Save Larry

Larry Haubner thought he might live a good long life, but he never planned for this. At 107, the Dubuque, Iowa, native is out of money — again. It's not the first time he's outlived his savings. Two years ago supporters of the Virginia resident raised $56,000 so he could remain in his home, an assisted living facility called Greenfield.

"I was sure that was going to be sufficient," said Carol Ewing of Bridges Senior Care Solutions, who holds power of attorney to manage Haubner's affairs. The Washington Post also reports that locals have raised $7,000, which will cover his expenses for the next three months. But chances are, this generous collection won't last long enough. The extremely vital Haubner doesn't appear to be going anywhere soon; not only does he not take any medication, he can hoist his walker over his head.

Fortunately, even if funds can't be assembled, the town's beloved and oldest cyclist won't be kicked to the curb. Haubner will have to apply for Medicaid, which would allow him to move to a nursing home. Eight states, including Virginia, prohibit Medicaid funds from being applied to assisted living.

Perhaps not surprisingly, Haubner lived without any assistance until 2004, when he fell off his bike while riding around Fredericksburg. It was then determined that he move into Greenfield, where he continues a rigorous course of nutrition and exercise. Larry's room contains little more than a few donations and exercise equipment like a homemade weight, an eight-kilogram lead ball inside a basket that he lifts 20 times a day. "That's what I do. If you want to do it," he cautioned a visitor, "start with five times."

He's still full of passion for his lifelong love — singing — and likes to belt out a few every now and again. He even once worked as a New York City doorman while pursuing his dream of singing opera. And although he never made it to the stage professionally, Fredericksburg resident Dianne Bachman recalls seeing Haubner cycle to the Rappahannock, dismount and croon to the river. "He didn't have to have an audience," she said.

Fans and friends of Larry say that moving to a nursing home wouldn't be best for him, and more than that, he's earned the right to stay in his home. Sounds more than fair. You can help Larry keep on keeping on at savelarry.org.

Photo courtesy of Emma Brown/The Washington Post.