They suffered horrendous tragedy last year, but the family of Lane Graves are easing their heartbreak by changing lives and giving back.
Lane Graves was just two years old when, while playing at the water’s edge at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, he was attacked by an alligator.
While Lane’s father, Matt, tried his hardest to free the toddler, his body was later found further out in the resort’s lake.
In the wake of their most tragic loss, the Graves family set up The Lane Thomas Foundation; ‘a beacon of hope, a light of love’ for other families going through a hard time.
In their latest move, Matt and Melissa Graves have made an incredible gesture to the families of children awaiting transplants at two Nebraska-based hospitals – by offering to pay for their transportation and accommodation as well as other expenses.
The Graves family made the announcement at a press conference this week, saying: “We have been overwhelmed by the support and love we have been shown from across the country.
“We believe we have found an impactful way for us to help others in similar circumstances, and ease some of their burdens so these parents can focus on their child.
The lovely gesture comes just weeks after Disney unveiled a plaque dedicated to Lane’s memory.
The plaque, a blue and gold lighthouse, has been placed close to the spot where Lane died, on the resort’s Seven Seas Lagoon beach.
The family were touched by the gesture, saying in a statement: “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.”
Well done to the Graves family for their caring gesture – we are certain that it will go a long way towards helping vulnerable families in need.
