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Nov 30, 2023

The day was Nicholas Johnson's 17th birthday. It was also his Wish Day, hosted by Make-A-Wish South and Central Texas.

Grinning with a Corvette T-shirt on, Nicholas was shown a surplus of classic cars, but his wish was clear: He wanted to ride in a 1968 Chevrolet Corvette.

Nicholas has Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a genetic disorder with characteristics of muscle degeneration and weakness. He was diagnosed days before his second birthday, according to his mom, Jennifer. Since eighth grade, he has been completely dependent on his wheelchair.

Nicholas only loves Chevy's, being around classic cars his whole life, and always talking about cars with his dad, papa, and granddad. The family has a collection at home, too: a 2002 Chevy Camaro, 1995 Chevy C1500, 1979 Chevy Caprice, and his favorite (because it was his papa's), a 1964 Chevy C10.

Why a Corvette? Nicholas said he loves the look of them, their speed and the fact that they are just "plain cool."

His mom said that he is a happy teenager who stays positive.

The drive took off at Covert Bee Cave, a car dealership hosting the event alongside Make-A-Wish. Since 2021, Covert Bee Cave has given more than $48,000 in sponsorship, with their team personally donating more than $132,000.

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The classic cars were offered by 12 Kings, a classic car club based in Wimberley, with members across the state.

12 Kings also gave Nicholas an honorary membership to the classic car club. The club, a 501(c)(3) organization, focuses on charity events such as Wish Day. One of the club's members took Nicholas for a ride in his bright red 1968 Corvette.

With a huge smile across his face, Nicholas rode off in the passenger seat, and he was greeted with gifts, lemonade and cake when he returned.