Welcome to Compassiviste Dialogues. I'm Ali, your host, and my mission with this podcast is to shed light on critical social and environmental issues worldwide, exploring avenues for positive change.

In this conversation, Gregory Smith shares his inspiring journey as one of the oldest survivors of type 3 osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). He discusses the challenges he faced growing up with a rare genetic condition, the importance of family support, and his career as a social worker.

Gregory emphasizes the need for awareness and understanding of OI, highlighting the resilience required to navigate life with such a condition.

ABOUT GUEST:

At 68, Greg Smith is one of the oldest survivors of Type 3 Osteogeneses Imperfecta in the world. Greg is a retired medical social worker who worked in local hospitals & nursing homes for more than 30 years. He lives in Pennsylvania with his wife Holly, and two dogs, Katie & Cocoa. Greg is the author of the memoir An Unbreakable Spirit, and a new short story collection, Crossing Abbey Road. He is a Beatles fan and and avid reader who enjoys sports, music, and movies. He runs the YouTube channel “Unbreakable Spirits” and the “Unbreakable” podcast.

KEY NOTES:

Gregory Smith is one of the oldest survivors of type 3 OI Family support played a crucial role in his resilience He emphasizes the importance of positivity in difficult times Marriage is built on love and equality, not pity Animals possess a unique empathy towards humans Storytelling can convey deep emotions and experiences

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Intro 05:17 Overcoming Challenges: A Life with Osteogenesis Imperfecta 12:05 The Role of Family Support in Resilience 22:10 Understanding Osteogenesis Imperfecta: Medical Insights 30:01 The Importance of Awareness and Acceptance 35:01 Facing Mortality in Childhood 37:29 Innovative Education: Learning from Home 40:08 The Shared Experience of Disability 44:45 Finding Common Ground in Challenges 46:42 Overcoming Societal Barriers 52:07 The Journey to Becoming a Social Worker 56:06 The Importance of Community Support 01:01:18 Finding Love and Connection 01:07:00 A Positive Perspective on Life's Challenges 01:08:31 The Blessings of Love and Marriage 01:10:31 Finding Happiness in Later Life 01:11:57 The Companionship of Pets 01:14:37 The Empathy of Animals 01:17:45 Connecting Through Sports and Music 01:20:00 The Power of Storytelling 01:29:01 Resilience Against All Odds 01:31:15 The Importance of Medical Genetics Counseling 01:32:35 Leaving a Legacy of Awareness and Compassion

THINGS MENTIONED IN THE PODCAST:

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