Relentless: From National Champion to Physically Disabled Activist

by Katherine Itacy

Katherine Itacy was born deformed and, by the age of four, had developed both a dangerous spinal disorder and an incurable disease. Yet, thirteen years later, she'd amassed five state and eight national high school championship titles in track and field. She went on to compete in the Division I NCAA Championships and, later, to graduate fourth in her law school class. By twenty-five, she was operating her own law firm and by twenty-nine, was serving on three boards of directors for civil rights and criminal justice non-profit organizations. Persevering through hate mail, public ridicule, a death threat, and two sexual assaults, Katherine believed sheer will could get her through anything. Until her medical conditions proved that, sometimes, mind over matter just won't cut it.

258 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 7, 2020

About the author

KATHERINE ITACY, nee Johnston, is a five-time Rhode Island state champion and an eight-time national champion in high school track and field. She held the Rhode Island state record in the girls’ high school hammer throw from 1999 until the record was broken in 2019, and held the Eastern College Athletic Division I Conference Championship record in the women’s twenty-pound weight throw from 2005 until it was broken in 2020. In 2017, the Rhode Island Interscholastic League inducted Kate into its Hall of Fame.

After graduating with distinction with two bachelor of arts degrees as well as one minor degree from The Pennsylvania State University, Kate enrolled in the Roger Williams University School of Law, where she later graduated magna cum laude from the school’s honor’s program and finished fourth in her law school class. Attorney Itacy (then Godin) went on to practice law in Rhode Island and Massachusetts for the next six years, five of which she spent running her own criminal defense law practice. For all five years that Kate ran The Law Office of Katherine Godin, Inc., she was selected as a “Rising Star” in criminal defense and appeals in Rhode Island Monthly magazine. During that time, she also served on the boards of directors for the Rhode Island Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Rhode Island ACLU, and the national ACLU.

In 2014, Kate closed her law firm and moved to the Mexican border in order to work as a legal research and writing specialist (LRAWS) for the Office of the Federal Public Defender for the Western District of Texas. Unfortunately, complications from her brittle type 1 diabetes, the recurrence of a tethered spinal cord, and the onset of several other medical disorders caused Kate to retire based upon disability from her job in March of 2018.

She currently lives in Warwick, Rhode Island with her family and their miniature Schnauzer, Bell.

Reviews

[Corinne Streicher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this memoir. It provided a frank and honest look at one woman's struggles and acceptance of physical limitations, and to me it was refreshing and nuanced given our modern American culture fixated on grit and blind optimism. This book inspires empathy for others' challenges.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

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Relentless is a thought provoking memoir that follows the author’s journey from her days as training as a National athlete, time as criminal defense lawyer, overcoming obstacles in her life, and living with with a disability. Itacy writes the book like an open diary and I liked how she shared their reflections on the past while looking forward to the future. Each chapter is titled as a life lesson sharing a different piece of Itacy’s life and it gave the book an even more personal touch.

Though Itacy has struggled in many points of her life she doesn’t let her get it down. It’s inspiring to read her story, learn more about her life, and the memoir left me with some nuggets of wisdom to take away from the book.

"Direct, honest feelings can be hard to express and even harder to hear, but in the end, it’s the healthiest way to operate. Dare to live a life honest and true to who you are; be honest with yourself, and respect and trust your relationships enough to be upfront with them about your expectations, wants, desires and needs."

It was an eye opening memoir overall and I like how Itacy reaches out talks to her readers in an informal tone. It made the memoir feel inviting as a whole. I also learned some new things from reading this book. I appreciated it’s open conversations about the criminal justice system, the medical field, human rights issues, and in doing so brings awareness to these topics. Through talking about her own personal struggles she give readers the confidence to overcome obstacles and to always stay your self.

Trigger Warning: For mentions of sexual abuse.

FTC Disclaimer: I received this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Mary Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an authentic, unfiltered, truthful and inspirational account of a life filled with multiple medical and physical disabilities, emotional, physical pain and trauma, and how she excelled and learned from these adverse events.
Ms Itacy stated in her book to not let your disabilities define you, and she demonstrates how fully you can live your life and achieve personal and professional goals beyond what you thought possible with multiple physical and medical disabilities. There are many positive "lessons" she learned along the way. Yet, it's also a cautionary story of her life of some mistakes made with severe consequences and how others can avoid making those mistakes beforehand.
The author details the good, bad and ugly of dealing with medical professionals throughout her life, and how being your own best healthcare advocate, while getting second and more opinions if needed,can save your life and well- being.
Her parents, and most family, friends, teammates and colleagues were very supportive throughout her life. She discusses how to deal with the toxic relationships in your life.
This was an excellent read, at times resolutely honest, and it was insightful, inspiring, and courageous. Anyone can benefit from her life lessons and experiences.

[Ruthie Marlenée · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katherine Itacy is the definition of Relentless. She’s put herself under the microscope, hopped onto the surgery table and opened herself up to share her story with the world.

Using her meticulous lawyerly skills, she’s thoughtfully described, researched and cited her work. She’s utilized her “mess of scars and calcifications” all over her imperfect body “like a map,” to document each source of pain and endurance she’s had to face over the last thirty-plus years. “I should wear my lump and scars and incision sites as badges of honor, courage, and bravery.”

And there’s courage in being vulnerable. Aside from the brutal truth about surviving a deadly disease, this book will also speak to and help anyone who’s ever suffered illness or loss, been wronged by someone they trusted or loved, struggled to create their own identity, or had trouble letting go of the past.

From the challenges of illness, grade school through high school and college, to career, marriage, and finally self-discovery, so much of this book resonated with me personally. Kudos to author, Katherine Itacy!

[Norman Chartier · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an extremely open and insightful memoir which places us deep into the mind of the author as she experiences success and pain throughout her life. It's very well written and flows from one topic to another. Her emotional and physical struggles are presented in a way that many people would never dare to share with others. The frankness and detailed accounts of her life feel like you are being told her story without any filter. It was very courageous to open herself to the world and become a "reckless truth teller" about her most vulnerable and painful experiences. Not being a woman, or having any daughters, this gave me insights into not only the struggles of a successful woman, but also those of a disabled young woman trying to make the right decisions. I highly recommend this truly brave work.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stumbled upon Kate’s book quite by accident. My family has known Kate and her family for many years. My son was also a hammer thrower with Kate and competed in that sport with her throughout their high school and collegiate years at Penn State. I was very familiar with the experiences she reflected on in her memoir. She is a remarkable woman and so accomplished. This book is riveting and a must-read for everyone, especially those struggling with physical limitations or self-esteem. I wish her continued happiness with her new family and pray for her continued perservancev as she continues with her heath recovery.

[Keleigh-Marie Snelgrove · Rating 5 out of 5]

The importance of this work cannot be underestimated. Not only does the author describe personal experiences which can be appreciated by many people with type 1 diabetes/autoimmunity but there are many important warnings.
For a young person/professional with this condition, I urge you to read this book, it could protect you and help you make the right decisions for you health and wellbeing both short and long-term.
Personally (just in case you hadn't already guessed), I couldn't put the book down.
Brilliant, just brilliant!

[Kassie Runyan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend this book. I just finished it and even though it was specifically about the author's own perseverance and struggles - it was so relatable throughout. So many lines hit home - "sometimes you need to fake confidence 'till you make some confidence" and talking about how difficult it is to admit you need help. I am in awe of the author - and also her ability to make something profound and so in tune with others.

[JaNai OConnor · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fast read. The author takes you on an earnest ride through her retrospective look at how she became who she is today. Her vulnerability is refreshing and filled with humor.