Carlos Marquez Forever 34 Foundation

My name is Loretta La Medica, and I am the founder of the Carlos Marquez Forever 34 Foundation.

My husband Chris and I started the foundation after our 34 year old son Carlos was found in an abandoned building, Which we were later notified by the Kern County Coroner office that Carlos was fentanyl poisoned after taking a substance that was unknowingly laced with fentanyl. Carlos was one of a kind son . Carlos had goals and dreams like we all do. Carlos loved basketball, dancing, joking and loved life. Carlos had struggles in life like most of us do, but did not deserve to lose his life at just 34 years of age. I know if fentanyl would not be in our community Carlos would still be alive.

Carlos’ story now fuels our mission to turn are pain into purpose to Save Lives by educating our youth, parents, and communities about the dangers of fentanyl. Fentanyl has become the number one leading cause of death for Americans ages 18-45 years old. Every five minutes someone is dying. Fentanyl is responsible for over 70% of US overdose deaths. You can’t taste it or smell it. It’s being hidden in fake pills, street drugs and everyday substances. The fentanyl crisis is affecting families from every walk of life. Many people, especially youth and parents do not realize how common fentanyl laced substances are or how little it takes to be deadly. Awareness and Education Save Lives, but only if the message reaches people in time. If Carlos’s story can prevent even one family from not experiencing this heartbreak, then Carlos’ legacy becomes one of purpose and hope.

By supporting the Carlos Marquez Forever 34 Foundation your monetary support or donations  helps us share Carlos’s story by providing factual, honest education to ensure that awareness reaches people before it is too late.

You monetary support or donations will help with:

• Educational Materials for School Presentations ,Parent Education and The Community 
• Community and Outreach Events, Event Free GiveAways
• Printing Flyers, Advertising (Commercials and Billboards)
• Memorial Wall 
• Support Vehicle 
•  Building Fund and Misc. Expenses

 Your monetary support or donations are tax-deductible: 

The Carlos Marquez Forever 34 Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Federal EIN: 33-5021283

With Heartfelt Gratitude,

Loretta La Medica and Chris La Medica
Founders
Carlos Marquez Forever 34 Foundation
5916 Vespucci Ave 
Bakersfield, CA.93313
(661) 567-5055
carlosmarquez34fdn@icloud.com