Disney World Unveils Sculpture to Honor 2-Year-Old Killed by Alligator
Lane Graves died just over a year ago in a brutal attack.
By Caroline Picard
When 2-year-old Lane Graves visited Walt Disney World last year, he walked to edge of the Seven Seas Lagoon while building a sand castle. That's when an alligator snatched and drowned the toddler in a vicious, predatory attack.
Now, almost 14 months after the tragedy on June 14, 2016, the theme park is unveiling a statue to honor both Lane and the organization started in his name. The Lane Thomas Foundation aims to serve as a "beacon of hope" for other families in crisis by providing financial support for children in need of life-saving organ transplants.
The new lighthouse sculpture is located near the site of the attack outside of the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. "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,'' the Graves family said in a statement. "We will continue to honor Lane and preserve his spirit through the Lane Thomas Foundation."
Parents Matt and Melissa Graves started the nonprofit not long after losing their son, hoping to support others going through personal hardships. Funds raised by the group go toward non-medical expenses for families at Omaha hospitals in their home state of Nebraska.
"The Graves family understand the importance of community support and the kindness of strangers when it is critical," the group's Facebook page states. "The Lane Thomas Foundation is committed to standing behind those who need it the most."
The new marker echoes the organization's logo, a gold lighthouse with two blue stars.
[h/t TODAY
Caroline Picard Health Editor Caroline is the Health Editor at GoodHousekeeping.com covering nutrition, fitness, wellness, and other lifestyle news.
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