A 21-year-old woman made a personal sacrifice and donated one of her kidneys to save her brother's life.
Even at 17, Jake Jacobi knows his sister Jamie gave him the ultimate gift: the gift of life. Jamie, a senior at Georgia Southern University gave one of her kidneys to her baby brother last June.
"I just felt like it was the right thing to do. I know he would do it for me and my other siblings would. I know that God wanted me to do it. It was just all the right direction… was pointing the right way," said Jamie Jacobi.
Jake was born with one kidney. The Jacobis always knew that one day he would need a transplant.
"It was like a gray cloud that followed us around our whole life, that one day it was going to have to happen and the day it came we were all basically numb," said John Jacobi.
It wasn't until last January when Jake's kidney started to fail.
The student-athlete at Greater Atlanta Christian had to miss classes and withdraw from sports, the one thing he loved.
"My life just pretty much ended. I had to quit everything, just to school and come home and sleep," said Jake Jacobi.
Jake's health declined rapidly and it became a race against time. His parents volunteered to be donors but when Jamie stepped up, doctors said the testing process would move quicker with a younger person.
Lori and John Jacobi said at first they were proud but torn; they didn't want two kids in the hospital.
"You wonder sometimes how good of a parent you really are, but when you see something like this happen and your daughter sacrifice her own life to help her brother, it makes you feel pretty good," said John Jacobi.
On June 29, the brother and sister went in for the procedure at Children's Healthcare
of Atlanta at Egleston. The road to recovery has been long, more so for Jake. But now, months later, he said that he's feeling better than ever.
"I'm swimming again. I'm doing lacrosse in the spring because I can now play contact sports. I feel great. I feel better than I have ever in my entire life," said Jake Jacobi.
Just before the holidays, the Jacobis went back for a checkup, what they saw was amazing.
"It was so surreal looking at that screen and seeing Jamie's kidney in Jake, working and functioning. We're just very, very thankful," said Lori Jacobi.
The Jacobis say they had a lot to celebrate this past Christmas. Instead of exchanging presents, the family sailed to the Virgin Islands.
Friday, May 17 2013 6:31 PM EDT2013-05-17 22:31:42 GMT
For decades, Atlantans have woken up to Tom Sullivan on their radios. But you might not know that he's also somewhat of an expert eBay seller, and he's got quite a story to tell.
For decades, Atlantans have woken up to Tom Sullivan on their radios. But you might not know that he's also somewhat of an expert eBay seller, and he's got quite a story to tell.
Friday, May 17 2013 11:28 AM EDT2013-05-17 15:28:00 GMT
They say the third time's a charm, and that's certainly the case for Candice Glover. A third try on American Idol was just what she needed, and on Thursday night she was crowned the season 12 champ.
They say the third time's a charm, and that's certainly the case for Candice Glover. A third try on American Idol was just what she needed, and on Thursday night she was crowned the season 12 champ.
Friday, May 17 2013 11:18 AM EDT2013-05-17 15:18:53 GMT
What's better than Friday? FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY! This week, we got a visit from Masala Fresh Indian Street Food, and just like always, Good Day's Buck Lanford was more than willing to have a taste.
What's better than Friday? FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY! This week, we got a visit from Masala Fresh Indian Street Food, and just like always, Good Day's Buck Lanford was more than willing to have a taste.
Friday, May 17 2013 11:17 AM EDT2013-05-17 15:17:48 GMT
Can you smell what The Rock is cookin' next? He's ready for Fast & Furious 6, which opens in theaters on May 24!
Can you smell what The Rock is cookin' next? He's ready for Fast & Furious 6, which opens in theaters on May 24! The Rock --- who almost never goes by his real name, Dwayne Johnson-- joined Good Day to give us a sneak peek.
Friday, May 17 2013 10:18 AM EDT2013-05-17 14:18:11 GMT
Need some great advice about... well, anything? Ask Wendy! Wendy Williams has a brand-new book (called, of course-- Ask Wendy) that offers advice on all the "drama" in your life.
Need some great advice about... well, anything? Ask Wendy! Wendy Williams has a brand-new book (called, of course-- Ask Wendy) that offers advice on all the "drama" in your life.
Friday, May 17 2013 7:54 AM EDT2013-05-17 11:54:05 GMT
For most women, there's a big difference between the wedding you wish you could have, and the wedding you can actually afford. So how can you have your dream wedding and not break the bank?
For most women, there's a big difference between the wedding you wish you could have, and the wedding you can actually afford. So how can you have your dream wedding and not break the bank? We got some tips from an expert.
Thursday, May 16 2013 11:21 PM EDT2013-05-17 03:21:44 GMT
American Idol Season 12 is almost officially over, and now, all that's left is part two of the giant finale.
American Idol Season 12 is almost officially over, and now, all that's left is part two of the giant finale. Good Day's Paul Milliken never met a red carpet he didn't like-- so who better to break down the final performances of the season live from downtown L.A. bright and early!
Thursday, May 16 2013 10:03 AM EDT2013-05-16 14:03:48 GMT
In the words of Ryan Seacrest, "It's all come down to this." So who's it gonna be: Candice or Kree? (yep, we know that rhymes)
In the words of Ryan Seacrest, "It's all come down to this." So who's it gonna be: Candice or Kree? (yep, we know that rhymes) Good Day's Karen Graham and 94.9 The Bull's Kristen Gates think they know... and they walked you through it on Thursday morning!
Friday, May 17 2013 11:59 PM EDT2013-05-18 03:59:14 GMT
Who wants to a millionaire? How about 600 times over?
Who wants to a millionaire? How about 600 times over? The already gigantic Powerball jackpot for this Saturday night's drawing has risen again, hitting $600 million at noon on Friday—which is the highest in the history of the game.
