He was a breath of fresh air for so many people who had forgotten what it meant to treasure each and every moment, but Israel Sanchez didn't have many more breaths to take in this lifetime and he knew that when we introduced you to him a few weeks ago.
Israel was sure he would be celebrating his last Christmas with his family and what we didn't tell you then was he had only been given two weeks to live.
His friends within the Sharyland community were also aware of his soon departure and decided to give him something he never asked for, but always deserved, a pep rally.
At 15, he took his last breath, but before he left us, he did make one wish.
Although the Rattlers last hoorah was spectacular, that wasn't it.
He told close friends that he was prepared to die, but he was concerned for his parents, mostly his father, and how they would take it.
He wished for them to find closure and be at peace after all they'd been through.
An Action 4 News viewer donated a burial plot to the family but their friends and family are still trying to raise money for the rest of the funeral expenses and medical expenses.
They are holding a bar-b-que fundraiser this Saturday from 10 to 2 at 8 mile line and Glasscock.
An account has been set up in his name at Lone Star National Bank under the Israel Sanchez Benefit Fund.
The viewing for Israel is Sunday from 1-9 pm and the rosary is at 7pm at Rick Brown Funeral Home.
The mass is set for Monday at Holy Spirit Church at 10 am followed by burial at Valley Memorial in McAllen.
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