As tragic as the death of 25-year-old Francisco Rodriguez is, I can't help but feel incredibly warmed by what has come about in the aftermath.
Rodriguez, known as "Paco" to his family and friends, is saving lives. His kidney will go to his uncle, who has long been on the waiting list for a replacement.
"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."
The family says that Rodriguez's organs will also go to seven other families, helping to save the lives of others in dire need.
It's a horrible, untimely loss that this young man is gone from the world, but what the family has done is incredibly admirable. Again we say rest in peace, Francisco. And now we can add a sincere "thank you" to that.