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Lane Thomas Foundation Honors 2-Year-Old Son 10 Years After Disney Alligator Attack

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Lane Thomas Foundation Honors 2-Year-Old Son 10 Years After Disney Alligator Attack
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Lane Thomas Foundation Honors 2-Year-Old Son 10 Years After Disney Alligator Attack

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The family of Lane Graves is commemorating the 10-year anniversary of his tragic death with a heartfelt tribute.

Matt and Melissa Graves, whose 2-year-old son was killed by an alligator at a Disney resort, are set to release a video on the Lane Thomas Foundation website on June 14.

This video aims to honor Lane's life and legacy while expressing gratitude for the support received over the past decade.

An exclusive preview of the nine-minute tribute video was shared with NBC News correspondent Joe Fryer on TODAY, two days before the anniversary of Lane's passing in 2016.

The video not only chronicles Lane's brief life but also highlights the ongoing impact of the foundation established in his name by his parents.

The creation of the Lane Thomas Foundation underscores the family's commitment to transforming their personal tragedy into a source of good for others, particularly in the realm of pediatric organ donation.

“Lane had a special light about him and cared for his family deeply,” his parents shared with Fryer.

“We simply want to shine a light on our beautiful, blue-eyed boy at this very difficult milestone.”

Lane Graves died on June 14, 2016, after an alligator pulled him into a lagoon from the shoreline of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa.

His father made desperate attempts to free him, but Lane's body was recovered the following day.

The Lane Thomas Foundation's Mission

In the wake of their profound loss, Matt and Melissa Graves established the Lane Thomas Foundation.

The organization is dedicated to raising awareness about pediatric organ donation, a critical cause given that over 2,200 children are currently awaiting organ transplants nationally.

Matt Graves stated in a foundation video, “We promised him at his wake, we would turn this tragedy into good for many families.”

Beyond advocacy for organ donation, the foundation also provides financial assistance to parents.

This support allows them to take time off work to care for their sick children without the added burden of worrying about essential expenses like rent or car payments.

To date, the Lane Thomas Foundation has assisted approximately 200 families.

Lane's presence remains a significant part of his family's life in Nebraska.

His siblings, Ella, 14, and Christian, 7, who was born two years after Lane's death, actively contribute to keeping his memory alive.

Ella, who was only four when Lane died, recently spoke at a fundraising gala for the foundation, expressing her dedication to its mission.

“I can promise you, we will not stop helping these sick kids,” she affirmed.

“We have just started this journey, and I have some big plans for what will come next.”

The foundation has garnered support from notable figures, including country music star Tim McGraw, Grammy-winning producer David Foster, and Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli.

The organization's logo, a lighthouse, symbolizes the love Lane shared.

In 2017, Disney World also installed a lighthouse sculpture near the Seven Seas Lagoon beach in his honor.

The family shared in a 2017 statement to TODAY, “We find comfort that so many people continue to remember our sweet boy, Lane, and we believe the lighthouse stands as a beacon of hope and support for families in the depths of despair.”

Source: TODAY.com

Key points

  • The family of Lane Graves is releasing a tribute video on June 14 to mark the 10-year anniversary of his death.
  • Lane Graves was killed by an alligator at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa on June 14, 2016.
  • The Lane Thomas Foundation, created in his memory, focuses on raising awareness for pediatric organ donation and providing financial aid to families.
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