Fight For Freddy Benitez

The Benitez Family needs your help right now.

In early October of this year, the Benitez family found themselves in a heavy place.

The patriarch of the family, Merced Benitez was diagnosed with Stage-Four cancer and lost the battle. In the final moments of Merced's life, his son, Freddy Benitez, was struck by a drunk driver while in a ride share vehicle just a few blocks from his destination. Hours later, Mr. Benitez passed.

Freddy's whereabouts were unknown during his father's passing, which was already unusual. The family immediately knew something was wrong. They learned about Freddy's incident and found him in critical condition in another Austin hospital. Could you imagine processing the death of a loved one, only to find out the unforeseen future of another within hours? In his mother's words, Graciela Benitez, "It is too much."

Now, Mrs. Benitez and her daughter Yesmin Benitez, must sit and wait patiently for Freddy's body to heal and for him to come back to us. He is currently in a coma at St. David's South Austin.

Freddy, a Westlake graduate, has always lived in Austin and truly upholds what you know when you hear Austinite "Unicorn." He is the most reliable friend and hard-working human you'll meet. His laugh is contagious and ensures everyone is smiling when he is around.

The Benitez family have been owners and operators of an authentic Mexican restaurant, Los Comales, here in Austin for decades. Los Comales is a staple in the restaurant community and has held strong through the many changes we see here locally.

Freddy's future is unpredictable right now. His medical care will be expensive, and the length of time he will need it is very long. Let us be the predictable support the Benitez family needs right now. Let us be the staple for this local Austin family and support them in this dark time.

Let us Fight For Freddy!