Jacob Brewer
“They say your chance of being struck by lightning is one in a million, and even more rare to be struck directly–something most do not survive.”
In July 2020, an unthinkable event impacted Jacob Brewer and his family. Jacob was struck by lightning.
After months fighting for his life in the hospital, Jacob emerged from this life-changing event with damage to his spine and nerves and paralysis in his legs.
The documentary Lightning Flowers profiles Jacob and another teenage lightning survivor, also in Florida – the lightning capital of America. Nominated for Best Documentary Feature at the 21st Annual Sunscreen Film Festival, the film premiered in Florida in April 2026.
“Unfolding beneath heavenly skies while delving into a hellish, one-in-a-million fate, the film explores faith, survival, and the unanswerable question: why me?”
Jacob was interviewed by The Post with Lauren Pryzbyl in May 2026 about the documentary.
Jacob shared that he was reluctant to get personal about he and his family’s experiences when he first heard from the filmmakers. Mom Barbara helped him understand how his life, and his fight, could become a source of hope for others.
Jacob faced an uncertain prognosis during his initial medical care. His first request when he woke up in the hospital? “Coke Zero.” That’s when his family, medical team, and anxious supporters at home breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that the Jacob they loved was still there.
Facing extensive out-of-pocket medical and related costs, Jacob and family found Help Hope Live in 2023 through another lightning strike survivor and Help Hope Live client, Ethan Kadish and his family. As they shared:
“The cost of care can feel overwhelming at times, often as much as a second mortgage for our family. And this is where Help Hope Live has been such a blessing.”
His family shared that, “Because of your support, we have been able to continue saying ‘yes’ to treatments, ‘yes’ to therapies, and ‘yes’ to giving Jacob every possible chance to keep moving forward. You have helped carry us through moments when we didn’t know how we would make it. You have given us hope when we needed it most.
As we head into this premiere, our hearts are full. Not just because Jacob’s story is being told… but because of the community that has stood beside us every step of the way.”
Ethan’s community shared their own powerful update in June 2026 as they recognized the anniversary of the life-changing 2013 strike:
“We had a beautiful, full life. Our marriage was strong, our kids were thriving…As difficult as the years have been, life has continued to grow around this most horrible tragedy.
Our marriage is still strong. Our children continue to pursue their dreams. Even Ethan experiences joyful moments each day.”
