OMAHA, Neb. (AP) – The family of a 2-year-old Nebraska boy who was killed by an alligator at Walt Disney World last year has created a foundation to help families with children receiving organ transplants.
Matt Graves said Wednesday that after their son Lane’s death, they wanted to help other families fighting for their children’s lives. Melissa Graves dried tears from her eyes while her husband spoke.
“Lane had a very special light about him. We promised him at his wake we would turn this tragedy into good for many families,” Matt Graves said.
Lane was playing on a beach outside Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa last year when an alligator grabbed him and dragged him into the lake. Matt Graves jumped into the water to try to rescue his son but was unable. Lane’s body was found 16 hours later.
The Lane Thomas Foundation will help pay travel and living expenses for families with children being treated in Omaha at Children’s Hospital or Nebraska Medicine.