Our Fight to Breathe: A Cystic Fibrosis Podcast

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 the profound gratitude that drives every race, jump, and victory.

Key Topics Covered:

• The structure and significance of the Transplant Games of America and World Transplant Games
• Balancing post-transplant medical responsibilities with athletics and family life
• Safe approaches to rebuilding physical strength after major surgery
• The role of sports and exercise in long-term transplant success
• Finding community and purpose through competitive athletics
• Honoring organ donors and their families through athletic achievement

Whether you're a transplant recipient, someone living with chronic illness, a caregiver, or simply interested in stories of resilience and second chances, this episode offers valuable insights into what's possible when medical miracles meet determination and community support.

This podcast provides educational content and personal experiences. Always consult your healthcare team before making changes to your medical care or exercise routine.

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 the transformative power of community support that ultimately led to the creation of the Fight2Breathe movement.

Key Topics Covered:

• Early CF diagnosis challenges and finding the right medical team
• Balancing normal childhood experiences with complex medical needs
• The importance of advocacy and refusing to accept "no" for an answer
• Building support systems and the role of family caregivers
• Transitioning from pediatric to adult care and patient independence
• How community and storytelling can transform isolation into connection

This episode offers hope and practical wisdom for CF families, caregivers, and anyone facing chronic illness challenges. Whether you're newly diagnosed, a seasoned advocate, or supporting someone on this journey, you'll find valuable insights about resilience, family dynamics, and the power of never giving up.

This podcast provides general information and personal experiences. Always consult healthcare professionals for medical advice.

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 designed to help you feel seen, understood, and less alone.