Heartbroken dad kisses son goodbye moments before child donates his organs and saves 3 lives | SWNS

This is the heartbreaking moment a Navy dad kissed and saluted his baby son goodbye - moments before his child donates his organs and saves three lives.

Little Leopauld Sanchez, aged one, and his family were involved in a horror head-on smash which killed three people in the other car. The toddler and his family were rushed to hospital, but Leopauld had suffered devastating injuries to his spine and brain.

Leopauld's skull was detached from his spine and, after risky surgery and nearly three months of fighting, he failed to regain the ability to breathe on his own. He fought to survive for two months, but devastated parents Paul and Ayie Sanchez, 43 and 39, were told he was brain dead and could not be saved.

They made the brave decision to donate his organs to strangers - including two babies.

[lmarie]

When he told his son he was a hero, and that he was proud of him...I cried. When a hero saluted another hero, I completely lost it. Thank you for your service, and for your brave, selfless, and generous gift. Bless you and your family. I can't imagine how difficult this was. You are all in my thoughts.

[emilybaker]

When the father stood and saluted his son, I lost it. His son is truly a hero. Prayers for the family!

[kennethgrantham]

I’m a 70 year old veteran who agrees this youngster is a hero. I also got choked up when his dad saluted. May God bless and comfort this family.

[cajunvikingrecords]

My heart is right there, with this father. Worst experience of my life is when my 15 year-old daughter died in my arms, after battling bone cancer for 16 months. That pain never leaves you, and your life is never the same, again. Every day, you muster up the courage to be strong for your spouse and your other children. Being stoic when your heart is shattered, telling yourself to be strong. But, life must continue and we take the moments of peace when we can find them, and we appreciate them that much more. Love to this man, his family, and anyone who has suffered such a devastating loss. ❤️❤️❤️

[sanjaykumarsingh]

This has got to be the most devastating video ever. No parent or sibling should ever have to go through this. That salute really got me. I have tears running down my cheek. Rest in eternal peace little one.

[wisecracker]

My God.
I cannot even imagine this kind of strength, courage & generosity. Your son was not the only hero in this clip. Both of you parents defy description. May the hell you just endured be rewarded by a special place in heaven. Right by your son.
My God...

[atsfrj]

I was sailor, and I'm a father this broke my heart. I'm sorry for your loss. I wont lie I cried as I saw you salute him. He is a Hero. God bless him, and your family.

[EdmerHerrera-uf]

I'm strong, but these kinds of videos melts my heart as a father...I salute you kid...👏👏👏🙏🙏🙏

[kathyreeves]

In 1982 my daughter Tammy had a asthmatic attack never recovered. Organ donor . All of the years have passed and it still hurts every day. Bless you Mom and dad, I understand.

[Youvegotredonyou-BeckyChase]

This hits home so much for me! All I can say is thank you to this family. Because of people like you, during one of the most difficult times in your life, you have chose to save others. It was a family like yours, that saved my 7½ month old niece 13 years ago. If it wasn't for wonderful people like you, she would not be here today.

[asthecrowflies]

That boy lives on...and those lives he saved will be forever grateful. 100% a hero.

[LifeOfRiley]

My heart goes out to this family. My son had a cyst and I didn't know about. He had no symptoms up until about 3 days before passed. I took him to urgent care but they didn't see it either. Nobody could. He was 15. I found him in morning not breathing. I had his organs donated well. He helped 3 people. I have vowed to not let this ruin life for my other son and I. This was over a year ago. We still cry.

[tammierobicheaux]

This is so sad 😭 what the parents did, donating his organs, will help others. Bless u parents. Thank u for your service dad. 😢

[dinoballiviero]

Deeply moving. I cried for that family's suffering. May they all experience peace.

[cassandramitch]

My sympathy goes to the family on the loss of their son. Thanks for donating his organs. And thank you to your son's father for serving in the navy. I salute you

[mime]

Rest in eternal peace, you were taken form this earth way to soon, at just 1 year old. But both you and your family are heroes, and we will not forget you. Because of you others have a chance at a normal life. Rest in peace little Leopauld… and I’m so sorry for the family that had to go through this kind of loss… even in your hardest moments you chose the well-being of others, I respect and salute you

[patgorham]

How terribly sad, I give the family my condolence nothing worse than losing a child.

[sarahmaureencadigen]

I am so, so sorry for your loss!! Your baby boy is a hero and impacted so many lives with his selfless gift. Rest in Paradise little Leopauld💙👣🙏

[katbrown]

My deepest condolences to this family, my heart broke for you. You have made a very hard decision during your most difficult time of losing your child & have given hope to other families.

[janetpunzalan]

Rest in Paradise little angel...you have extended somebody else's lives and that to me is the most heroic thing someone can do for his fellowmen, a tight hug to both parents and the whole family 🙏🙏🙏