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.

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.

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.