In this heavy yet hopeful Hope In The Valley Special Episode, host Ramon Sanchez, LCSW & Dr. Ashleigh Herrera, sit down with Chris and Loretta LaMedica for a raw conversation about the fentanyl epidemic hitting the Central Valley. This episode is a tribute to their son, Carlos Marquez, who we tragically lost on March 3, 2025, at the age of 34.

After Carlos’s five-year battle with methamphetamine addiction ended in an accidental fentanyl poisoning, the LaMedicas refused to let his story end in silence. Instead, they founded the Carlos Marquez Forever 34 Foundation.

What We Discuss

The Reality of Loss: The heartbreaking details of Carlos’s journey and the distinction between an "overdose" and "poisoning."
Turning Pain into Purpose: How the LaMedicas are using their grief to build a foundation that provides education and resources to Kern County and beyond.
Breaking the Stigma: A candid look at the intersection of addiction, mental health, and the barriers families face when trying to support a loved one.
Community Protection: Practical advice on how we can protect our neighbors and youth from the rising fentanyl crisis.

Key Takeaway

Carlos Marquez will be "Forever 34" in the hearts of those who loved him. This episode is a call to action for our community to lead with compassion, stay informed, and destigmatize the conversation around addiction to save lives.

Connect with the Foundation:

Website/Social Media: Instagram
Mission: Raising fentanyl awareness and providing community support.

Listen & Subscribe: Catch this and past episodes of the Destigmatize Mental Health Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you find your favorite shows.