Ballet dancer to perform again after overcoming challenges

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KABC) -- A ballet dancer with cystic fibrosis, who last performed several years ago, is getting ready to hit the stage once again. This time, it will be without the help of his breathing equipment.

As ballet dancer Adam Young prepares for his next performance, you'd understand if he was a little nervous. After all, it's been almost six years since his last one. At times, he didn't think he'd ever dance again.

"My doctor told me that he said he didn't think I had another 30 days left in me," said Young.

The last time he was on stage was December 2009, dancing with a long tube and an oxygen tank. They weren't props but necessities for someone battling cystic fibrosis.

"I thought I was going to die, and I kind of accepted it," said Young.

Even after a double-lung transplant in 2013, life hasn't been easy.

"Like in the last year alone I've had pneumonia eight times, I think. In the last 18 months I've died twice," said Young.

The last time was in April. He was in a coma. In fact, when he did wake up, he was surrounded by family and friends who were expecting the worst.

"Apparently they were told to make arrangements, and so everybody came and spent time with me alone and said their goodbyes because I wasn't expected to wake up," said Young.

Now, five months later, he's getting ready to go on stage again.

When asked if he was nervous, Young said, "No, no, I'm excited man. This is my element."

He admits the dance isn't physically challenging. It's meant to tell a story: his story.

"I could say don't give up, be strong, all that kind of stuff. But I'm not gonna lie to you, it's a bunch of bull," said Young. "For me, the only way I got through is because I have an amazing support group."

Young will perform Thursday night in downtown Riverside as part of Riverside's Long Night of Arts and Innovation. Admission is free.