2019 Francisco Esparza

Name:                                     Francisco Esparza

Type of Donation:             Tissue donor

Age and Location:             Age 25 – San Pedro, CA

Donation Date:                   9/13/2008

Sponsor:                                Honored by OneLegacy

FRANCISCO’S STORY

Francisco Esparza was 25 years old when he passed away.  He was the youngest of seven with three sisters and three brothers.  He was one half Native American of the Muscogee Creek Nation.  He was a single father raising his three daughters, ages 7, 8 and 9 years old at the time of his death.  He always had the biggest smile on his face and was a good provider to his daughters.

Francisco was known by his family and friends as always being very generous and helping others.  During the holidays, like Thanksgiving, he would make sure the homeless in the neighborhood had a plate of food.

Pancho, as he was known by family and friends, was working at the local refinery and had just received a promotion.  He went out to celebrate and he ended up being shot in the chest.  He was taken to the hospital, where they tried to revive him, but it was too late.

OneLegacy called to ask us about donation.  For our family, it was not a difficult decision to donate because Pancho was a very considerate and caring person, always looking out for others.

Because of Pancho’s tissue donation, 142 grafts of bone tissue have been transplanted to assist individuals across 25 different states.  There is one individual in Turkey who also benefitted from Pancho’s donation.

By participating in OneLegacy and Donate Life events, Pancho’s family has been able to hold onto fond memories.  His life may have ended too soon, but his legacy will remain in his children and the many family and friends who miss him.