A legacy of laughter

The city’s police union hopes to raise money to offset high medical bills and funeral costs for an officer’s son who just passed away.
On Dec. 2, 2009, Sgt. Carlos Manuel Segarra of the Union City Police Department lost his son Christopher, 15, after complications from his treatment for leukemia.
It was a day that neither he nor his wife or their daughter could’ve imagined. Less than a year earlier, in January 2009, Christopher was attending the presidential inauguration as part of a leadership program at school. He was planning to take a trip to China that summer and was very involved in his school activities.

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“He had every quality of a gentleman and the greatest smile in the whole world.” – Pat Cocucci
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A sophomore at Secaucus High School, where he lived, Christopher was an active participant in the school music programs, was a member of the Math Science Academy, and took part in the National Young Leaders State Conference. At the time he went through that program in 2008, Christopher told the Reporter, “You can be a leader every day, just in how you present yourself.”
But in April of 2009, Christopher was diagnosed with leukemia.
Still, Christopher’s leadership stride didn’t falter. He maintained his positive attitude, kept up with studies, and continued playing music. The treatment of his leukemia was to be a bone marrow transplant, and he was lucky to find an exact match in his sister, Krystal. An exact match from a sibling is rare.
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All proceeds from the event will benefit the Segarra Family.
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The family stayed with Christopher through each moment as he progressed through treatment in preparation for his transplant.
“Christopher didn’t want anyone to feel sorry for him,” said his father, Sgt. Segarra. “He didn’t want anyone to suffer.” However, on Dec. 2, just one day before he was to receive his transplant, Christopher died due to complications that developed during the process.
“It was a shock,” said Iris Segarra, Christopher’s mother. Jarring his family, friends, and the community, Christopher’s death brought an outpouring of love amidst confusion and grief. As the family mourned the loss of their beloved, the bills began to pile up quickly.
“No one plans for this,” said Iris Segarra. “We’re still paying off funeral arrangements, but it’s our responsibility to pay the bills, regardless.”

Benevolence in action

The president of the Union City PBA, Chris Scardino, says his organization reached out because it was the right thing to do. “First of all he’s a fellow officer and second of all, [it’s] for the cause of leukemia,” said Scardino. “Losing a kid is big. I don’t want to see another family go through what they’re going through.”
Members of the PBA have helped organize a comedy show that will feature Bob Levy of the Howard Stern show as well as four other comics.
Scardino is proud of the support the event has garnered from the department.
“Officers are out there selling tickets and a lot of people are buying tickets even if they can’t come,” he said. “One of our cops is a DJ and he is donating time. He’s refused to take any money.”
Generosity has also been pouring in from surrounding areas. The PBAs of Weehawken and Secaucus each gave a check for $500, and as of press time, West New York had promised a donation as well.
“This is what we should do,” said Scardino. “As union president, that’s what I try to be about. It’s not about me, it’s about family. I call it a family.”
All proceeds from the event will benefit the Segarra Family.
“I want everyone to have a good time,” said Scardino. “But also to remember the cause.”
Christopher’s parents said they feel that the laughter from the comedy show will be a reminder of the smiles he always shared with others in his lifetime.
In addition to the efforts by the PBA, Christopher’s life has inspired his peers to get involved as well. Students in Secaucus are selling wristbands to raise money for the Tomorrow Children’s Institute in Hackensack, where Christopher was treated. His former principal, Pat Cocucci is also leading the effort to create an academic scholarship in Christopher’s name.
“Christopher was just a wonderful young man,” said Cocucci. “He had every quality of a gentleman and the greatest smile in the whole world.”
The comedy show will be held at the Elks Lodge, 251 Park Ave., Lyndhurst. The cost of each ticket is $50, which includes the show and dinner. In addition to the event, the PBA will raffle off items such as Nets tickets (a suite package), a 46” flat screen TV, and tickets to an ice show.
For tickets or more information, please contact the Union City PBA Office at (201) 553-2153 or call Chris Scardino at (551) 404-2697.
Lana Rose Diaz can be reached at ldiaz@hudsonreporter.com.