Lifelong Healthcare Skeptic Becomes RMC’s Biggest Advocate in Final Days

Lifelong Healthcare Skeptic Becomes RMC’s Biggest Advocate in Final Days

August 14, 2026 in Medical/Surgical/Intensive Care, News, Regional Medical Center

Known by his family as fiercely independent and beautifully stubborn, Manchester native Mike Peyton spent most of his life avoiding doctors and hospital visits. Yet, in his final days, the lifelong skeptic underwent a complete transformation, becoming one of Regional Medical Center’s (RMC) most passionate local advocates.

Following a lung cancer diagnosis, emergency complications late in Mike's illness brought him to RMC’s Emergency Department. Upon being admitted to the Med-Surg inpatient floor, Mike formed a deep, personal connection with his care team – particularly nurse Jen Janssen. Known for showing affection through lighthearted teasing, Mike met his match in Janssen, who returned his humor in kind and built an "empathetically direct" partnership grounded in trust.

"In a world of screens and AI, the human component we had here was incredible. It was just very human," said Mike’s son, Mitch Peyton. "The care wasn't just for Dad, it was for all of us. He would never have received this level of care anywhere else," added his daughter, Molly Brouillette.

Over a poignant final weekend, RMC staff accommodated more than 25 family members and friends who stayed around the clock in Mike’s room, with nurses carefully navigating around grandchildren sleeping on the floor to check on him. When discussing where to direct memorial funds, Mike gestured to the nursing staff. "This is a good place to give it," Mike told his son, Ryan Peyton. "I want it to go to the people that took such good care of my family." 

"I never would have thought that the end would be so graceful and memorable," said Mike's wife, Deb Peyton. "We are all sitting here so grateful that RMC took care of Mike in his final days."

In honor of his final wishes, the family established The Village Legacy Fund at RMC to support the local healthcare workers who cared for them. To read the full Peyton family story, visit regmedctr.org/stayconnected to view the 2026 RMConnection edition.