Dear Friends and Community,

I’m writing to share a deeply difficult update about Marlon Marroquin.

Many of you know Marlon as a former candidate for the Los Angeles Board of Supervisors, District 5, and as someone who has always fought for thoughtful solutions and government transparency. Today, he is facing a very personal and life-altering battle.

During his campaign, a serious pharmacy error in Lancaster, California led to a dangerous medication mistake. Marlon was unknowingly given the incorrect dosage for over three months, which resulted in a life-threatening medical emergency. He was hospitalized with serotonin syndrome, and doctors later discovered significant mental and physical damage caused by the prolonged exposure.

Since then, Marlon has been diagnosed with multiple serious health conditions that continue to affect both his body and mind.

Marlon has spent his life caring for others—his mother, our rescue dog Koda, and the community he served. Now, he needs that same support in return. While our family is sacrificing everything we can financially, the cost of long-term care and specialized treatment is overwhelming.

I chose GoFundMe because Marlon has a personal connection to its founders, Andrew Ballester and Brad Damphousse, having briefly worked with them many years ago. That connection gives me confidence in turning to this platform during such a complicated and urgent time.

Below is a transparent estimate of the costs we expect over the next three years. Sharing this is not easy, but honesty is important if it helps Marlon get the care he needs.

Ongoing Medical Care

Specialist consultations, diagnostic testing, and ongoing evaluations

(frequent labs, imaging, and multi-specialty care)

• $2,000–$3,500 per month

→ $72,000–$126,000 over 3 years

Medications and treatment management

(long-term prescriptions, symptom management, supportive care)

• $400–$900 per month

→ $14,400–$32,400 over 3 years

Rehabilitation & Supportive Therapies

Physical therapy (neurological recovery and mobility support)

• $600–$1,200 per month

→ $21,600–$43,200 over 3 years

Speech and cognitive therapy

• $400–$1,000 per month

→ $14,400–$36,000 over 3 years

Relocation for Medical Access

Relocating near the U.S.–Mexico border to access specialized care in both countries

Includes moving costs, housing transition, and ongoing cross-border travel

• $8,000–$20,000 one-time

• $300–$800 per month (travel and logistics)

→ $18,800–$48,800 over 3 years

Acute Care & Medical Emergencies

Emergency visits, hospital stays, and urgent procedures

(unpredictable, but necessary to plan for without insurance)

→ Estimated $5,000–$25,000+ over 3 years

Essential Support

Care for Koda (our rescue dog), including routine and unexpected medical needs

• $100–$300 per month

→ $3,600–$10,800 over 3 years

Financial Recovery

Paying down debt caused by this medical crisis

These funds will help stabilize our situation and prevent further hardship during treatment

If you’re able to contribute, any donation—no matter the amount—will go directly toward Marlon’s recovery and long-term care.

If donating isn’t possible, sharing this page with your network would mean just as much and truly helps us reach others who may be able to support.

Thank you for your kindness, compassion, and support during one of the most difficult times in our lives.

Sincerely,

Christopher

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March 30, 2026 - An Update on some things people are asking about:

Litigation

We are looking into legal action against Burns Pharmacy. Unfortunately, like many other states, California makes it difficult to pursue malpractice cases.

Our Situation

Our health insurance circumstances are unique — as are many others who fall through the cracks of the state’s safety nets. Between caring for Marlon’s mom and the struggles in the tech sector, it has been a perfect storm.

On Marlon’s Recovery

Marlon has always been fiercely independent, even through his hardest moments. In our 17 years together, he has tended to keep things close — as many of us can relate to. Regarding the damage caused by the serotonin syndrome, he is not yet ready to speak in detail about it, and we are respecting that.

Estate Sale — Thank You

A huge thank you to everyone who came out these past few Sundays. You have been such a blessing, and we love knowing our belongings are finding great new homes. Thank you, truly