Born in Chicago to Mexican parents, Francisco "Paco" Rodriguez took pride in his heritage and eventually gained the nickname "El Niño Azteka" (The Aztek Kid) as a local boxer. Paco's talent and love for the sport made boxing more than a hobby; it became his career. On November 19, 2009, Paco tragically passed away from injuries sustained in a boxing match. Paco and his wife, Sonia, had discussed organ and tissue donation and felt that it was important to help others through donation. "Paco is now a hero to five people who are alive today because of his selfless decision to donate life," said Sonia.

Paco's Story

Born in Chicago to Mexican parents, Francisco "Paco" Rodriguez took pride in his heritage and eventually gained the nickname "El Niño Azteka" (The Aztek Kid) as a local boxer.

From a young age, Paco fell in love with the sport of boxing. As a boxer himself, his father decided to teach his sons how to box in an effort to keep them in the gym and off the streets. Paco's talent and love for the sport made boxing more than just a hobby; it became his career.

In the fall of 2004, Paco met his second true love, Sonia. Sonia describes Paco as "a man with a noble and humble heart, passionate for the things he loved and dedicated to his friends and family, always sharing and caring without expecting anything in return." Sonia and Paco were married in 2008 and their daughter Ginette, their true joy, was born in the fall of 2009.

On November 19, 2009, Paco tragically passed away from injuries sustained in a boxing match. Paco and Sonia had discussed organ and tissue donation and felt that it was important to help others through donation. "Paco is now a hero to five people who are alive today because of his selfless decision to donate life," continued Sonia. "Although Paco is no longer here, he will always live on through his recipients and his gift of life."