Joey Romano broke his wrist in a skateboarding accident in Texas and, to save money, ordered an Uber instead of an ambulance. He never imagined that ride would change his life.
Beni Lukumu, the driver, found him lying on the ground, writhing in pain. Without thinking twice, he reclined the seat, helped him get in, and took him to the clinic for free. When the doctors said he urgently needed to go to the hospital, Beni did not leave him at the door: he parked the car, checked him in, and sat by his bed for six straight hours.
Joey was grieving the death of his younger brother and had withdrawn into himself. Beni, who had emigrated from the Congo at age 25, understood what it was like to feel alone during a difficult time, and he did not leave until Joey’s grandmother arrived. When she tried to pay him, he refused every dollar and only accepted an invitation to a family dinner. Seven years later, they are still friends and call each other to see how the other is doing.
