We’ve been big fans of Rick Najera for a long time. If you don’t know who he is, here’s a few tidbits from articles and calendar listings we’ve published on LatinoLA throughout the years:

“…twice honored as one of the most influential Latinos in America.”

“[He] offers his expertise in teaching individuals of all levels in a new Actors Workshop”

“[He] took home his first ALMA Award tonight as writer for the feature film, ‘Nothing Like the Holidays.’”

“He pays tribute to dads with DADDY DIARIES: Diary of a Dad Man.”

“He’s the first Latino to join Tavis Smiley Speakers Bureau.”

“His Latinologues, which ran on Broadway, is the only Latino showcase of it’s kind in America with a rotating cast.”

Together with his wife, Susie Albin-Najera, they’ve been great friends of LatinoLA.com and many of our amigos and amigas.

And now they need our help:

This is from CaringBridge a website that helps keep loved ones informed during a significant health challenge, written by Susie:

“On Saturday, March 3rd, Rick Najera suffered a stroke, which we think was caused as a result from his phneumonia’s high fever. The high fever created a spike in his blood pressure which caused the stroke and caused him to black out.

When he blacked out, he fell and hit his head at full impact. He managed to regain consciousness, although severely disoriented, and lay down on his bed. He lost a significant amount of blood. When I came home and found him, I called 911 and the paramedics took him to the trauma center at Northridge Hospital and he remains in the ICU.

On Monday, March 5th, his breathing tube was removed and he was able to breath on his own. The first thing out of his mouth was a joke. The excitement was short lived and he has been in a sedative state since, coming in and out, responding here and there. At this time, we will only be allowed to have family visit.

I will try to post daily updates but I am a bit overwhelmed myself so bare with me during this challenging and highly stressful time.

How you can help:

A friend advised me to accept the help that everyone is offering, so I thought of a few ways:

Cash Donation or Target gift card: What would really help is cash or a Target gift card for cleaning supplies, groceries, to replace all the bedding, etc.

You can send to: Rick Najera Donation c/o Bethel Encino, 17500 Burbank Blvd, Encino, CA 91316.

Thank you immensely for all the thoughts, prayers, love and support. We truly appreciate it so much.

Much love and gratitude,

Susie, Julian, Sonora, Kennedy on behalf of Rick”

You can keep up-to-date on Rick’s recovery at: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/ricknajera