Baylor alum an Ironman in fight with cystic fibrosis
When Seth Gregory (BS ’06, MBA ’09) crossed the finish line at IRONMAN Maryland this fall, he did more than complete 140.6 miles of swimming, bicycling and running — impressive as those accomplishments on their own may be.
For the two-time Baylor alum, completing the IRONMAN was another step in a lifetime of overcoming the effects of cystic fibrosis, and working to serve and encourage others with the chronic disease.
LIVING WITH CF
As an infant, Gregory was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, a genetic disease that affects the lungs and other organs by causing thick mucus that can make breathing difficult and lead to recurring infections. When he was born, children with the disease were often expected to live fewer than 12 years.
Despite those obstacles, Gregory’s parents encouraged him to stay active and not let the disease define him. He enjoyed the outdoors, played sports and excelled in school, a mindset he brought with him to Baylor as a third-generation Bear. Here, he became active in intramurals and formed friendships that remain among his closest (and most encouraging) today.
SUSTAINED BY TREATMENT, FUELED BY FRIENDSHIPS
As an adult, however, managing the progressive effects of cystic fibrosis become increasingly demanding. Gregory’s lung function at one point fell to 43%, and by 2019, he says caring for his health had become a full-time job on its own: multiple breathing treatments each day, waking hours overnight for needed treatments and exercise just to keep his lungs clear. Then, in late 2019, a newly approved medication changed his outlook; in fact, he says, it “changed everything.” Within weeks, Gregory felt the difference. The treatment improved his lung function, allowed him to gain healthy weight, and opened doors that had previously seemed closed.
Among those encouraging Seth were Kara Gilbreath-Kenter (BBA ’07) and her husband, Jeremy (BS ’06). The Kenters were longtime Baylor friends; Seth was even a member of their wedding party. Kara, who had already completed an IRONMAN herself, sold Gregory a bike and encouraged him to try endurance events. As his strength returned, the pair participated in fundraising rides, Spartan races and triathlons. With each event, Gregory found he was capable of far more than he imaged. Along the way, the Kenters and other Baylor friends remained a steady source of encouragement, training alongside him and cheering him on as he progressed from local races. This fall, he went further, deciding to take on the challenge of a full 140.6-mile IRONMAN race.
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GOING THE DISTANCE
In September, Gregory did it — completing his first full IRONMAN in 14 hours, 39 minutes and 6 seconds. Afterwards, he celebrated with a group of people who came from all over the country to be there in Maryland with him — including his parents and the Baylor friends who had been with him every step of the way. His endurance became a platform for advocacy and to connect others to his experience with cystic fibrosis, helping people understand how far treatments have come and offering hope to families living with the disease.
Even as he credits those with him at the finish line for helping him get there, Gregory points to his foundation as the source of his strength.
“A lot of that’s faith. It’s like God’s given me an opportunity. In 2019, I couldn’t even dream of doing a triathlon. I didn’t even have a goal of doing a triathlon until I started feeling better. And now that I’m older, it’s time for me to help the younger generation and give back a little bit since I can. For me, it’s gratitude and all the stuff God’s brought me through.”
Sic ’em, Seth!