Romain Kapadia is a known entrepreneur and investor who in addition to his private equity work and success is an active Owner/Operator at several leading Texas-based events companies, The Astorian and Jackson & Company.
Recently, the young, high energy, driven, thoughtful, marathon running, Romain...found himself with a quite serious battle on his hands. The fight for his life and health.
When Warren read Romain's Nov 2023 Facebook post sharing his intense and immediate battle with cancer...and while doing so - eloquently expressed himself in a way that brought comfort, confidence, and positivity for those that love him...we knew this was an important interview to have. How Romain framed his thinking on what was at hand with love, grace, and "his silver linings" was profound.
Romain shares how much of his drive and strength comes from how he was raised...watching his parent's who moved here to the USA with no money...and worked their way up to provide a good life for Romain and his family.
Thank you to Romain and his willingness to "go there" with us in this conversation. And if you are curious about the post from Romain that moved us all? Here it is:
Extended Family, Friends, Acquaintances, and fellow Revelers from around the world...
As you know, I'm not one to share negative news but I want to update you on a recent health scare that I've had to deal with. My aim is to make this an uplifting and positive message.
Since late 2020, I had been having a nagging running pain in my hip and have seen numerous doctors, undergone dozens of tests and months of PT to resolve the issue, but it never completely went away. Finally in late summer 2023, after undergoing yet another scan and looking for a muscle tear, the doctors came back with a totally unexpected diagnosis..."YOU HAVE CANCER".
Given all the efforts I put into my health and well-being, this was a complete shock. I visited the nation's top 2 hospitals to discuss diagnosis and treatment protocols, ultimately deciding to get treated at Sloan Kettering in NYC. I am eternally grateful to have been connected to Dr. Sam Singer (https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/doctors/samuel-singer), likely the top Sarcoma surgeon in the world.
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On October 23rd, I underwent a 16 hour surgery, requiring 4 surgical teams, to remove a 13cm liposarcoma tumor in my pelvis. The first few days were very tough but thankfully, I've been recovering well and have now almost regained my entire range of motion.
After 2 weeks, I was released from the hospital but was readmitted last Tuesday, after having severe abdominal pain and vomiting for 48 hours. This was related to digestive inflammation from surgery. I was fitted with a tube through my nose and throat into my stomach. I wasn't able to eat or drink any water for 6 days...every time I swallowed it felt as if I had a bout of strep throat.
The good news is, I've largely recovered and should hopefully be going home soon (again). The doctors are optimistic about me making a full recovery over the coming weeks and months.
HERE'S THE SILVER LINING....
Despite the trials and tribulations over the past 90 days, and despite some of the work that will be required to get back to 100%, I am eternally grateful for this diagnosis as it has enlightened me in ways not possible through the monotony of everyday routine, but only through overcoming life's toughest challenges. Here's some of what I've learned.
1) YOU are your advocate (for all things in life). When a health problem arises, DO NOT give up until you have an answer. Doctors are great, but only you have the ability to persist to find solutions.
2) YOU choose to be happy. Thankfully I've started down this path for the past several years, giving me the ability to see the positive and largely eliminate negative thoughts. This mental fortitude has been hugely beneficial in getting through the darkest days.
3) YOU must live in the present. Enjoying the present moment relieves you from worrying about the future or regretting the past. All anxiety is driven from these thought patterns.
4) DON'T waste time. We all face our own unique battles that arise unexpectedly at any time. Life is short, go for what you want and intentionally pursue the things you want with 100% conviction.
5) FAMILY, FRIENDS and RELATIONSHIPS are the most important things in life. Frankly, it would have been impossible to go through this experience alone. I especially want to thank my immediate family, and close friends (you know who you are) who have shouldered my emotional roller coasters and been by my side every day. And, of course, my mom who's been my rock.
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I know this will be a platform for me to live a more successful, fulfilled and happy life and I plan to utilize the lessons learned towards the rebuilding of myself into a better, stronger, wiser and more balanced Romain 2.0.
I've already set a goal of running the NYC marathon in 2025 (my 14th race) and surfing later this year in El Salvador.
Love you all and hope to reconnect with each and every one of you in the near future. I'll also share more updates soon.
F**K CANCER,
Romain
PS - Apologies for the long post. If anyone is going through a similar situation, PLEASE REACH OUT.
Find ROMAIN ON LINKEDIN BY CLICKING HERE
Find WARREN SPIWAK on LINKED IN BY CLICKING HERE
The Astorian Website HERE
