After Gator Kills Toddler, Nebraska Family Helps Kids Getting Organ Transplants

OMAHA, NE — A 2-year-old Nebraska boy played on a beach outside Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa in Orlando, Florida for the last time last year when an alligator grabbed him, dragged him into a lake and killed him. Now, his family wants to help out families with children receiving organ transplants.

Melissa Graves dried tears from her eyes as her husband, Matt Graves, said Wednesday that after their son Lane's death, they wanted to help other families fighting for their children's lives. The Lane Thomas Foundation will help cover travel and living costs for families with children being treated in Omaha at Children's Hospital or Nebraska Medicine.

"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. (For more information on the foundation and other Omaha stories, subscribe to Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts. If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app.)

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.

Transplant families often have to spend weeks or months in Omaha after an operation, and the long recovery time often forces one parent to quit a job to be with the child. Fifteen families have already received financial support from the foundation for non-medical expenses this year.

"It just took a burden off my chest," said Violeta Miranda, whose 10-year-old son is recovering from a multi-organ transplant of a liver, small bowel and pancreas. She said the money from the foundation helped her focus more on her son instead of worrying about expenses back home in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Dr. Alan Langnas, who coordinates transplants at Nebraska Medicine, said the donations will make a big difference.

"It allows parents to just be parents and take care of their sick child," Langnas said.

In addition to helping pay families expenses, the Lane Thomas Foundation is also encouraging parents to think about whether they would donate their child's organs, so they would be better prepared if they ever face the question.

By JOSH FUNK, Associated Press

Photo credit: Nati Harnik/Associated Press