This is Dane. His smile radiated love and kindness to those around him. His wild yet gentle spirit along with his love of dancing, singing and playing made our home a better and more enjoyable place. Our sweet boy lived every minute to the fullest during his 39 months here on earth. Dane tragically passed away from a drowning accident in May of 2014.

On that day, my family and I were attending a party at a friend’s home that had an outdoor pool. I was standing by the pool with a gathering of other adults while all of our children enjoyed the water. I thought my boy was safe at the time as he was not in the pool. I stepped away to tend to my 7 month old son and I cannot change what happened next. I do know that we can prepare ourselves and our children to avoid the horrible accident that occurred that day. I never truly understood the importance of Water Safety Education.

Losing a child is the most unimaginable pain a parent could ever endure. I honor Dane every day as I try to create a kinder and more loving world, the type of world Dane created for himself. He blessed our family and the community with love and laughter. I share his story to help raise awareness regarding the need for Water Safety Education and so we can work together to prevent any future drownings. #doitfordane—Kamaria & Donzell McDonald

• $100 donation teaches a child lifesaving water safety skills
• $500 teaches an entire family
• $1,000 can teach 5 children water safety and the skills needed to join a recreational swim team
• $2,500 teaches an entire classroom of students
• $10,000 teaches an entire grade level