I Love My Community: Rene Catania
René Catania, executive assistant with Iacopi, Lenz & Company, visited with HERLIFE Magazine recently to share her service to family and community.
HLM: How long have you lived here and what do you love most about it?
RC: I grew up in Stockton and right after high school I moved away to fulfill my dream of becoming a racehorse jockey. I didn’t become one, but I married one! Leaving the racehorse industry after 40 years as the group sales director of racing, I returned to Stockton 11 years ago, realizing there truly is such a thing as lifelong friendships. It is admirable how much this community means to them, and me, as well.
HLM: How is your heart inspired to serve the community?
RC: When my boss, Susan Lenz, ran for Stockton City Council, I was so inspired by the support she received and how hard people were willing to work to improve our community. The kindness and drive instilled in me to “follow by example.”
HLM: Outside of work, how do you spend your time?
RC: It is a real joy to fly to Oklahoma to visit the ranch and my daughter, as well as driving down south to see my two stepdaughters. I also love having dinner with friends and a good Netflix binge!
HLM: You are a cancer survivor. I am sure it had a huge impact on your life. Please share your journey with us.
RC: When I was diagnosed with stage 3 cancer, I looked at the doctor and said, “Well, we have to get rid of this, and now!” Very few people knew. I started radiation and continued to work every day. I would look at my watch and jokingly tell my co-workers, “I am going to the spa, be back in an hour!” and off to radiation I would go and then come back to work. I began chemotherapy every Wednesday, then came back to work Thursday. I would go back on Friday to have my pump disconnected but made sure I made it back in time for office ping pong. During tax season our office has a tournament on Fridays, so there was no way I was going to miss a competition. Outwardly, you couldn’t tell I was battling. After a year and a half of treatments, medication, etc., I am in remission! The strength I found to battle this surprised even me.
HLM: What were the most challenging parts of this journey?
RC: I admit, there were days I had to push myself physically and mentally to keep the strength and laughter. The hardest challenge was making sure I kept reassuring my circle of supportive friends that I was doing great, and an “I’ve got this,” even on the hardest of days.
HLM: You are a very positive person. How did this positive attitude serve you during the battle?
RC: First, I had a lot of help! If it wasn’t for both my work family and personal family who kept me laughing, this would not have been an easy journey. Although I’ve always been a positive person, a lot of my positivity through this journey was driven by them. I believe a positive attitude is so important for your mind and body, but sometimes you just need a little nudge. They all helped with that.
HLM: Now that you are in remission, how has your life changed due to this cancer journey?
RC: What’s the old saying, “Don’t sweat the small stuff”? I make more time for the people that are so important in my life, and love, to ensure I let them know often. Oh, and I’m not afraid to fly any longer!
HLM: What advice would you have for others going through treatment?
RC: Keep that smile, bond with your nurses, doctors, caregivers. Stay positive! Find a designated person to take notes during appointments, as you do tend to have selective hearing. Close your eyes, find a happy place when you feel things couldn’t get any harder. Humor and laughter are the best medicine. Keep telling yourself, “I got this.”
HLM: What is an accomplishment that you are most proud of?
RC: My three beautiful and talented daughters, who’ve inherited my strong will and humor.
HLM: What is your favorite quote?
RC: That’s an easy one. “Treat others the way you would want to be treated.”
HLM: What is your favorite food and dessert?
RC: I am a huge foodie and could eat steak and a baked potato every day if allowed. I love my ice cream and can’t get enough. I have been known to push a shopping cart that looks like a 10-year-old with $100 to spend.
