Scared of the Ambulance Bill, He Called an Uber… and the Driver Showed Up Like Family

In 2018, Joey Romano, a freshman at the University of Texas at Austin, faced an unexpected crisis. While riding his skateboard near campus, a car suddenly pulled out, and Joey swerved to avoid it. The maneuver caused him to lose control and crash into a ditch, severely injuring his wrist. In pain and disoriented, Joey realized he had a bigger concern: he couldn’t afford an ambulance bill. With limited insurance and the heavy burden of healthcare costs looming, he made an unconventional decision.

Rather than calling an ambulance, Joey pulled out his phone and ordered an Uber to take him to urgent care.

Enter Beni Lukumu, a compassionate Uber driver who arrived to find Joey lying in the grass, clutching his arm in pain. What was supposed to be a regular ride turned into something much more. Seeing the freshman’s distress, Beni immediately jumped into action, helping him into the car and making sure he was as comfortable as possible. The two didn’t speak much during the ride to urgent care, but the quiet support Beni offered spoke volumes.

At urgent care, the doctors quickly assessed Joey’s injury and advised that he should head to the emergency room. Rather than dropping Joey off and driving away, Beni made the decision to take him to the hospital—refusing to accept any payment for his services.

But Beni’s kindness didn’t stop there.

When he learned that Joey was alone in Austin and had no family nearby, Beni, who had moved to the United States from the Congo at age 25, recognized the loneliness that came with being far from home. Beni could relate to the feeling of isolation, and he didn’t want Joey to experience his medical emergency alone.

So, Beni stayed. He waited with Joey from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., sitting with him in the ER, offering moral support and making sure he didn’t have to face the overwhelming hospital experience by himself.

Joey later shared the emotional impact Beni’s actions had on him, noting that, in a time of crisis, a stranger had shown him more care and compassion than he ever expected.

This story, one of unexpected kindness and selflessness, highlights the power of a simple act of human connection in a world that often feels impersonal. For Beni Lukumu, it wasn’t just about a ride; it was about showing up for someone in need—like family.

Beni’s actions not only made a difference for Joey that day but also serve as a reminder that in times of uncertainty, we can all choose to show kindness to those who need it most.