Gary was the legendary Action News sports director. Greg is the voice of the 49ers in the Bay Area.
Gary is the reason Greg got into the business. They look alike and share an electric energy when it comes to sports.
"And that's what Gary's greatest skill was. When he looked in that camera, it was like he was hanging out with people, having a cheesesteak and a beer. And he talked honestly," Greg said.
Gary died 16 years ago after a long battle with prostate cancer. He fought to the very end, something Greg still marvels at.
"If I was told that I had a limited time to live, I don't know if I would go to work every day. I don't know. Gary did. And then there was a point where he couldn't," Greg said.
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In a cruel twist of fate, Greg is now battling leukemia. The diagnosis forced him to step away from broadcasting for a time, but he returned last weekend with the lessons from witnessing Gary's fight front and center.
"How much did his fight inspire you?" asked Action News' Ducis Rodgers.
"There were times back in July where I was yellow, my skin was yellow, and I'm like, 'What's going on?' But Gary did fight the fight, and he did it publicly," Greg said.
After several rounds of chemotherapy, Greg is in remission, but he's not out of the woods. He will soon undergo a bone marrow transplant with his sister as a donor - and Gary on his mind.
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50 years of Action News: Remembering Jim O'Brien and Gary Papa
"Once he was diagnosed and he knew he had a limited time with us, he changed. And I become that guy, too. You have an epiphany. So Gary taught me not only how to live, but he taught me how to live to the end. So there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about him," Greg said through tears.
And like Gary 16 years ago, Greg vows to fight.
"I'm going to win it for Gary. Gary didn't have a chance to win it. It was diagnosed too late. It was too far gone. He fought the fight he could, but I'm going to find a way to win this battle for my brother Gary," Greg said.