Yellow Cab takes 14-year-old on the ride of his life

LOUISVILLE, KY (WAVE) - Making a difference in the lives of others doesn't always take a lot of time or money. As a matter of fact sometimes it's the simplest things that mean the most.

As a teen with special needs, 14-year-old Jacob Kessenger is fascinated with cabs.

It is a daily thing for his family to watch Jacob as he mimics the gestures of his favorite character in his favorite video game makes before getting into a cab.

So Jacob's parents called Yellow Cab to see if he could hail a cab.

The call turned into an adventure when the company suggested for the family to ride in the cab after Jacob flagged it down.

“Jacob is a good kid,” his dad, Adam Davis, said as he held him close to his side.

Jacob may have special needs but his dream to have fun and enjoy life is like any teenager his age.

Adam Davis laughed as he said, “He likes to play and he likes to listen to Eminem. That's his favorite singer in the world.”

Jacob loves his music, his video games and he loves to play with his family, but most of all Jacob loves taxicabs.

With a hardy laugh Adam Davis said, “Oh he likes taxis.”

Jacob laughed as his father encouraged him to demonstrate his call to a cab. Jacob tried to whistle, threw his arm up and let out a yell with laughter that followed. It's a move he learned on from his favorite video character in Grand Theft Auto.

Amanda Adams could only smile as she watched her son, who was so excited about the day they had planned.

“My son has part of his #17 chromosome missing. He has Smith Magenis Syndrome,” she said.

Adam Davis added, “Jacob's had a little bit of a hard time in life. He's had two open heart surgeries.”

Smith Magenis affects one in every 25,000 people worldwide. It is a developmental disorder that affects many parts of the body.

“Jacob will live a long life but we will take care of him for the rest of his life until something happens to us. He will always be with family and we have a lot of family,” Amanda Adams said.

With his parents there to enjoy his big day, Jacob hailed his cab, but stepped back to let his Dad make the first move.

As it came to a stop Adam Davis smiled as he whispered, “I think Jacobs gonna have a great time.”

The family was not surprised by Jacob's joy but they were very astounded by the company's offer of a free ride. Not much in life comes for free.

The car door opened they are greeted by the gleeful sounds of their cabbie.

“I think it's an awesome opportunity. I'm really glad I got to do it,” the cab driver said as she watched her guests climb in.

Minutes later the pair pulled back up and the door swung open. Laughter filled the air.

“Did you have fun?” Adam Davis asked his son.

Jacob's shrill laughter was only exceeded by his laughter and body movements.

“He's just a good kid,” Adam Davis said as the ended a pretty good day.

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