Marco Segovia - Funeral, Medical & Family Support

Update 7/31/2026:

Marco passed Friday morning, just before sunrise. The week prior, his devoted night shift nurse orchestrated an outdoor excursion for him to see Evelina one more time. It took a whole team to wheel him down with his ventilator, IV drips, chest tubes, and emergency equipment. She asked me while we waited if we could go inside and rescue Papí, and that she wanted to save him. When he came out, she patted his arm and told him to “be okay, Papí,” and he smiled at her. She pointed out the planet Venus to him in the night sky, and we took pictures before he began to have breathing difficulties and was taken back inside. After another week of continuous tests, second opinions, and endless discussions between his care teams and myself on treatments and diagnoses, I got the call Thursday night at 11:30pm that it was time due to a sudden decline. I was able to be there with him on Friday from midnight until 8am while Evelina slept, her abuela was able to come to keep her safe for me.

He was lucid, but drifting in and out of sleep. We were able to reflect in detail on his life, all the things he accomplished, places he saw, people he met, and skills he mastered. Funny memories, challenges, and silly things. He looked again at all the pictures of his friends and family, and listened to the messages everyone sent to him. He smiled many times, and had tears, also. I asked if he was in pain, angry, frustrated, sad, or mad. He told me, no, and nodded that he was okay. I told him many times that I love him, am grateful to him, and am proud of him. I let him know many times that I will be okay, Evelina will be okay, and all his friends and family are thinking of him and sending their love. He told me he knew.

He was a devout Catholic, and so I prayed the Rosary with him, at his request (myself, an unqualified Buddhist at best). I also had a chaplain join us for support and prayer. I told him the story of the Invisible String, and the story of the Dragonfly. We played Un Besito Mas by Jesse y Joy for hours. I told him he’s so popular that even god is calling for him, but that he’s welcome to visit us anytime he wants. I warned him just to avoid visiting as a mosquito. He passed peacefully, with no pain or fear. Thank you so much to everyone for your kindness and support. Evelina is understandably going to have a difficult year processing the permanence of this change, but I know both she and I will be safe and supported within our community.

I have updated the fundraiser goal and theme, as we now have funeral costs and additional bills coming. Unfortunately, state disability insurance has not given us a cent in two months despite paperwork being filed and clarifications on incapacitation being provided. Social Security is a 5 month minimum wait for any funds, as well. I’ve been a full time caregiver since 11/2023, when Marco fell ill. He has worked his remote job through cancer treatment, relapse, stem cell transplant recovery, second relapse, and even the beginning of this final illness. His FMLA period is almost up, and his saved vacation hours have been going to the out of pocket employer healthcare premiums needed for his extensive medical needs.

Thank you so much if you have been or are able to contribute, and please don’t feel badly if now is not a time you can spare anything - love and prayers have been the most valuable thing we could ever receive.

With love and memories,

Carolyn & Evelina Segovia

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July 2023: Marco becomes a Father.

November 2023: Marco becomes quite ill, is rushed to the hospital, and finds out that he has Leukemia.

June 2026: Baby is about to turn 3 years old. Carolyn (his wife) has not been able to return to work since baby was born between caring for baby and being there to lead all the efforts supporting Marco’s care.

As of today (June 8, 2026), Marco is in ICU, intubated, sedated, and temporarily paralyzed as he fights to regain function of his respiratory system and resume treatment.

As Carolyn continues to remain steadfast and present by his side, we can only imagine the weight and cost of daily necessities: gas, food, meals on the go, bills, etc. Not to mention, having a toddler in tow through it all.

We gather in prayer and supplication for a complete healing and recovery for this Husband and Father. We pray for strength, patience and wisdom for Carolyn to continue alongside her little family and face upcoming decisions full of faith and trust in God’s plan. With all humility, if you feel a desire to help them get though the next few weeks and months, a donation of any amount would be an immense blessing.

Thank you in advance for holding up Marco, Carolyn, and Evelina in prayer and for any assistance you may offer them. May your generosity return to you and yours ten-fold.

—Organized by Adriana Vargas

(Long- time friend of Marco & Carolyn. Carolyn’s permission was granted to create and share this post.)