Today we’d like to introduce you to Richard Interrante.
Hi Richard, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My story started on February 4, 2020, which happens to be World Cancer Awareness day. I coughed up blood on that day and decided to go to the emergency room. I had ignored what I thought were minor symptoms. I had a cough, a rash on my stomach and some night sweats to name a few. On March 6, 2020 I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma stage two. Hodgkins lymphoma is a blood cancer which attacks your immune system. It’s a fast spreading cancer with a high curable rate… About 85%. I immediately started chemotherapy. I had to endure six months of it and after chemotherapy I had to do one month of radiation. I was extremely sick during the process. I would get chemotherapy every other Friday for 4 to 5 hours.
The whole weekend I was extremely sick and into the following week. When I started to feel better I would go right back to chemotherapy which lasted for 12 sessions.
After chemotherapy I had to endure one month of radiation I wasn’t as sick, however I had to go every week day which made me extremely fatigued. All this while I still kept my full time job as a Corrections Officer assigned to Valencia College as a Coordinator of the academies. My radiation affected my throat and esophagus since this was the target area.
Around June 20 21, after finishing chemotherapy and radiation I started feeling better. I had a couple of clear PET scans and I was seeing the light at the end of this dark tunnel. I wanted to do something with my life. I also wanted to help others as well. My family and I thought we should start a YouTube channel Roadie with Rich.
The channel is a family event. My oldest son Michael helps with all of the editing and some filming, my wife scouts locations, and my two youngest sons help with cameo appearances. I want to make the channel as fun as possible, as well as spending time with my family along the way.
YouTube was an outlet for me as I was going through my treatments since it would get me away from what I was actively going thru. I thought I can do the same for anyone who couldn’t get out due to the injury or illness, or anyone who can’t visit Florida. My thought was I could bring them with us on our adventures.
The channel focuses mainly on Florida travels/events. I also attend cancer awareness events/fundraisers. This mostly occurs during the month of October (breast cancer awareness month). I put out a couple of videos on my situation to make people aware of signs/symptoms and also for encouragement to anyone currently going through cancer treatment.
I’ve also joined volunteer programs and other cancer support groups to help people going through the cancer journey.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road has been arduous. When you hear the word cancer you feel extremely vulnerable. It was a depressing time in my life and so many unknowns without any real answers in the beginning. I have never been so sick for such a long period of time.
Without the unwavering support of my family, I do not know where I would be. One thing is for sure when dealing with cancer a strong support system is a must.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am currently a correctional officer assigned at Valencia College as a coordinator. I am within two months of retiring. I have been at the Academy for 17 years helping train officers. I have enjoyed helping out new recruits/cadets begin their careers.
I passed on promotions to stay in the position I am in because I really like to build up these young men and women who are just starting their careers. I always say it’s like building a house, I am helping them lay the foundation and they are going to make the house what it’s going to be.
It brings me great joy to see me helping so many people in so many ways. I have had so many officers tell me the training that they received at the Academy helped in numerous situations.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Try to surround yourself with positive forward thinking people. I use my channel as a platform for positivity and to reach as many people with my story. I want to showcase you CAN have a life after this terrible disease.
Please check out my YouTube Channel Roadie with Rich, we upload weekly great family fun content. I will be doing this full-time in retirement and I am so excited for this chapter in my life.
Contact Info:
- Email: Flogrown305@gmail.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/roadiewithrich
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/RoadiewithRich
Ron kimraj
April 19, 2022 at 9:18 pm
Great article on Richard . We went to the academy together 20 plus years ago and worked together . He’s a awesome person and glad he was able to get through that part of his life and have a positive attitude to make a difference in others lives . Keep enjoying everyday to the fullest!!
Lizza Marie
April 20, 2022 at 2:21 pm
I work with Rich and he is such a blessing and an inspiration to everyone he comes into contact with. I am honored to work alongside his leadership. He is the true definition or a warrior. Thank you for sharing his story and making it possible for others to become aware.