Marissa knew the risk. She did not know one pill would end her life.
Her family started Marissa’s Voice so her story can help another family: carry naloxone, know the signs, and talk about fentanyl before risk becomes tragedy.
Prevention begins before risk becomes tragedy.
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Free locator
Naloxone can reverse an opioid overdose and save a life. Search by ZIP code or state, and see where to find naloxone and support.
Every listing shows its source and when it was last checked.
The book
The handwritten poems of Marissa Caitlyn Ladatto, in her own words, so her voice keeps reaching others.
Hardcover · Paperback · Kindle
Marissa’s Story
Marissa Caitlyn Ladatto was a long-time Duncanville resident: a singer, an actor, and a gifted writer. She sang at the United Methodist Church of Duncanville, performed in school productions, and loved karaoke.
At Bishop Dunne Catholic School, class of 2020, her classmates named her “Most Likely to Be Famous” and “Most Talkative.” She earned two swim-team letters, joined Theatre Club, and served as president of both the Slavic Club and the Animal Rescue Club.
At Dallas College she studied history and hoped to teach third graders. She loved animals and served people experiencing homelessness.
Marissa knew the risk. She did not know one pill would end her life.
Marissa died on December 30, 2022, at age 21. Her family honors her with a memorial rock garden, created in January 2023, and a memorial boulder painted by students in 2025. Marissa’s Voice carries her story forward so another family does not have to lose someone the same way.
Remembering Marissa
A few of the moments her family treasures. Tap any photo to see it larger.
A living memorial
A living memorial in Duncanville where painted rocks carry messages of love, hope, and remembrance.
In January 2023, Marissa’s family created this memorial rock garden in her honor. In 2025, Big John’s Nursery helped install a large boulder in the front yard. The mural began with a bright white star of light and grew into this portrait of Marissa as an angel with tigers and golden rays. Artist Curtis “Darell” Ferguson and students from Byrd Middle School painted the mural.
Friends, neighbors, and people from near and far have added painted rocks with messages of love, hope, and remembrance. The rainbow of stones continues to grow.
You are invited to add your voice. Paint a rock (any size) with a kind message, a drawing, or a color that speaks to you. Mail it to us and we’ll place it in the garden so Marissa’s story and the community’s love keep reaching others.
Or email a photo of your rock to stories@marissasvoice.org.
Send a Painted RockFind Naloxone & Support
Naloxone can reverse an opioid overdose and save a life. Our free Naloxone Finder helps you find naloxone and support resources near you, with sources and last-checked dates.
Availability and hours change. Check with a location before you go.
The Book
The Handwritten Poems of Marissa Caitlyn Ladatto. A collection born of light and ache, from a girl who painted storms and named them poems.
The poems were written over roughly the last eighteen months of her life. Mark found them in a notebook about a year after she died. Her work is raw, unfiltered, and deeply personal, exploring grief, addiction, love, trauma, and resilience.
Why do I bend myself
To suit
Every Single One Of Your Needs?
I’m Glass,
Not Elastic From the poem “Elastic”
In her own handwriting
Because of the Lord’s great Love, we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.”
— Lamentations 3:22-24Marissa’s Voice turns personal loss into practical prevention for families in Duncanville, South Dallas, and across Texas.
Education for youth, parents, and communities about counterfeit pills and how to reduce risk.
Helping families learn what naloxone is, why to carry it, and where to find it, starting with our free Naloxone Finder.
Events, partnerships, and neighbor-to-neighbor support, including community food box days in South Dallas.
Lived-experience talks that bring Marissa’s story to schools, faith communities, and public audiences.
Marissa’s Voice Inc. is a Texas 501(c)(3) public charity founded in May 2023 by Amy Brewer and Mark S. Garbade after the death of their daughter, Marissa Caitlyn Ladatto.
Marissa’s mother. Leads prevention education, naloxone awareness, and family-centered advocacy.
Event coordinator and main contact. Partner in community outreach and turning grief into action.
Blog
News, reflections, and updates from the people who founded Marissa’s Voice.
Our first posts from Amy and Mark are on the way.
The story behind the name, and what we hope it does for other families.
First post on the wayWhat community food box days in South Dallas look like, and why they matter.
First post on the wayHow the memorial rock garden grows, one message of love at a time.
First post on the wayEmail signup is coming soon.
Prevention is stronger when more people carry naloxone, know the signs, and support the work.
Prefer Cash App? $marissasvoice501c3
Questions about giving? donations@marissasvoice.org
