Anaheim Students Pitch In to Help Schoolmate in Coma

Students at Canyon High School rolled up their sleeves Wednesday night and worked like they never worked before at a fund-raiser that brought in about $500 for a classmate who remains in a coma after a car crash.

Seventeen-year-old Jose Duarte suffered a fractured skull, brain hemorrhages, a punctured lung, broken shoulder, broken leg and kidney injuries and has remained in a coma since the May 27 crash near the campus. He was listed in serious condition Wednesday at Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in Anaheim, a hospital spokeswoman said.

To help his family with the mounting medical bills, Rudy Lucidi, an English teacher at the school, pledged to give the family 25% of the proceeds taken at his Anaheim restaurant, Rudy’s Pizza, from 3 to 9 p.m. Wednesday.

While Lucidi volunteered his business, dozens of Canyon High students volunteered their service.

“They’re washing the dishes, they’re cleaning the table, they’re doing everything they can to help their friend,” Lucidi said. “Our prayers are with Jose and his family.”

The response from the public was also phenomenal, Lucidi said. About 200 pizzas were sold in six hours, their prices ranging from $11 to $15.

“One fellow came in and he gave me a $100 bill and his order was $15,” Lucidi said. “He told me to give the change to the good cause.”