Dear Neighbors and Community Members,

My name is Charnell Bacon. I’m reaching out today with a heavy heart to ask for your help in supporting Randy Lightfoot. Randy & Judy hold a special place in this community. We look out for each other, and right now, one of our families needs us.

Our neighbors, Randy and Judy Lightfoot, have recently experienced a heartbreaking loss. Judy tragically passed after a brief but courageous battle with terminal cancer. As if that weren’t enough, Randy has also suffered a stroke, which has left him using a walker and struggling with impaired vision.

Many of you know their beloved dog, phin. He is not just their companion—he’s family. With everything going on, it’s hard for Randy and his family to manage all of this on their own.

Karin Corcoran and I have come together to organize a neighborhood effort to show our support. Here’s how you can help:

Donate using the QR code provided or contribute a gift card for a meal.

Volunteer to walk Phin—we’ll coordinate with Randy and his family to set this up.

Sign up for a day on the meal train—we are in the process of setting one up and will share the link soon. You’ll be able to choose a day that works best for you.

You’re welcome to deliver meals or gift cards directly to Randy’s house on Hill Street and Vantage View after you sign up on the meal train.

Please direct any questions or offers of support to:

Charnell Bacon & Karin Corcoran

Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and for being the heart of this wonderful neighborhood.

Warmly,

Charnell Bacon & Karin Corcoran

Help Randy Pay for Judy's Funeral & Medical Expenses

A Message from Randy:

Hello, my name is Randy Lightfoot. I’ve been married to my amazing wife, Judy, for 53 years—and in just three short weeks, our world was turned upside down.

On Sunday, April 27, I sat on the couch next to Judy for a quick afternoon nap. When I woke up, I was seeing double. Judy drove me to our optometrist the next day, Monday morning, and he immediately sent us to Munson Medical Center in Traverse City. After several tests, it was confirmed—I had suffered a stroke. Thankfully, aside from the double vision and balance issues that now require a walker, the stroke didn’t cause other major damage. I was discharged the same day and sent home to begin recovery with instructions not to drive.

Just a few days later, things took another unexpected turn.

Judy began throwing up and couldn’t keep anything down—not food, water, vitamins—nothing. She was weak, exhausted, and not herself. We thought maybe it was the flu. But her symptoms lingered. On May 7, I encouraged her to go to the doctor. Because of my double vision, she still had to drive herself with me as the passenger.

At the hospital, they ran several tests and gave her fluids, then referred her for a liver biopsy at Munson Medical in Traverse City. Still, we had no answers. She came home disappointed and discouraged, and far too tired to do the everyday things she loved—walking our dog, quilting, baking, and spending time outside with me. It was devastating to see her spirit fading.

By May 9, she needed another IV to rehydrate but didn’t have the strength to drive to the hospital again. We paid out of pocket to see a private doctor closer to home. I was trying to care for her the best I could while still recovering from my own stroke. But I was breaking. I knew I needed help.

I called my son, and he and his wife dropped everything and drove up from out of state. When they arrived on Saturday, May 10, Judy was resting. But when she woke up that evening, it was clear—something was seriously wrong. I hadn’t thought to share with my son that she had been needing help just to get out of bed and had started using a walker.

We decided to take her to Munson Medical in Traverse City. On Mother’s Day, Judy was admitted to the hospital. The doctors and nurses were incredibly kind and attentive, and I’m so grateful I was able to stay with her each night.

Before we had answers, my son and his wife decided we would call our family to come and visit Judy—just in case. We didn’t want anyone to have regrets.

On May 16, the oncology team gave us the results. It was gut-wrenching. Judy had stage 4 breast cancer that had metastasized to her liver and beyond. Because of how advanced the cancer was, treatment was no longer an option. Our worst fears were coming true.

That same day, with hospice support, we brought Judy home—the place she loved most. Our family worked quickly to rearrange the house, prepare space for her medical equipment, and give her the comfort and care she needed.

That evening, she was surrounded by her sons, grandchildren, and great-grandson. We were all together, right where she wanted to be.

On Sunday, May 18, at 8:20 a.m. (officially pronounced at 9:45 a.m. by the hospice nurse), my beautiful Judy passed peacefully, surrounded by love. I take comfort in knowing she is no longer in pain—and reunited with our beloved son Nick, who passed away in 2010.

I never imagined I’d be starting life without Judy so suddenly. With my ongoing health issues, double vision, and doctor’s orders not to drive—and since my job requires driving—I’m currently unable to work. I’m overwhelmed: grieving, recovering, and trying to figure out how to cover the medical bills and funeral costs.

We weren’t prepared for this. Judy always seemed so healthy. We thought we had years left to plan. Instead, everything happened in less than two weeks.

If you feel led to help, your support would mean the world. Donations will go toward Judy’s funeral and associated medical expenses. Any amount is appreciated more than I can say.

Thank you for reading our story—and for keeping our family in your thoughts and prayers.

With gratitude,

Randy Lightfoot