BOISE, Idaho — 53-year-old Martin Hendrickson has been on a tough road the last couple of years. Two years ago, he was diagnosed with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis).
"He was diagnosed with Bulbar ALS, it is the more aggressive form of ALS, and right now there is no cure. It is 100 fatal," said Carrie Rose, Henrickson's wife.
The Meridian, Idaho man has lost the use of his voice, so he uses an app on his phone to help him communicate. He has a bucket list, filled with things he wants to do while he's still feeling strong.
"I've really been fortunate to have so many great experiences over the last 18 months, and now my goal is to stay active as long as I can, and just keep a positive attitude," Martin said.
One of those bucket list items was to drive really fast on a race track. That's just what he did this summer thanks to some amazing people in the Idaho racing community. He spent the day at Firebird Raceway off of Highway 16.
"This day has been ridiculous amount of fun," Martin said.
Matt Thornton owns Thornton Heating and Sheet Metal. One of his employees, Rodney Weaver, saw a post online about Martin and his wish.
"Rodney works for me and he approached me about Martin, and is condition and his dream," Thornton said. "We wanted to do something."
Thornton rents out the raceway for his employees once a year. That seemed like the perfect opportunity to help make a stranger's dream come true. They asked Martin to come join them.
"I really appreciate Matt and Rodney inviting me," Martin said.
Borah High School graduate Lyndsay Lloyd is a sponsored race car driver who also helped make this day happen for Hendrickson. She started drag racing in her 1973 Chevy Nova when she was just 15 years old. Martin had the chance to race her around the track.
"It's so special to be a part of Martin's dream," Lloyd said.
Martin's son Corey Hendrickson was there too, he said he is so happy to see his dad doing something he loves.
"It means a lot to be able to be out here at the raceway! It's on my dad's bucket list and it's been really cool to be able to see him do all the things that he wanted to do. Everytime he gets to do something like this, there's a huge smile on his face and that's what matters during this time going through this with my dad," Corey said.
For Martin, it was everything he hoped it would be.
The special day at Firebird is an example of the power of community, and love for a stranger, who is now a friend of the racing community for life. Carlie DeHart, a member of the Fire Safety Team at Firebird Raceway, said he was so touched by the experience.
"I just wanted to say it's been an amazing experience to watch this gentleman race and fill out some of his bucket list items. The racing community is such an amazing tight knit community," DeHart said.
Martin's family and friends wore matching shirts to raise awareness, they just had to be there to see another dream of his come true.
"I really have the best friends in the world," Martin said. "This was an exciting day for me, it meant a lot to have so many family members and friends here to support me."
For more information on ALS and the fight to find a cure, click HERE.