Cordale Sheffield didn’t hesitate when an explosion rocked his Cleveland apartment on June 23. The blast threw him out of the unit—but his two stepchildren, ages 10 and 11, were still inside.

He called for them to jump. His stepson did. But his stepdaughter was too scared. So Cordale, already burned, ran back in.

That decision saved her life. But it nearly cost him his own.

Cordale suffered third-degree burns over 92% of his body. He’s had multiple surgeries and is now wrapped head to toe in bandages, facing months in the hospital. His sister, Cierra, said it simply: “He has no skin.”

Still, she couldn’t be prouder. “He’s a fighter. He’s a hero.”

Both children were also injured but are recovering. Their mother had been at work during the explosion, which damaged 44 homes and displaced nearly 100 people.

Video from the scene showed neighbors rescuing kids, signaling firefighters, and turning chaos into teamwork. But Cordale’s bravery stood out.

A GoFundMe campaign has already raised over $40,000 to support his recovery. The cause of the explosion is still under investigation.

Cordale Sheffield didn’t think twice. He just ran toward the fire—twice—to protect the kids he loves.

That’s what real heroes do.