PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A chance ride, an hourlong conversation, and the generosity of strangers are making it possible for a Philadelphia Uber driver to go to Rio to see his son compete in the Olympics.
Retired bus driver Ellis Hill didn’t have the money to fly to Brazil and had resigned himself to watching his son, shot putter Darrell Hill, on TV.
But when Hill picked up Liz Willock from the Philadelphia airport in late July, the Chicago woman learned Hill’s story on the drive to her hotel. She was so moved she started an online fundraiser.
In two days, it surpassed its goal of $7,500.
Ellis Hill’s first trip outside the U.S. is booked for Monday.
His son, who was track and field standout at Penn State, competes Thursday.
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