We were overwhelmed and beyond grateful for the amazing support we received at the FIRST Santa Clara County Fentanyl Awareness Rally in honor of National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day (August 21st). I want to personally thank all of the organizations who attended and continue to do so much for our community. BEAR Roots Co., Stop Drug Homicide California, CARAS, Gilroy Youth Alliance, DEA, HOPE, San Jose Fire Department. I invite you all back for next year’s event! Our goal was to demonstrate that it takes a community, the surrounding cities, and their STRONG leaders to help educate, destigmatize, and hold those accountable for putting the Fentanyl in our children’s hands. We will be forever grateful to these leaders who came out and not only spoke and shared what their departments are currently doing to support the community but took the time to listen to the heartbreaking stories given my many moms. Supervisor Cindy Chavez, Undersheriff Ken Binder Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office, San Jose Fire Department Chief Robert Sapien Jr, Mayor Matt Mahan, San Jose Police Department Acting Chief of Police Paul Joseph, Hannah Bertrando representing the San Jose District Attorney’s office (Ed Liang). To all of the amazing, strong moms who have the courage to share their stories. We all share to educate and stop more deaths because we do not want to see more moms in pain as we are. There are so many families who are now living with this never-ending grief due to Fentanyl. I love you all and you are forever my sisters in grief. Geralyn Maul-Vasquez, Mareka Cole, Kim Ramirez, Lisa Marquez. We look forward to planning more events with you throughout the year including 2025 National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day. We have so much work to do within our community. God bless you all! Thank you to ALL the families, friends and fellow community members. (Please scroll down to see pictures of our event!)