At the age of 63, most people are settling into retirement. But not Richard “Richie” Boucher. He refuses to let his age or health challenges limit what’s possible. In fact, they inspire him.

This summer, he embarked on a grueling 4,000-mile bicycle ride across America to raise funds for the cardiology department at St. Joseph Hospital — the hospital he worked at for almost 20 years and the one that saved his life.

Just three years ago, doctors discovered a life-threatening leaky valve in Richie’s heart. After undergoing open-heart surgery, he was told he may never ride long distances on a bicycle again.

To Richie, that was unacceptable. Determined to overcome his health battle, he tackled rehabilitation with the same tenacity that has defined his life. Within months of his surgery, he was not just riding but training rigorously for the adventure of a lifetime.

Richie's cross country ride started June 3. Keep checking back to follow along!