A vigil and press conference will be held to honor the life of local hero, Francisco “Paco” Rodriguez, a Chicago professional boxer and national Golden Gloves champion whose story was carefully selected among thousands to represent Chicago and Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network in the 2012 Rose Parade on the ninth Donate Life float.  His brother, Alex Rodriguez, will be a featured rider on the float in Paco’s honor, while Paco’s wife Sonia is traveling as the floragraph family member. The flora

Known as “El Niño Azteca” or “The Aztec Kid”, Paco died at just 25 years old after sustaining injuries from a title bout in November 2009.  Paco’s selfless gift of donating his organs saved the lives of five others.  Finishing touches will be made to the floragraph portrait of the fallen hero, made entirely of organic floral materials, that will be featured on the float.       

The vigil will be held at the Garfield Park field house (100 N. Central Park Ave., Room 104 Chicago, IL 60624) at 6:15 p.m. on Tuesday, December 13th.