Samuel Forrest: Online Fundraiser Nets $465,000 For Dad Who Refused To Leave Down Syndrome Baby

Samuel Forrest made international headlines when he refused to leave his son with Down syndrome after the child’s mother threatened him with divorce if he stayed, and now a sympathetic public has rallied to support the newly single father to the tune of $465,000.

Forrest said his wife issued an ultimatum in an Armenian hospital after finding out their baby had Down syndrome — either leave the baby or I’m leaving you. In Armenia, it is reportedly common for families to abandon children born with disabilities.

“I got the ultimatum right then,” Forrest told ABC News about the moment he showed the baby to his wife of 18 months. “She told me if I kept him then we would get a divorce.”

“My wife had already decided, so all of this was done behind my back,” Forrest added.

Samuel Forrest decided to stay with the baby, and one week later, his wife, Ruzan Badalyan, filed for divorce.

Forrest planned to take the baby back to his native New Zealand, and set up a GoFundMe page to raise the money to return back to his home. Since being started on January 27, the fundraiser has raised more than $460,000.

Samuel Forrest explained that the money will help him and his son start a new life.

“Thanks everyone – we are stunned beyond words at the incredible support & love you’ve shown for little Leo.

“9 days after we started our campaign, Leo and I found out in the wee hours of morning that we had crossed our target! He is a lucky guy to have the support of thousands of friends like you around the world.

“Some of the additional funds that we have raised will be used to secure better living conditions in Auckland, and to give Leo higher quality opportunities when it comes to education – a good home and school cost money, but Leo will have all that and more, thanks to you.”

Samuel Forrest also wants to help give back to others and prevent the same situation from happening again. He said some of the money raised will go toward programs that encourage parents in Armenia to support their children with disabilities.