8 HEART BEAT SPRING 2021
At 19, Greg Link III isn't
only transitioning from
pediatric to adult care
for his cystic fibrosis, he's
living life on his terms.
While on a road trip to the Oregon coast with a friend,
Greg Link III reflects on his past 19 years of life, and the
cards he was dealt as someone born with cystic fibrosis
(CF), a rare, lifelong disease that affects the lungs and
digestive system.
"I would say, relatively, I've lived a pretty normal life
compared to other CF kids," he recalls. "Mentally, I
never let it get in the way."
As someone who busses tables at a restaurant and loves
to play sports, from snowboarding to basketball, Greg's
life may not seem all that different to those who don't
know his story.
"I grew up way skinnier and shorter than everyone else,"
Greg says. "I took breathing treatments twice a day, which
weren't comfortable or fun. And I have a talent of being
able to swallow 20 to 25 pills every time I eat. It's one big
inconvenience, but you get used to it."
Despite his challenges, Greg says he can still live
normally and do a lot for his age. "Some people have a
mild condition and others struggle daily to stay alive. I
don't want to downplay the seriousness of it. I just no
longer let it define me."
Greg attributes his positive outlook, in part, to his CF
care family at Providence.
A CF
Coming-of-Age
Story
