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The word 'hero' is sometimes overused. But, in the case of 12-year-old Rylan Luna, the word 'hero' doesn't come close to encapsulating the life-saving actions that this young man displayed on Saturday, December 10.

Yes, Rylan is a hero, but he is also a warrior, a guardian angel, and he is the living epitome of John 15:13 - "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."

Rylan's mom, Shae Kilgore, posted this recount on her Facebook Page of what transpired on December 10.  It has been paraphrased.

Yesterday was one of the worst days of my life...I’ve experienced so far as a mother. I was cleaning the garage and we had a burn pile going...I had two cans of gas in the garage a good 15 or more feet away from the boxes burning. The next thing I know I hear Rylan scream ”Logan no” and I turned around to see Logan pushed over the entire jug of gas which was running across the garage downhill towards the fire. Rylan grabbed Logan and started running towards me and then the fire ignited. All I saw was two of my babies and fire coming up behind them.

He threw Logan at me and I grabbed him and pulled him as hard as I could to the side of me but the fire got to his backside and legs.
I heard Logan screaming first. His feet were on fire. I grabbed him, ran across the flames into the grass ripping his shoes off and Rylan was running too but he was screaming from the burns, then there was a loud explosion in the garage.

I have pretty rough burns on my right foot and ankle. Logan has burns on his legs from his shoes catching fire. Rylan was burned over 40% of his body and was transported to Shriners last night where he has MULTIPLE surgeries ahead of him.
He saved his brother's life, no question about it.
He is a hero and he is most certainly MY HERO!
I love you so much Rylan, you are the strongest, bravest kid I’ve ever met.

The Aftermath

For the past two weeks, Rylan has been enduring the unimaginable pain of burn treatments. Without regard for his own welfare, he sacrificed himself so that his brother may live. It's time for East Texas to stand up and help this heroic boy and his family.

How You Can Help...and Enjoy Delicious Food

Friday, December 23rd, from 11 am until 7:30 pm, ALL money that Mom's Diner in Lufkin takes in will be given to Rylan and his family. This is NOT a portion of the sales or money coming from the profits of the day, this is 100% of all sales going to the family. The goal is to reach $10,000.

Mom's Diner is located at 420 West Frank Street.  You can call ahead for orders at (936)637-6510. Check out their menu here.

A GoFundMe Account has also been established for Rylan.

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