The State - News from Aug. 7, 1988

A “very weak” Cesar Chavez was being closely monitored by doctors concerned about possible kidney failure, as the farm labor leader completed the third week of a fast he began July 17 to protest the use of dangerous pesticides. Chavez, who has lost 20 pounds, is reportedly suffering from bouts of nausea, dehydration, dizziness, malnutrition and elevated levels of uric acid in his system, which could cause his kidneys to fail. Dr. Marion Moses, who was with Chavez during his 1968 fast, examined him Friday and said he is worried about possible kidney failure. Moses said earlier in the week that he did not consider the fast a life-threatening situation. He had asked the 61-year-old leader of the United Farm Workers to enter the hospital, but Chavez refused.