CF Transplant Stories: 3 Women’s Voices (Part 1)

You asked for an episode on lung transplants—so we made two . In the first half of "CF Transplant Stories: 3 Women’s Voices", Ahmet Uluer, MD, MPH, Lauren Harvey, and Andrea Gavin Becker talk with three women from the cystic fibrosis (CF) community—Tara, Beth and Caleigh—about what it means to make the choice to pursue a lung transplant—sometimes more than once. They share what it’s like to be denied, to learn that a first set of lungs might not be the last, and what it’s like to face cancer (after two transplants).

Along with survivor’s guilt, grief, and the emotional toll of constant advocacy, there’s also humor, connection, and the relief of being understood when you hang with others who’ve faced similar things. The women also reflect on the lasting mental toll of a lung transplant—PTSD, anxiety, and the emotional whiplash of preparing for both life and loss at the same time. This episode sits in the space before and after “the call”—and what it takes to say yes to the unknown.

Find our guests' complete bios on Instagram:

Tara Lisabeth @alivewitheverybreath

Beth Peters @bethpeters80

Caleigh Haber @fight2breathe

Resources:

NACFC 2025 presentation by Dr. Ahmet Uluer and Dr. Karen von Berg: “A Breath of Fresh Age: Redefining Growing Older With Cystic Fibrosis”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHg8Pr0J8_o

The content presented in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.