all who know you. God bless you both and your family and may He always keep you in His tender loving care.
Posted about 1 month ago by Becky S. from Denver

I have known about the Hoyts for years because I love to watch marathons. However, no matter how many times I see them or read stories about them I AM MOVED. No one can love any child or dream or hope for them than a parent. The Hoyt's are the best parents/people around!
Posted 6 months ago by Stephanie M from Ironwood, MI

This is simply the most beautiful picture i have seen in my entire life!! I was driving and saw it, made a U turn and took a pic of it and that's how i found this website. Thank you team hoyt for allowing me to see how much love and devotion a father and son can have.
Posted 6 months ago by Gisele R from Queens, NY

I had the priviledge of hearing Dicky & Rick tell their story at my company's sales meeting 8 years ago. I never forgot about how touched we all were. There truly are heroes among us.
Posted 6 months ago by Sue S. from Dracut, MA

Dick Hoyt is the model father because he enabled his son, Rick, to become a man himself.
Posted 6 months ago by Mark R. from Chandler, AZ

I think they're fantastic! the Team is an example because they give hope showing that everything is possible.
Posted 8 months ago by Juliana E. from Rauch, Argentina

I think they are an example of life, and when there is love everything is possible.
Posted 8 months ago by Daniela D. from Rauch, Argentina

In my opinion Dick is a hero. He never gave up. I admire his dedication to Rick. He is a real man and he loves what he does.
Posted 8 months ago by Ivan P. from Rauch, Argentina

I admire him because he never gave up and he never lost his hope to survive. I feel that he is a very good person and sports man. And his father is a very kind person.
Posted 8 months ago by Nahuel T. from Rauch. Argentina

In my opinion they're great people. I think Rick is a person with many values. I admire them because they're a big family.
Posted 8 months ago by Gisele N. from Rauch. Argentina

In My opinion Very inspiring. It is a beautiful story. You are examples of life. Thanks for your actions..
Posted 8 months ago by Anita F. from Rauch, Argentina

In my opinion it is an amazing story because Dick´s father is an older man and practices a sport. I think Rick is a brave man.
Posted 8 months ago by Yanina V. from Rauch, Argentina.

I think in this story you can see values such as respect and strength. Rick is a brave young.
Posted 8 months ago by Camila H. from Rauch, Argentina

In my opinion this story is amazing, inspiring and dynamic. I´m very interested in this story and I like it very much.
Posted 8 months ago by Juan M. from Rauch, Argentina

This story is great and beautiful. This team is dynamic and Rick and Dick are very brave because taking part in marathons in these conditions in not simple.
Posted 8 months ago by Flor from Rauch, Argentina

Very inspiring. It is a beautiful story.You are examples of life. Thanks for your actions.
Posted 8 months ago by Ramiro L. from Rauch, Argentina

You are a good family. It is a beautiful story and it is a good example to the community.
Posted 8 months ago by Karen C. from Rauch, Argentina

Absolutley amazing!!
I personally think that
doing that for your child,
family member, friend etc..
is truly showing love and devotion
Keep it up Hoyt team, show everyone that nothing is impossible!!
Posted 10 months ago by Zachary P. from Brookings, OR

That's amazing! I wish my dad would help me do things like that!
Posted 11 months ago by Connor C. from Canada

I did a U-turn today to look at this billboard near my home in Virginia. Over 20 years ago Rick was a patient of mine at The Children's Hospital in Boston. He and his dad had just begun running together. I remember Rick's buddies from high school bringing in a poster to hang above the bed where he would need to be for a long time! The joy in working with this family and watching Rick grow as a young man has remained in my heart for many, many years. Thanks for the opportunity to renew a connection.
Posted about 1 year ago by Becky K. from Staunton, Virginia

"Those who say it can't be done should not interrupt those who are doing it." One of my favorite quotes given to me by a friend.
Posted about 1 year ago by Linda W. from Klamath Falls, OR

I was introduced to this story at a business conference a few years back. It took away a lot of the excuses that we look to for why we "can't do _____." After meeting them last year, I was convinced of the power of determination and perseverance.
Posted about 1 year ago by Christopher A. from Williamsburg, VA

I pass this billboard every day on the way to school and it always makes me smile.
Posted about 1 year ago by Caroline J. from South Carolina

I met these men last year and their amazing story brought me to tears... now I never say "I can't."
Posted about 1 year ago by Jennifer A. from Indiana

Very inspirational. It took me a few days to read it all but I stare at it every day on my way home from work at Scottsdale Community College, Arizona. I do want to know, as a runner, what Dad does running down, and up inclines. I've run where it's hard enough to get myself up the hill and I know I couldn't push someone up it with me. Has this been an issue?
Posted about 1 year ago by Terry from Arizona

Team Hoyt—You are my heroes and inspiration. I have a picture of you both running and Rick raising his arm and below the picture I wrote "qualify for Boston in Philadelphia!" Well, I did not qualify for the marathon in Philadelphia because I never went. Last year the impossible happened. My husband, Scott, found out he had cancer and passed away six weeks later. I stopped running and didn't go to Philly. Yet, every time I passed by my dining room, I would see the picture of Team Hoyt- "qualify for Boston." One day, I saw an ad for a contest sponsored by JetBlue for tickets to the Boston Marathon. I entered the contest and shared my story. On Valentine's Day last year, I found out that I was one of five winners of the contest to go to Boston and run in the Boston Marathon. I was surprised and then thought to myself, I better start training harder and so I did. After a few weeks, when my application to the marathon was due, I was having second thoughts and wasn't too sure if I wanted to go to Boston. My friends were scolding me, telling me that I needed to do it and could not pass up the opportunity. Well, one night while driving home I noticed an electronic billboard and guess who was on that billboard? Team Hoyt! It was like an omen, confirmation that said it all. I needed to go to Boston and run the marathon not because it was Boston but because what it all stood for--me moving on like you two, no matter how what! So I give you both my gratitude- thank you!
Posted about 1 year ago by E.T. from

That is what you call family love.

Posted about 1 year ago by Tayna T. from OREGON

I saw Team Hoyt at the 1999 Ironman in Kona. I was working in the massage area and everyone was cheering and teary-eyed at this amazing testimony of love. Whenever I have moments of laxity or feel sorry for myself, I think of them and I snap out of it. Thank you for the inspiration!
Posted about 1 year ago by Barbara L. from Vermont

Team Hoyt has brought something out of me-I'm now training for triathlons. Why? Because I'm going to swim, bike, and run "behind" Rick and Dick Hoyt the entire way and cross the finish line with them. I am not competing to win the race, but to be with them and to share in the joy they have provided me and many other supporters. Thanks Rick and Dick Hoyt!
Posted about 1 year ago by TeamAngel from Kentucky, USA

I have found my role as a Father has been renewed and redefined by your amazing life story. GO TEAM HOYT!
Posted about 1 year ago by Jason P. from California, USA

I saw this billboard over the weekend in CT and was so exciting. You're story is truly inspiring. Everyone should follow the examples you two continue to set.
Posted about 1 year ago by Elizabeth from Quincy, MA

I've studied Team Hoyt for homework but what I've got out of it is more than an A+. This is amazing, it makes life worth living.
Posted about 1 year ago by Alexandra from Ontario, Canada

Rick and I were friends in jr. high and high school. Rick sat behind me our high school home room for 4 years. He never mentioned his marathon acheivements to me. I found out about that later on TV and in magazines. Rick aways had smile on his face and a laugh to share. I drove by a billboard quickly today and recognized him immediatly. I drove around to see it again. You go Rick!
Posted about 1 year ago by Sally H from Westfield, MA

I am so inspired and touched by the love and devotion shown in this picture. Is there anything stronger than the love of a parent?
Posted over 2 years ago by Miranda C. from Baltimore, Maryland USA

Such a touching story makes me proud to be a Hoyt. Godspeed to you, Rick and Dick.
Posted over 2 years ago by A. Hoyt from Seattle, Washington USA

Wonderful and what a great love between father and son! I love it.
Posted over 2 years ago by Bunmi T. from Nigeria

I saw the Hoyts on 60 Minutes or Dateline this past year and the dedication of this father and this family is so inspiring and touching, it made me cry. We are so fortunate in Chicago to have the "Team Hoyt" billboards downtown as a beautiful reminder of the kindness which propels unconditional love. The Hoyts are my HEROES!
Posted over 2 years ago by Jen M. from Chicago, Illinois USA

What an inspiration to all of mankind! Dedication, devotion, and love...it is truly breathtaking their devotion to each other. This proves that with effort any obstacle can be overcome. Congratulations Rick and Dick!
Posted over 2 years ago by Amy M. from Clinton, Wisconsin USA

God bless you for your courage, trust and integrity to show all of us what love is. My gratitude to both of you for these gifts to bless our world with. Joy to you both.
Posted over 2 years ago by Trudy G. from Calgary, Canada

You guys are amazing keep up the good work.
Posted over 2 years ago by Kelsie Lee B. from Straw Plains, Tennessee USA

This is a great billboard and really shows what some people and all people should do for eachother.
Posted over 2 years ago by Samantha J. from Harvard, Massachusetts USA

How wonderful of a dad to do this for a son. They both should be so proud of themselves, and each other=) Keep up the great work guys you make an awesome team.
Posted over 2 years ago by Middle School from New York, USA

Wow this is a great story. So inspiring keep up the good work Team Hoyt!
Posted over 2 years ago by Sunny from Laguna Beach, California USA

This is truly remarkable and source of great inspiration.
Posted over 2 years ago by Aftab, A.P. from India

My brother participated in the Iron Man triathlon in the Sunapee Mountains in New Hampshire for several years and I personally had the privledge of seeing this dynamic duo swim, bike and run. It's a grueling effort for anyone to attempt. It was also one of the greatest joys I have ever had...to see Team Hoyt, my brother and the rest of the participants cross the finish line. They truly inspire all who meet them. Thank you for including them in your efforts.
Posted over 2 years ago by Joann M. from Pennsauken, New Jersey USA

I take care of the TEAMHoyt Racing web site and you would think that dealing with this would get me use to it ... I still get lump in my throat and tears in my eyes thinking about the love and devotion. I'm still WOW'd ... Bless them both.
Posted over 2 years ago by Zrain from San Diego, California USA

Saw this billboard at the Frankfurt airport and then saw the story of Hoyts on TV. Inspired me to bring such devotion into my relationships. Thank you guys for spreading this message.
Posted over 2 years ago by Satish T. from Bangalore, India

Wonderful Story. Great teamwork...Very inspiring!!
Posted over 2 years ago by Sorgz R. from Philippines

Without love life has no meaning. We must love one another and when we do, all things are possible for us.
Posted over 2 years ago by Joseph O. from Congo, Africa

Inspirational story. I stopped the car to get the website off the billboard. AMAZING.
Posted over 2 years ago by Mary Beth G. from Norwich, Connecticut USA

Saw the Hoyts in a documentary about Ironman 2006.I just cried and cried. They both are great souls.I was very happy to see them here.
Posted over 2 years ago by Chandan R from Silver Spring,MD

The eyes of love and opportunity come by making one step at a time in the right direction. What a great story both of you have to tell.
Posted over 2 years ago by G. Smith from Ogden, Utah USA

A tribute to the power of love.

Posted over 2 years ago by Lesley H. from United Kingdom

This shows both love and devotion
Posted over 2 years ago by Thejas G from Nashik. India

To be disabled, does not mean we are not able, as Rick and his Daddy proved.
Posted over 2 years ago by Mbaraka A from Ifakara Tanzania

This is an AMAZING father/son team. i am so inspired by their story. they are a great example of never giving up in times of trouble. Keep up the good work! God Bless!
Posted over 2 years ago by Jenna H. from chicago, illinois, USA

Devotion like this isn't seen very much. Thanks for providing such a wonderful example.
Posted over 2 years ago by Dr. Rachelle L. from Aurora, CO

What a dad. An inspiration for all of us, parents and the childless. It helps me believe that it is possible "...to leave the world a little bit better...(Emerson). This Dad has made the world a better place not only for his son but for all he inspires in the rest of us.
Posted over 2 years ago by Marie S. from Fort Drum, NY

This is what we all should do. Loving one another not just because they are our relatives or something, it is because we just love them.
Posted over 2 years ago by Zandra M. from Phillipines

This is simply marvelous! Keep going! My very best wishes to you!
Posted over 2 years ago by K Ganjoo from India

Great going, Team Hoyt! I am the mother of a 24 year old, autistic young man and you guys simply add to the pride and love I already feel. God Bless!
Posted over 2 years ago by Brenda K. from Birmingham, AL

I remember watching these two people on TV...and all I had to say was WOW. Thanks for making this AWESOME team part of your campaign.
Posted over 2 years ago by Leonel M. from San Francisco

Your story is truly inspirational. Thank you for sharing it with the world!
Posted over 2 years ago by Melissa P from Grand Rapids, MI

Very Inspiring. Everybody should read their story.
Posted over 2 years ago by Ben M from Peachtree City, Georgia USA

Beautiful
Posted over 2 years ago by Jeremy M. from Brighton, UK

The Hoyts make me smile through my tears.
Posted over 2 years ago by Amy T. from Arlington, Massachusetts USA

Thank you for this billboard. My own 9 year old son has DMD. He is already in a wheelchair and the prognosis is not good, but we are fighters and have put all our time and energy into helping the MDA for his sake.

Thank you again for this inspiration and devotion.
Posted over 2 years ago by Clint L from Rochester, New York USA

Thank you very mucho you guys thank you for letting us see that we can overcome everything
Posted over 2 years ago by Letty L from Mexico City, Mexico

This is love.
Posted over 2 years ago by Wendy G. from Pennsylvania, USA

Devotion

About This Billboard

The doctors told Dick Hoyt that his infant son Rick should be institutionalized. There was no hope, they said, of Rick being anything more than a vegetable.

Four decades later, Rick and Dick Hoyt have competed over 65 marathons, 206 triathlons and hundreds of other events as a father-son team. Rick, whose father was told he was incapable of intellectual activity, graduated from Boston University in 1993. The devotion of this remarkable pair to each other and their goals has enabled them both to accomplish things that neither would have done alone.

During Rick’s birth in 1962, the umbilical cord wrapped around his neck, cutting off oxygen to his brain. Rick is a spastic quadriplegic, has cerebral palsy, and is unable to speak. Despite the doctors’ grim prognosis, Dick and his wife Judy raised him at home and struggled to get him admitted to public schools.

Though Rick could not speak, his parents knew that he was just as intelligent as his siblings. Dick convinced a group of engineers from Tufts University to build a “communicator” for his son. By hitting a switch with the side of his head, Rick selects letters to form words and sentences.

Rick was attending public school two years later, when a five-mile benefit run was held for a local lacrosse player who had been paralyzed in an accident. Rick wanted to participate. Dick was not a runner, but agreed to push Rick in his wheelchair. During the run, Rick felt as though he simply wasn’t handicapped anymore – he was just one of the runners. Wanting to give Rick this feeling as often as possible, Dick ran in an increasing number of events with his son.

As “Team Hoyt” began competing in earnest in the late 1970s, they were often treated as outsiders and avoided by other competitors. What began as a way for Rick Hoyt to experience inclusion and equality broadened. It became a way to send a message that, as Rick said, “everybody should be included in everyday life.” The duo’s first Boston Marathon in 1981 yielded a finish in the top quarter of the field, and attitudes began changing. “In the beginning no one would come up to me,” recalled Rick. Now, he says, “many athletes will come up to me before the race or triathlon to wish me luck.”

Dick has ran, ridden and swam literally thousands of miles to be with and support his son. This has enabled Rick to live a full and purposeful life – but it turns out that, in a way, Rick has saved his father’s life as well. After a mild heart attack, Dick’s doctors told him that he may have died 15 years ago if he weren’t in such good shape.

Team Hoyt’s total commitment to each other and to what they do ensures that they are constantly challenging themselves. In addition to their athletic events, the Hoyts tour the country to speak about their experiences. They have also established the Hoyt Fund, which is supports educational and technological efforts surrounding persons with disabilities. They anticipate running their 26th Boston Marathon in April.