Carlos Garcia Escobedo, also known as "Goyo", migrated with his family from Mexico to the U.S. when he was 11. He loved to swim and go camping with his family. Carlos learned how to fix cars in high school, and it became one of his life's passions. When he was 22, he threw a goodbye party for his friends before starting a trip. Later that night, Carlo suffered a sudden and fatal heart attack. He became a tissue donor, donating his corneas and heart valves. "I am very proud of my son. He was generous when he was alive and in his death too," said Patricia Escobedo.

Carlos's Story

Carlos Garcia Escobedo, also known as "Goyo", migrated with his family from Mexico to the U.S. when he was 11. He loved to swim, go to amusement parks and camp with his family.

During his years at Van Nuys High School, Carlos first came in contact with one of his favorite pastimes: auto mechanics. His school friends taught him about motors, and he became very adept at fixing them. As soon as he could, he applied for his driver's license and registered as a donor at the DMV. He also bought a Honda which he started to alter for racing.

"I love feeling the adrenaline", Carlos would tell his mom, Patricia Escobedo, who was not amused by her son's hobby. He grew up to be very daring, she recalled, but he also had a huge heart.

"He was very noble," Patricia affirmed. "One day he decided to buy a new car because his was getting old. Instead of reselling his current car, he went to a homeless camp and looked for someone to donate it to. He ended up giving it to an old man who was going through a recycling trashcan with a girl. "He told him, 'Here, that way you are not cold at night' as he handed him the keys.'"

When Carlos was 22, he decided to go to Washington state, and he organized a party to say goodbye to his friends. Later that night, he had a sudden and fatal heart attack. Carlos was able to be a tissue donor, and donated his corneas and his heart valves. His mother did not want to meet the recipients. She felt it was enough that she could "feel good that a part on my son is alive and I am helping someone."

After his passing, Patricia and Carlo's sister, Paulina, started attending grief support groups at OneLegacy, the organ and tissue recovery agency in the Los Angeles area. They learned about the opportunity to educate the Hispanic community regarding the benefits of donation and became "Embajadores" (Ambassadors) of the Donate Life mission. They have shared their experience with the donation process and Carlo's generosity at dozens of events. Now, Carlos' 11-year-old niece, Karen, want to loves to speak about her uncle's legacy of life.

"I am very proud of my son. He was generous when he was alive, and in his death too," said Patricia.