Among its members were his wife. Helen. and their eight children. Three years later the union launched a 5year boycolt of California table grapes that became a national cause. ultimately winning higher wages for workers. Two more decades of struggle followed. in 1988. Chavez nearly died after a 36day fast to protest what he claimed were cancercausing pesticides on California grapes. Cesar Chavez. on more than a few occasions. directed our Nations attention to the economic and social plight of migrant farmworkers. revealing blatant Inequalities and unfathomable working conditions. This mIghtly warrior relentlessly reminded Americans that Injustice anywhere affects us everywhere. However.