The Carlos Marquez Forever 34 Foundation has partnered with the Aaron’s Haven of Hope Foundation to bring resources and information to the Delano community through a pajama drive and ornament-decorating event on Wednesday, Dec. 3, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., located at 729 Kensington St.
The Carlos Marquez Forever 34 Foundation and Aaron’s Haven of Hope are two nonprofit organizations brought together by a shared purpose: providing information and resources to those struggling with substance abuse.
Loretta Lamedica and her husband, Chris Lamedica, began their organization after their son, Carlos Marquez, passed away from fentanyl poisoning in March.
“On March 3, we got the worst call that we could ever get… We received a call from the Kern County Coroner’s Office letting us know that our son was fentanyl poisoned, and I think that’s what drove us to turn our pain into purpose. We don’t want to be silent about this issue, and hopefully we’re able to save lives,” said Chris Lamedica.
Since then, the Lamedicas have participated in events such as the Walk of Life, set up their booth at local car shows, and spoken to local schools about the dangers of drugs.
“Our most recent event was at Sequoia Junior High. We were able to go in and talk to over 800 kids about the risks and the dangers of fentanyl,” said Loretta Lamedica.
The Lamedicas also discussed the stigma surrounding those affected by fentanyl and urged people to remember Carlos and others impacted as the people they truly were.
“Carlos was full of life. He was a good kid; he loved sports. He was just like any other kid. It wasn’t until the last five years of his life that he started smoking marijuana, and then it led to methamphetamine, and then, unfortunately, he got a substance that was laced with fentanyl, and it ended his life. But I want him to be remembered—he wasn’t just an addict. He had a struggle; it was the poison,” said Loretta Lamedica. “I truly believe this: if fentanyl wasn’t in the community, county, country, world, he would still be here today. And a lot of loved ones would still be here.”
During December’s event, the Lamedicas will be handing out flyers with the foundation’s purpose and Carlos’ story. On the back of the flyers will be information about what fentanyl is and how to spot the signs of poisoning or overdose. They will also be distributing free naloxone, also known as Narcan, a medication commonly used to reverse the effects of opioid overdose.
Pajama donations for the event will be accepted on Dec. 3, and organizers encourage the community to participate. By sharing Carlos’ story and offering life-saving resources, the Lamedicas hope the event will spark conversations, reduce stigma, and protect families from the growing dangers of fentanyl.
