Lou was number 26

Our mission is to help those 26 and under living with life-threatening illnesses.

 

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The mission of the Louis Segreto 26 Foundation is to improve the quality of life for patients battling life threatening illnesses and lessen the financial burdens that come in times of crisis for their families.

Founded by his family in Long Island, NY, the Louis Segreto 26 Foundation honors the life of Honorary Police Officer Louis Segreto by aligning itself with the virtues which Louis lived by. Having been at Louis’ side for over a year while he fought Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), the Segreto/Maisano family spent their days in the hospital with each other and quickly grew to appreciate that there are those less fortunate.

Above all, there comes a time when everyone needs to be reminded about what they are fighting for.

 

This is Lou’s story


Louis Segreto was born in Port Jefferson, N.Y. on March 1, 1989, and lived his 25 short years as a loving son, brother, boyfriend and friend with respect, compassion, kindness and love to all who knew him. In 2002 he moved to Holtsville and attended Sachem East HS where he played lacrosse and football as #26 and graduated in the class of 2007. He graduated from John Jay College in 2012 with a B.A. in Criminal Justice and aspired to become a NYPD officer. He worked hard, studied hard and was in excellent physical condition in order to achieve this life long dream.

Louis was awaiting his admission into the police academy when, on January 30, 2013, (at the age of 23), he was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), subtype M4, flt 3 positive, with a 50% chance of survival. Thirteen months later, after having to endure two stem cell transplants, multiple chemotherapy regimens, countless transfusions, radiation treatments, medications and hospitalizations, he succumbed to the illness and died on his 25th birthday, March 1, 2014.

Louis has left his mother, stepdad, brothers, sisters, girlfriend of four years, relatives and friends with a sadness and loss that will undoubtedly take a long time to understand and accept. However, his illness has also enlightened them about the challenges and hardships a family must endure living and coping with a life-threatening illness.

All of the hopes and dreams that they once shared will never come to fruition. Attempts to have some of his wishes come true were thwarted by his age due to the fact that many organizations do not extend support for young adults over the age of 18. In addition, the responsibilities of a caregiver and their family are enormous and often times can place the family in financial ruin. Funeral expenses, especially for a young adult or child, are not planned for and need to be made during a time of deep sadness and distress.


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