Published October 19, 2012 - 10:30am
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You’ve probably read about Lane Goodwin before. Lane is the thirteen year old boy from Beech Grove, Kentucky that inspired the “Thumbs Up for Lane” social media campaign. Many families of cancer victims will tell you that no one ever ‘loses’ their fight against the disease, they just run out of time. On Wednesday night, God brought Lane Goodwin home.
Lane’s story is more than his battle against the “monster,” his legend is greater than his suffering and his legacy transcends his passing.
See, Lane was at the end of his life what he was at the beginning: one of us. McLean County, Kentucky is probably a lot like the place you grew up; there was plenty for a boy to do. Lane, a lifetime Kentucky Wildcats and St. Louis Cardinals fan, was diagnosed with Stage IV Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma in March of 2010.
He was determined to fight and did, but the desire of his heart was to use his affliction to cast light on the struggle of others. Lane’s only wish was to receive 100,000 Likes, or “Thumbs Up” on his Facebook page. Lane believed his wish would lead to more awareness for children with cancer and help bring about a cure.
Lane’s wish transformed into a social media phenomenon. Soon after the Facebook page launched, Lane hit his goal of 100,000 “Thumbs Up.” But as Lane’s parents Angie and George were about to find out, the campaign of hope was just getting started. Music superstars like Garth Brooks, Jake Owen and Chris Turner sent in pictures of them giving “Thumbs Up.” The entire Indianapolis Colts organization took a picture showing their support. As Lane’s struggle with the disease became worse, Lane looked to the thousands of pictures, posts and messages for support. On Tuesday, Lane saw his Facebook page exceed 300,000 “Thumbs Up.”
During his life, Lane was both a hero and source of pride for the people of Kentucky. While his life has passed, Lane’s story will never end. Lane Goodwin will always be a friend to Kentucky and an inspiration to children fighting this disease all over the world. Please do your part to help by giving Lane a “Thumbs Up” and liking his Facebook Page. Together, we live Lane’s message and bring a cure to children with cancer. His legacy of hope despite bad circumstances will continue to encourage other people who battle against cancer.
