Creators and Guests

I'm Caleigh Haber, a cystic fibrosis warrior, two-time double lung transplant recipient, and passionate advocate for the chronic illness community. Born with CF, I've navigated countless surgeries and medical challenges while choosing to live each day to the fullest in honor of my donors and with deep gratitude for my supportive community. Through Fight2Breathe and my podcast "Our Fight to Breathe," I advocate for the cystic fibrosis, organ transplant, and rare disease communities, working to raise awareness and inspire others to thrive despite their challenges.

Aaron Stocks is the Senior Manager of Case Management and Operations at the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Compass program. Diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at just six weeks old, he spent his first year of life in the hospital, shaping his deep understanding of the healthcare system. Aaron’s personal journey with CF inspired his passion for helping others, leading him to support individuals and families navigating complex insurance and healthcare challenges. Through his work with Compass, he empowers the CF community with resources, advocacy strategies, and personalized assistance to ensure access to essential care. His blend of lived experience and professional expertise makes him a trusted advocate and leader in the field.

Ben Mudge is a fitness coach, cystic fibrosis advocate, and author from Northern Ireland. Diagnosed with CF at just three days old, he has faced significant health challenges but uses his journey to inspire others to take control of their wellness. Ben is the author of the upcoming book Fitness Without Limits, which focuses on breaking down barriers to fitness for people with chronic illness. His philosophy, “imperfection will always perfect intention,” guides both his coaching and advocacy work. Through his dedication to fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being, Ben empowers the CF community to embrace their potential and thrive.

Brandon Wright is a 37-year-old living with cystic fibrosis in Ohio, where he shares his life with his husband Tim and their beloved pets. He is a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) and Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP), and an active advocate within the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) community. Brandon has spoken at the North American Cystic Fibrosis Conference, participates in focus groups such as “SHARING and PRIDE,” and mentors others through Peer Connect. His writing, including the piece “owning his story,” explores themes of vulnerability, courage, and authenticity at the intersection of LGBTQIA+ identity and chronic illness. Brandon’s dedication to advocacy, support, and fostering resilience makes him a respected and inspiring voice in both the CF and LGBTQIA+ communities.

Bryan is married to the incredible Caleigh Haber Takayama, host of this podcast. As Caleigh's biggest champion, he's deeply committed to supporting the CF community both as a caregiver and advocate. With a background in process strategy and design, Bryan earned his degree from The Ohio State University and spent eight years in management consulting before launching his own operations consultancy. Through his firm, he helps businesses run more efficiently and achieve their operational goals. Bryan approaches life with enthusiasm and dedication, channeling his energy into creating the best possible life for Caleigh, himself, and their two beloved pups, Chiquito and Yuki.

Caleb and Tiffany Remington are a dynamic couple known for sharing their journey with cystic fibrosis through their platform @ustheremingtons. Caleb lives with CF, and Tiffany is his wife and dedicated caregiver. Together, they offer an honest and heartfelt perspective on the challenges and triumphs of life with CF, using vulnerability, humor, and openness to connect with and support others. Their advocacy and storytelling have made them trusted voices in the CF community, especially as they navigate life on Trikafta. Their partnership exemplifies resilience, love, and the power of community support.

Diane Shader Smith is a powerful voice in the cystic fibrosis (CF) community, a tireless advocate, and a devoted mother. Her daughter, Mallory, lived with CF and passed away at the age of 25. Since then, Diane has used her voice to raise awareness, funding, and hope by sharing Mallory’s story—most notably through the books Salt in My Soul and The Diary of a Dying Girl. Diane travels the country speaking about her daughter’s writing, offering insight into chronic illness, the emotional toll of the patient journey, organ transplant, and the promise of phage therapy. Today, Diane is a global spokesperson, continuing to speak on love, loss, and legacy.

Dr. Eshaghian is a leading specialist in CF care, with more than 20 years of extensive experience in managing and treating cystic fibrosis. She’s currently the Director of the Cystic Fibrosis program at UCLA Health. And I can say in total honestly that she has been a beacon of hope and support for many patients, including myself, providing personalized and comprehensive care that has made a significant difference in our lives.

Emily Kramer-Golinkoff is a nationally recognized advocate, speaker, and thought leader in the cystic fibrosis community. Diagnosed with CF at just six weeks old, she is the founder of Emily’s Entourage, a groundbreaking nonprofit accelerating research and drug development for people with rare nonsense mutations of CF. Emily has transformed her personal journey into a global movement, raising millions for research and building partnerships across the scientific community. Her work demonstrates the transformative impact of advocacy, community building, and unyielding hope. Emily’s story is a testament to what is possible when passion and purpose unite for change.

KC White is a transformational leader in the cystic fibrosis community who has dedicated over two decades to advocacy, education, and building purposeful communities. Diagnosed with CF at age three in 1981, KC began her advocacy journey early, speaking at her first event at just nine years old. Currently serving as Chair of the Board of Trustees at the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (since 2022), KC has held numerous leadership roles including chairing the Foundation's Adult Advisory Council since its inception in 2014. She co-chaired the first BreathCon in 2016 and helped create ROSE UP in 2020, demonstrating her commitment to elevating voices within the CF community. KC holds a Master's degree in Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania, where she studied under Dr. Martin Seligman, the founder of positive psychology. She now serves as an assistant instructor in the program, bridging academic research with lived experience. Her graduate work focused on the science of hope and its impact on individuals living with chronic illness. Beyond her CF advocacy, KC is the head varsity women's lacrosse coach at her local high school and coaches athletes on mental performance and toughness. A lifelong athlete who has exercised daily since age four, KC embodies the philosophy of her grandfather's "11th commandment": "thou shalt go for it." KC's unique combination of personal experience, academic expertise, and leadership experience makes her a sought-after speaker and mentor in both the CF community and the broader field of positive psychology and chronic illness management

Lizeth Haber is a devoted mother, caregiver, and advocate in the cystic fibrosis community. As the mother of Caleigh Haber, she has been a steadfast source of support throughout Caleigh’s journey with CF, double lung transplants, and related health challenges. Lizeth is recognized for her compassion, motivation, and commitment to raising awareness and supporting families affected by chronic illness. She is known within the community for her role in sharing the family’s story and inspiring others through her resilience and positivity. Lizeth’s dedication continues to make a meaningful impact on those navigating the complexities of cystic fibrosis.

Matt De Fina is a two-time double lung transplant recipient, dedicated athlete, father, and advocate. He received his first transplant in 2012 and his second in 2020, and is a proud dad and coach at his daughter’s high school. Matt competes in the Transplant Games, earning 37 medals across events like swimming, volleyball, racquetball, and tennis, with a goal of reaching 50 medals. He is also co-owner of De Fina Family Cellars and works in commercial real estate. Matt’s resilience, gratitude, and commitment to honoring organ donors inspire all who know him.

Nick Di Brizzi Jr. is a Chicago-based actor, athlete, and founder of the Breathe Like a Boss Foundation who lives with cystic fibrosis. Diagnosed as a toddler, Nick is nearly nine years post double lung transplant and also received a kidney transplant from his brother in 2021. He is known for roles in television shows like Fargo and for representing Illinois at the Transplant Games of America, where he has earned multiple medals. Through his foundation, Nick helps others with respiratory illnesses access fitness resources, aiming to improve health without financial burden. His journey of resilience and kindness inspires and uplifts the cystic fibrosis and transplant communities.