Dec. 8, 2000
Dolores Huerta’s condition once again critical after the UFW co-founder is transferred to UCLA
Dolores C. Huerta–a pioneer in the Latino, labor and women’s movements–is listed in critical but stable condition in the intensive care unit at UCLA Medical Center after being transferred Thursday by helicopter ambulance from a hospital in Bakersfield.
The co-founder of the United Farm Workers was re-admitted to Bakersfield Heart Hospital on Nov. 30, suffering from an infection and pneumonia. She was later placed in the hospital’s intensive care unit. Doctors in Bakersfield were unable to identify the source of the infection. So she was flown Thursday by helicopter to UCLA Medical Center, where she remains in intensive care.
Huerta was first admitted to Bakersfield Heart Hospital on Oct. 29, where she underwent emergency surgery to repair a rare opening of the aortic artery. The condition is called aortic duodenal fistula. Then, she remained in critical condition for more than a week. She was released to a rehabilitation facility in Bakersfield on Nov. 15.
Family members have asked that Huerta’s privacy be respected. Further information will be released as it becomes available. She is unable to accept flowers or visitors. Cards and messages can be forwarded to P.O. Box 9189, Bakersfield, CA 93309 or via e-mail care of .
In 1962, Huerta, then single with seven children, joined Cesar Chavez and his family in Delano, Calif. where they formed the National Farm Workers Association, which would become the UFW in 1966. She stepped down as the union’s secretary-treasurer in September to campaign for Vice President Al Gore.
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For a hot line with updates on Dolores Huerta’s condition call 661-823-6206.