Hendrick reaches deep to ensure legacy carries on (cont'd)

Hendrick was still grieving the loss of his father's who passed a few months prior to the crash. Hendrick wasn't on the plane, because he was suffering from the flu, likely because his system was not fully recovered from leukemia treatments.

Is it humanly possible to heal from such a series of unfortunate, life-altering events?

"I've always said without my faith and my family I would go nuts," Hendrick said. "On a good day you feel guilty that you're not thinking about them and then on a bad day you wish you could think about something else."

Ricky Hendrick

And so Hendrick continues his healing process through more charity, ensuring his iconic legacy of a family rooted in racing and the automobile industry would go on. And because giving to those in need has always been the family mantra.

In 2004 in honor of Hendrick's brother John, the Hendrick Foundation for Children was created improving the quality of life for thousands of sick children around the country.

Another branch of Hendrick's charitable efforts includes the Hendrick Marrow Program, established in 1997 to support those suffering from leukemia and other blood-related issues.

Since its inception, the group has raised millions of dollars, added more than 75,000 volunteers to the National Marrow Donor Program Registry and helped more than 2,000 patients with grants from the Hendrick Family Fund for Patient Assistance.

In 1999, Hendrick was honored with The Marrow Foundation's Leadership for Life Award; fitting for a man who continues to be a leader in life as well.

And this fall, through the foundation's more than $3 million worth of charitable donations, a pediatric intensive care center inside Charlotte's Levine Children's Hospital will be named after Hendrick's late son, Ricky.

"This is what my son was passionate about, children's charities so this is a way to keep his memory alive," Hendrick said. "To see children and people have another chance at life is important to me, it was important for my son, so it's important for me."