Montco's Happening Hero: Randi Rentz

This is a story about strength, struggles, survival and smiles. It’s the story of a teacher, daughter, cancer survivor and local hero. Montco Happening had the distinct honor of sitting down with Randi Rentz to learn more about her fight with breast cancer and how she was able to overcome so many obstacles while keeping a smile on her face, and diamonds in her ears! Through sharing her story with all of us, she hopes to help women of all ages in our community understand how quickly their lives can be turned upside down, men too! She wanted us to put emphasis on the importance of taking the necessary steps to detect and prevent this deadly disease from claiming more victims not only in our area, but across the country. Simply stated, the more awareness we can help Randi raise, the safer our mothers, daughters and family members will be.

About Randi

Randi Rentz graduated with honors from The Johns Hopkins University with a Masters degree in Special Education. She was an editorial assistant for a publishing company in suburban Washington, DC before becoming a special education teacher in a school district outside Philadelphia, PA. Randi currently is an Asperger’s Support Teacher for grades kindergarten through fifth and also has her own consulting company for children on the Autistic Spectrum where you can see her work at www.helpforaspergers.com. She is a proud member, supporter, and blogger for many breast cancer organizations as well as being an inspirational and guiding voice for women who have been diagnosed with this deadly disease.

In Her Own Words

“Diamonds–I’ve always loved them. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not just that kind of girl, I used to be a gold girl, too. As a teenager, whenever I saw someone wearing diamonds, I automatically assumed that she was somehow self-assured; something I thought I lacked back then. My own diamond collection started rather abruptly, and tragically. My first pair of studs came to me at sixteen, when my mother died of pancreatic cancer, which was my first life-altering moment. She was my best friend, role model and source of strength for me as a young girl. Before she died, she took her diamond wedding band apart and had two pairs of earrings made for me and for my Aunt Sylvia. I remember thinking that I would wear them every day, for the rest of my life. I always looked at my ears in the mirror, a daily reminder of my mother before I headed out to school. Although they weren’t big, my diamonds carried great weight for me.

In 2004, my life changed once more. My father became seriously ill with an abdominal aortic aneurysm. I jumped into caretaker mode yet again, learning the importance of bravery, living for the moment and just making it through another day. In fact, I took this lesson from both of my parents, and it has stayed with me. While speaking with my father’s doctors, visiting him in the hospital, making health and financial decisions daily I found myself wearing my mother’s diamonds. Maybe it was to keep her close — to me, to my father — or maybe it was a sign of things to come. There was no time then to be searching for trinkets or charms. My diamonds — my mother’s diamonds — gave me the confidence and courage to cope with my father’s failing health and, ultimately, his death.

Little did I know my biggest challenge lay ahead. Nine-and-a-half weeks after my father passed away, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. The visions that went through my mind after my diagnosis were of my mother enduring chemotherapy, her losing her hair and, eventually, me losing her. The images tumbled through my mind, but one equation stuck: chemotherapy + wig = thousands of dollars, or I could continue to rely on the strength that had always gotten me through: diamonds + guts = reinvention.

After I received a lumpectomy, a procedure where they remove the cancerous mass, it was time to start with the chemotherapy. Knowing that my hair was not going to stick around, I had the option to go wig shopping at one of the nicest stores in downtown Philadelphia. However, after learning how much this wig would cost me I began to ask myself, why even wear one? Why wear something fake and temporary, when I could wear diamonds; something that has, and will stay with me for the rest of my life? Now, wearing diamonds is my daily custom — like washing my face or brushing my teeth. When people admire my jewelry they almost always say, “Your earrings and necklace are so beautiful, they look so good on you,” and I always think to myself, “You have no idea what these babies mean. Some might see my diamonds as an extravagance, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Wearing diamonds every day is a simple, mindful act of valor and courage that defines me as a strong, independent, cancer-free woman who just will not quit.”

A Letter from the Editor

When first meeting Randi Rentz, I was immediately drawn to her positive energy and genuine smile. I knew prior to this sit down conversation that I would be meeting a woman who had gone through more pain, despair and loss than I could ever imagine. Yet, her upbeat attitude and love for life explains how this young woman beat the odds in stunning fashion. As a guy, I will be the first to admit that my knowledge of breast cancer was limited. After hearing Randi’s story I was amazed at how little I actually knew about one of the biggest killers of women in the United States. She opened my ears, eyes and mind to learning the facts about breast cancer, while also reminding my heart how precious and frail life really is. We hope her story and message will do the same for you or someone you love.

It didn’t take long for me to realize that Randi is the type of person who faces her challenges head on with a persistent and determined smile. Her cancer was certainly no exception when it came to her willingness to fight. Without family around to be there, Randi faced this disease with the help and support of her close friends. With a drive and inner strength all her own, she beat breast cancer in a way that would make anyone proud, especially her parents.

She told me about her time in chemotherapy, and how the room was a very quiet, dark and depressing place to be when she first arrived. Well, whether she knows it or not, the first day of chemo treatment for Randi was also the first time many of her fellow cancer sufferers saw some positivity in their lives, even some fun! For example, Randi would show up for chemo sessions with her not so small suitcase filled with a variety of food, hats, puzzles and games. On several occasions she even brought martini glasses in with her so that everyone could enjoy a healthy happy hour of juice smoothies! Of course, the diamonds were in her ears as well. Her strength and her love for life was something that lifted the spirits of those around her, particularly in the darkest of times. I mean it’s not too often you see cancer patients laughing, smiling and walking around with their IV Stands to socialize while undergoing a barrage of chemotherapy treatments. On Randi’s floor though, that’s exactly what was happening. The inner glow that she has always had inside of her, now shined brighter than ever during her fight with cancer.

Since overcoming and defeating her bout with the disease, Randi has done everything to make sure she is paying it forward. She speaks to women of all ages about the facts of breast cancer, and urges all who listen to check themselves for lumps regularly, reporting any abnormality they might feel. As we said, Randi had no family history of breast cancer, yet a simple lump that she thought was harmless, ended up being a disease that would forever change her life. At 42, Randi thought she was too young to be diagnosed with such a disease, but after researching and meeting other cancer patients first hand, she soon realized that there were women suffering who were much younger than herself. Some of the best advice she could pass along to everyone out there is to find a doctor that you are comfortable with. To get second, third and even fourth opinions if you feel as though something is out of the ordinary. Four opinions may seem extreme, but Randi had five! After all, how careful can you really be when it comes to living a long healthy life.

Please follow Randi’s blog and visit her facebook page for more information on breast cancer. There you will find everything including recipes, inspirational quotes, hot topics, medical facts and more! Help us share this article with as many people as you can so that we can help this hero raise awareness to all women out there, young and old. Also, keep an eye out for the launch of Randi’s first and long awaited book so fittingly named, “Why Buy A Wig When You Can Buy Diamonds”. I want to thank Randi for making a difference in my life as well in the lives of so many others. She was an ordinary person who has now done more than extraordinary things, and continues to do so every day. Even after all the amazing accomplishments that she has made, all the odds that she has beaten, I believe that Randi is just beginning to scratch the surface of her true potential and ability to help others.