8th Grader Invents Electronic Device For His Friend Who Got Struck By Lightning

December 9, 2015

An eighth grader from Loveland, Ohio is working hard this holiday season to give his friend his voice back.

Jacob Smilg programmed a video board to help his friend, Ethan Kadish, communicate.

Ethan was struck by lightning in 2013 - an injury that nearly killed him, leaving him on a slow, wheelchair-bound road to recovery. He can't walk, talk, eat or go to the bathroom on his own.

In November, Ethan made a major breakthrough in communication with the ability to blink his eyes "no" and "yes."

Jacob hopes his device will push Ethan even further.