The legacy of Francisco “Paco” Rodriguez, a professional boxer and national Golden Gloves champion from Cicero, was carefully selected among thousands to represent Chicago and Gift of Hope Organ and Tissue Donor Network in the 2012 Rose Parade® on Jan. 2 in Pasadena, California. His brother, Alex Rodriguez (left), rode on the float in Paco’s honor holding his championship belt, along with Alexis Sloan (right), the recipient of Paco’s heart who held a photo of the fallen hero. 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.