Randy J. Buckley

It is with great pain and anguish that I am reaching out to our friends and family for support. In the last 48-hours our family has suffered a great and inconsolable loss. My nephew, Randy James Buckley, succumbed to a brutal disease. At 28 years old he was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, a rarity at such a late age. Compounding the difficulty of that diagnosis was that Randy was considered a Brittle Diabetic, making controlling the disease with medication nearly impossible. From the time of his diagnosis, Randy was in a constant battle for his life, a reality that affected not just his physical health, but his mental health and the lives of his family in unimaginable ways.

Randy was a fighter the moment he was born, at just 3 pounds, and he was the love of our lives. He was the most loving man you could ever know and incredibly sensitive to the needs of others, sometimes to his own detriment. Randy leaves behind three beautiful children that he loved more than life itself, they were his everything; Koren (named after my mom with an O instead of an A); Anthony’s Godson, Elliott Robert (my mom’s favorite name and Randy’s stepfather, who he loved dearly); and my sweet Godson, Eric Brandon (after the son Anthony and I lost). As you can see, he wanted everyone to know how much he loved the people in his village. This was Randy, always loving, always giving.

Over the past several years, and because of his medical condition, Randy lived with his mom, my sister Julie. Julie loved him with everything she had and devoted her life to trying to keep him safe and loved, taking care of his medical needs as best she could. It wasn’t an easy task, particularly with the progression of his condition. Julie worked 3 jobs to provide for her family. As you can imagine, losing her only son has been a heart wrenching and devastating loss for Julie, and she is understandably inconsolable. Over the past several years of his disease, Randy was not able to work. Despite his efforts, he would inevitably end up in the hospital, making the financial situation for Julie exceptionally difficult.

In many ways, Randy was like another child of mine. When he was born, I was only 13-years old and he lived with our family, giving me the opportunity to bond with him in ways it’s almost hard to imagine. He taught me early on what true unconditional love was and I will love him always. I know Randy is taking care of my baby boy Brandon John and being loved on by my mom and dad. It’s my only solace right now. My nephew Randy had a heart of gold and I know my blue-eyed baby would want to have his mom and his kids taken care of, he never wanted to be a burden, he only ever wanted love.

In the hospital, I promised him I would look after his babies. Will you please help me do this? I never thought I would be in the position of asking this favor of my friends, but this support would be incredibly meaningful to my family right now. To everyone in my village, I’m so grateful to all of you for the ways you’ve been there for me, now I’m asking you to be there for my family. All the funds received will go towards funeral expenses, outstanding bills, funds to assist my sister with expenses during this mourning process, and anything remaining will be used to set up an education fund for his children, Koren, Elliott, and Eric.

Thank you, always, for your love, kindness, and support.

From my sister Julie, his sister Kaitlyn, and his children as well as my entire family.

We will be having a memorial service, I will be sending out information when everything is finalized. In lieu of flowers, food, or gifts, please consider contributing to this fundraiser.