UFW co-founder Dolores Huerta
condition remains critical after
surgery in Bakersfield hospital
Dolores C. Huerta–a pioneer in the Latino, labor and women’s movements–remains in critical condition after surgery early Monday morning to correct a rare opening of the aortic artery within the intestines. The condition, called aortic duodenal fistula, was discovered during the exploratory operation at Bakersfield Heart Hospital. Doctors say her prognosis is guarded and that the next 48 to 72 hours will be crucial.
Huerta, 70, who co-founded the United Farm Workers with Cesar Chavez in 1962, was treated last week for a bleeding ulcer in the lower intestines. She fell ill again Sunday morning suffering extensive internal bleeding, was hospitalized and underwent surgery beginning at 11 p.m. Sunday.
Among family members by her side are her son, Fidel, a physician in Bakersfield, daughter Angela Cabrera, a registered nurse at the hospital, and Richard Chavez, Cesar Chavez’s brother and her longtime companion. Huerta is the mother of 11 children, 14 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
In 1962, Huerta, then single with seven children, joined 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 devote herself to other pursuits, including campaigning for Vice President Al Gore.
To reach a hot line with updates on Dolores Huerta’s condition call 661-823-6206.
Cards and flowers can be sent to Bakersfield Heart Hospital, 3001 Sillect Ave., Bakerfield, CA 93308.
(NOTE: Requests for interviews with Huerta family members can be forwarded through the UFW. Call Jocelyn Sherman at 213-368-0688, ext. 269 or via pgrs.: 661-635-5787 or 213-501-4505.)
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11/8/00 (12 noon) – UPDATE – Dolores Huerta’s condition continues to improve today (Wednesday, Nov. 8). Today she was moved from the critical care unit to a regular floor of Bakersfield Heart Hospital. Her prognosis looks very good. Her kidney functions are improving although she currently experiencing a small complication with her gallbladder. Dolores is still not able to recieve visitors and phone calls, as her condition is delicate. The Huerta family wants to thank everyone for their prayers and concern.
11/7/00 (6:30 a.m.) – UPDATE – Although Dolores Huerta is still in the intensive care unit at Heart Hospital in Bakersfield, she has shown significant improvement. She is off of the ventilator, speaking and is alert. Her family feels she is on her way to recovery. Dolores voted last night by absentee ballot and urges everyone to get out and vote. Viva Dolores Huerta!
11/4/00 (3 pm) – UPDATE – Dolores Huerta’s condition remains critical and guarded with slight improvement. Her cardiac and renal conditions are stable, she is still on the ventilator, is responsive and tries to communicate with her family. Please keep her in your prayers.
11/3/00 (9 am) – UPDATE – Dolores Huerta is still in the intensive care unit at Bakersfield Heart Hospital in critical condition. There have been some slight improvements: She is off pressure support medications, her renal functions have marginally improved, her neurological functions continue to improve, she in cognizant and is responding to "yes" and "no" questions by moving her head. Dolores also has fluid in her lungs, remains on the ventilator, has an abdominal infection and severe anemia. The prognosis outcome is uncertain, so please keep her in your prayers.
11/2/00 (9 am) – UPDATE – Dolores Huerta’s condition remains the same. There is a slight improvement, but she is still critical. It is a day by day situation. Please keep her in your prayers.
11/1/00 (12 noon) – UPDATE – Dolores is still in critical condition, but there are signs of improvement. Her kidneys are beginning to function, her blood pressure remains steady, she is more lucid and is beginning to recognize people and is beginning to respond to yes and no questions by moving her head. She still is in critical condition. Please keep her in your prayers.
11/1/00 (9 am) – UPDATE – No changes. Dolores’s condition remains critical. The next 24-48 hours will be crutial.
10/31/00 – UPDATE – Dolores’ condition remains critical. The next 24-48 hours will be crucial.