November 24, 2009 (Chicago, IL)- The family of fallen Chicago boxer Francisco “Paco” Rodriquez have announced that through organ donation, Paco’s tragic death will save the lives of at least eight people, including his own uncle. “We just learned that Paco and our uncle are a match,” said Alex Rodriguez, Paco’s brother.
“Our uncle has been on the waiting list for a kidney transplant for a long, long time,” Alex continued. “So although we’ve tragically lost Paco, we’re able to give this incredible gift of life to another family member..”
“My family is desperately grieving the loss of Paco, but there is some comfort knowing that he will save at least eight lives and benefit so many families.”
After Paco’s death, Alex and other family members discussed their options with a representative from the “Gift of Life” donor program. The family agreed on the decision to donate.
“My brother was so strong and healthy. His heart and lungs were in perfect condition. It would have been a terrible waste not to share his life with others. How could we not help another family?”
“My daughter was born with just one kidney and thank God she’s beautiful and healthy,” Alex continued. “But, God forbid, she ever needs a transplant. I’m absolutely sure that Paco, in a heartbeat, would have offered her his kidney.”
“My brother was and always will be the‘People’s Champ.’ Now he’s a hero too.”
Twenty-five year-old Francisco “Paco” Rodriguez died this past Sunday night at Hahnemann University Hospital in Philadelphia after succumbing to a brain injury suffered during a bout fought two nights earlier. He is survived by his wife, their five-month-old baby girl, parents, two brothers, in-laws and an extended family of loved ones.
An account has been established to help ease the family’s medical expenses. Donations can be made at any Chase Bank location in America. You may deposit directly to the Francisco Rodriguez Estate fund account #707331062.
Rodriguez Passes Away
Chicago based bantamweight Francisco Rodriguez passed away on Sunday night, two days after his bout with against Philadelphia’s Teon Kennedy at the Blue Horizon. The 25 year old Rodriguez collapsed after being stopped in the tenth round and was rushed to Hahnemann University Hospital where emergency brain surgery was performed. Said promoter Dominic Pesoli of 8 Count Productions, “It’s with a very heavy heart that we make this announcement. Francisco was family to us and we all loved him very much. He was very popular with fight fans in Chicago and will be deeply missed.”
Known affectionately as “EL Nino Azteca”, the Mexican born Rodriguez had been a fan favorite in the Chicagoland area since turning professional in January 2005. His amateur career had been heralded across the country and in Chicago where he won the Chicago Golden Gloves multiple times.
Continued Pesoli, “I’d like to thank boxing fans across the country for their calls of concerns these last two days. It’s meant a great deal to us as we awaited word on his condition.”
Details on funeral arrangements for Rodriguez will be announced shortly.