A NEW SITE AND A NEW BEGINNING
NOVEMBER 15, 2006
When TC was struck on Christmas Eve 2003 by a hit and run driver who had been
drinking underage, driving with no license and no insurance from a previous Aggravated
DUI in another county, our lives were changed forever.
We were notified Christmas day that all brain function had ceased and on December 26th, 2003,
the equipment that kept TC breathing was shut down. The waiting room was filled to capacity as
people came from across the nation for this unbelievable event in our lives-the life of a once
vibrant young man with huge potential to contribute and “Make a Difference” in this nation-that
life was destroyed as the hit and run driver drove down the street approximately 65 feet with
TC under his car.
In the days, weeks, months and years that have followed, we have learned from people
around the world that TC had made a difference in their lives, he was their best friend,
he was the one who challenged them to be all they could be, he was there for them if their
parents were getting divorced, he was what they called “The white line on the road of life”
giving them direction in a world filled without hope.
Stetson University Dean wrote us, “We expected him to be a Senator, sooner rather than later.”
Ai from Japan whom TC mentored wrote us, “TC taught me that not all Americans are bad,” A
Stetson father wrote us, “Because of TC my son is a better person.”
Because of what we have had to endure at the hands of the Justice system, lacking in justice
for the families of those killed, and because of who TC was to people from all walks and
stations of life, we dedicate our lives to helping educate other young people like TC who have
potential to make this a much better world.
We have established endowed scholarships in TC’s name at Stetson University, Holland Hall and
Asbury United Methodist Church. These are in the name of Tom Cornelius Lane, JR “TC”, and we
dedicate our lives to helping victims of crime. We will work for much needed legislation and
enforcement of existing laws that are not followed. We will be the voice for our son and for
many others.
It was also said of TC that he was passionate about life, his goals, quality in all that he did,
and helping others. As the cards, calls, letters, and messages poured in after TC was killed
there was one common theme among them, “TC MADE A DIFFERENCE” in lives of those he knew and
even for those who barely knew him. He touched their hearts because of his compassion.
TC has left a LEGACY in everyone with whom he came into contact. Incredibly, he continues to
touch lives and hearts even in his death. It is as though people know him. We honor his life
with Romans 8:28 dedicated to TC and John 10:10. It seems that EVERYDAY TC Made a DIFFERENCE
in someone’s life. He has taught us what John F Kennedy said is not a cliché “One person can
make a difference.” God bless our son, may the angels in heaven watch over him as he watches
over his friends.
Love,
Mom