Our Fight to Breathe: A Cystic Fibrosis Podcast

Navigating Daily Life with CF

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 transplant, the challenges of managing complex medical needs, and the transformative power of community support. Nick and Caleigh discuss the daily heroism required to navigate chronic illness while maintaining hope, purpose, and connection to others who understand the fight. Key topics covered: * Daily management strategies for cystic fibrosis and post-transplant life * The role of exercise, mindset, and community in long-term health outcomes * Navigating the emotional and physical challenges of chronic illness * Finding purpose and giving back through advocacy and nonprofit work * The critical importance of organ donation awareness * Building resilience through faith, family, and peer support Whether you're living with chronic illness, supporting someone who is, or seeking to understand the patient experience, this episode offers valuable perspectives on resilience, community, and the power of turning personal struggles into sources of strength for others. Medical disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.

Cystic Fibrosis’s Impact on Mental Health

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 research, explaining how scientific approaches to wellbeing can be practically applied to daily life with chronic illness. Key Topics Covered: * The science of hope and how it impacts both mental and physical health outcomes * PERMA framework: Five building blocks of wellbeing (Positive emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishment) * Practical strategies for managing difficult days and building emotional resilience * The "Three Blessings" exercise and other evidence-based interventions for cultivating gratitude * How healthcare providers can better support patients' mental health needs * Reframing techniques and the power of asking "what else is true?" Whether you're living with CF, caring for someone with chronic illness, or working in healthcare, this episode offers valuable tools for enhancing mental wellbeing alongside medical care. KC's combination of lived experience and academic expertise provides both hope and practical guidance for anyone navigating health challenges. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare team regarding your specific situation.

The Importance of Specialized CF Care

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. Key topics include: * Why CF Foundation-accredited care centers provide superior outcomes * The comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to CF care * How individualized treatment plans address each patient's unique needs * The revolutionary impact of CFTR modulators like Trikafta * The importance of ongoing research for continued breakthroughs Whether you're living with CF, caring for someone who is, or working in healthcare, this episode highlights why specialized expertise can be life-changing. This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.

Fitness and Nutrition in Managing CF

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 Ben discuss the mental health benefits of physical wellness and the profound impact of feeling strong in a body that fights daily battles. Key Topics Covered: * Why posture is crucial for lung function and how simple habit changes can improve breathing * Redefining fitness as holistic health - including mental wellness, nutrition, and movement * The "if not, then what" mentality for adapting fitness routines during illness or recovery * How physical strength impacts mental resilience and confidence in the CF community * Practical nutrition strategies that avoid "food prison" mentality while supporting health goals * The responsibility and connection that comes with sharing your chronic illness journey openly Whether you're navigating your own health challenges, supporting someone with CF, or seeking sustainable approaches to wellness, this conversation offers actionable insights for building strength - both physical and mental. Ben's perspective on becoming the person others don't immediately identify as "the sick one" provides hope and practical strategies for anyone working to thrive alongside chronic illness. Please note: This content is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare team before making changes to your treatment or fitness routine.

The Trikafta Experience

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 partnerships, and the unexpected challenges that arise when hope becomes reality. Key Topics Covered: * The physical and emotional experience of starting Trikafta * How gene modulators change relationship dynamics between patients and caregivers * Processing survivor's guilt while advocating for global access * Relearning your body and identity after dramatic health improvements * Planning for the future when it was never guaranteed before * The responsibility of advocacy when you've benefited from breakthrough treatments Whether you're living with CF, caring for someone who is, part of the broader chronic illness community, or working in healthcare, this episode offers valuable insights into resilience, hope, and the complex realities of medical breakthroughs. Join us for an honest exploration of what it means to move from surviving to truly living. This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.