Our Fight to Breathe: A Cystic Fibrosis Podcast

In this powerful episode of Our Fight to Breathe, host Caleigh Haber sits down with her close friend Nick Di Brizzi Jr., a double lung and kidney transplant recipient who has turned his journey with cystic fibrosis into a mission of hope and service. Nick, an actor, athlete, and founder of the Breathe Like a Boss Foundation, shares nearly a decade of friendship and parallel recovery with Caleigh as they explore what it truly means to live—not just survive—with chronic illness.

This conversation offers rare insight into the realities of life before and after tran...

In this powerful episode of Our Fight to Breathe, host Caleigh Haber welcomes KC White, Chair of the Board of Trustees at the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and a leading voice in the CF community. KC, who holds a Master's degree in Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania, brings over two decades of advocacy experience and deep expertise in mental health and chronic illness management.

This conversation explores the critical intersection of cystic fibrosis and mental health, offering evidence-based strategies for building resilience and finding hope amid life's challenges. KC shares insights from positive psychology...

In this episode, host Caleigh Haber interviews her personal CF physician, Dr. Patricia Eshaghian, Director of the Adult Cystic Fibrosis Program at UCLA Health.

Dr. Eshaghian shares her journey into CF care and explains why specialized, accredited CF centers are crucial for patient outcomes. With over 20 years of experience, she emphasizes how comprehensive, expert care has transformed CF treatment and significantly improved quality of life for patients.

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Join host Caleigh Haber as she welcomes Ben Mudge, a fitness coach, cystic fibrosis advocate, and author of the upcoming book Fitness Without Limits. Born with CF and diagnosed at three days old, Ben has transformed his approach to health from a military-influenced upbringing into a thriving 13-year coaching career helping others embrace their potential.

This episode explores how reframing "fitness" as "health prioritization" can revolutionize your approach to wellness. Ben shares his philosophy that "imperfection will always perfect intention" and demonstrates how movement truly becomes medicine for those living with chronic illness. Together, Caleigh and...

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Caleb and Tiffany Remington (@ustheremingtons) to explore life beyond Trikafta, the groundbreaking CFTR modulator that has transformed the CF landscape for roughly 90% of patients. Caleb, who lives with cystic fibrosis, and Tiffany, his wife and caregiver, share their honest perspective on navigating this new chapter where survival has shifted to actually planning for the future.

This conversation goes beyond the medical breakthroughs to examine the complex emotional and psychological adjustments that come with life-changing treatment. We explore how couples navigate the transition from caregiver-heavy relationships to more balanced...

In this powerful episode of Our Fight to Breathe, host Caleigh Haber sits down with Emily Kromar-Grolinkoff, founder of Emily's Entourage and a nationally recognized advocate for cystic fibrosis research. Diagnosed with CF at six weeks old, Emily has transformed her personal journey into a global movement, building a groundbreaking nonprofit that accelerates research and drug development for people with rare nonsense mutations of cystic fibrosis.

This conversation explores the heart of advocacy - not just as awareness-raising, but as a lifeline for those navigating chronic illness. Emily shares insights on turning desperation into hope, the...

In this deeply personal episode, host Caleigh Haber sits down with her husband Bryan Takayama to explore the often-overlooked perspective of CF caregivers. Bryan, an entrepreneur and co-founder of Notion State, shares his decade-long journey from meeting Caleigh one year post-transplant to becoming her primary caregiver through organ rejection, a second double lung transplant, and their current nomadic lifestyle across the globe.

This conversation offers rare insight into the emotional, logistical, and relationship dynamics that define the caregiver experience. Bryan and Caleigh discuss the evolution from partner to caregiver, the challenges of balancing work and care...

In this episode of Our Fight to Breathe Podcast, host Caleigh Haber Takayama sits down with Aaron Stocks, Senior Manager of Case Management and Operations at the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's COMPASS program. Aaron brings a unique dual perspective—he both lives with cystic fibrosis and professionally helps others navigate the complex healthcare system. His journey from receiving an unexpected $700 medical bill that led to collections sparked his passion for healthcare advocacy and insurance literacy.

This conversation addresses one of the most critical yet overwhelming aspects of living with chronic illness: understanding and managing healthcare insurance. Aaron sh...

In this deeply moving episode, host Caleigh Haber sits down with Diane Shader Smith, a powerful advocate in the cystic fibrosis community and author whose daughter Mallory lived with CF until age 25. Diane has channeled her grief into meaningful advocacy work, sharing Mallory's story through the acclaimed books "Salt in My Soul" and "The Diary of a Dying Girl," as well as a documentary that has reached audiences worldwide.

This conversation explores the complex journey of grief after losing a loved one to chronic illness, offering honest insights into how families navigate loss while keeping legacies...

Episode Description:

In this powerful episode of Our Fight to Breathe, host Caleigh Haber sits down with Brandon Wright, a 37-year-old licensed social worker and certified dementia practitioner living with cystic fibrosis. Brandon shares his deeply personal journey of navigating identity at the intersection of chronic illness and being a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, offering insights that extend far beyond his individual experience.

Brandon's story illuminates the unique challenges faced by those living with multiple identities, particularly how the experience of "coming out" with CF prepared him for coming out as a gay...

Join host Caleigh Haber as she sits down with Matt De Fina, a two-time double lung transplant recipient, father, athlete, and advocate who has earned 37 medals competing in the Transplant Games of America and World Transplant Games. Matt's journey from end-stage cystic fibrosis to becoming a competitive athlete showcases the incredible possibilities that exist after transplant.

This episode explores the transformative power of the Transplant Games - international competitions that bring together organ recipients to compete, connect, and celebrate the gift of life. Matt shares insights on rebuilding strength post-transplant, the healing power of sports, and...

In this episode, host Caleigh Haber welcomes her mother, Lizeth Bosch Haber, as her first guest to share the remarkable journey that shaped both their lives. As Caleigh's primary caregiver and fiercest advocate, Lizeth provides an intimate look into the realities of raising a child with cystic fibrosis, from navigating the initial diagnosis and emergency surgery to fighting for life-saving transplant opportunities.

This conversation explores the evolution of CF care over three decades, revealing how families adapt, advocate, and find strength in the face of uncertainty. Lizeth shares invaluable insights about building resilience, maintaining hope, and...

Welcome to Our Fight to Breathe, a podcast amplifying voices from the chronic illness and rare disease community. Hosted by Caleigh Haber, who lives with cystic fibrosis and has undergone two double lung transplants, this show explores the realities of life with serious health conditions—the triumphs, grief, medical complexities, and human stories behind them.

Featuring patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and advocates, each episode goes beyond survival to examine what it means to truly live while fighting for every breath. Whether you're navigating chronic illness yourself or supporting someone who is, this podcast offers authentic conversations de...