Carlos Marquez Forever 34 Foundation

Empowering our youth, parents, families and Communities Through Fentanyl Awareness and Education.

The Carlos Marquez Forever 34 Foundation is a nonprofit organization, founded in honor of our 34 year old son Carlos Marquez.

On March 03, 2025 our lives changed forever when we were informed that our 34 year old son was found in an abandoned here in Bakersfield. Carlos took a substance that was unknowingly laced with fentanyl. Carlos passed away from fentanyl poisoning.

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. We know if fentanyl would not be in our community Carlos would still be alive. 

Our foundation will continue to share Carlos story to help other families not have to go through the grief we now will live with forever .

Carlos’s Life Has a Purpose! 

Carlos’s Story Has a Purpose! 

Carlos’s Story is Not Over!

After searching our community for local resources. We found there was a Critical Need in our community to Raise Awareness about Fentanyl and Education on the dangers of Fentanyl to our youth, parents and our community about the growing crisis and epidemic we have here in our community. 

We believe Knowledge is Power!

Many people, especially youth and parents do not realize how common fentanyl laced substances are or how little it takes to be deadly. The fentanyl crisis is affecting families from all walks of life. 

Since 2019 to 2025 there has been 1,241 lives lost to fentanyl-related poisoning and accidental overdose deaths here in Kern County.  

So we chose to TURN OUR PAIN INTO PURPOSE by sharing our story and creating a foundation Dedicated and Committed to Empowering the youth, parents and our community to Save Lives, Raise Awareness, Educate, Give Hope and Create a Safe Judgment Free Space where the community can come together and have a conversation.

By supporting the Carlos Marquez Forever 34 Foundation your monetary support will help with:

• Educational Materials for youth, parents and community,School Presentations, Parent Presentations and Community Presentations 
• Community and Outreach Awareness Events
• Awareness Event Swag/GiveAways, Event Supplies 
• Printing Flyers, Advertising (Commercials and Billboards)
• Memorial Wall 
• Support Vehicle 
• Building Fund and Misc. Expenses

 All monetary support are tax-deductible: 

The Carlos Marquez Forever 34 Foundation is a registered 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization. 

Federal EIN: 33-5021283

Sincerely,

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