The CF Community & the Chase for a Cure: Bijal P. Trivedi’s “Breath from Salt”

In this episode, we talk with science journalist Bijal Trivedi, author of “Breath from Salt,” the definitive and surprisingly human account of how families, scientists, and clinicians helped transform cystic fibrosis (CF) from a fatal childhood disease into one of the greatest success stories in modern medicine. Joining the conversation is Kate O’Donnell, president of the Joey Fund and sister of Joey O’Donnell, whose life and legacy helped inspire one of the most powerful fundraising movements in the CF community.

Bijal shares the story behind the book—how a single interview with Joey’s parents, Joe and Kathy O’Donnell, revealed a much bigger narrative about relentless parents, brilliant scientists, bold philanthropy and the power of community that helped drive breakthroughs like the development of CFTR modulators like Trikafta. Kate reflects on growing up in a family shaped by CF advocacy, what it means to carry that legacy forward, and how the community continues pushing toward treatments for everyone.

We talk about the messy, human side of scientific progress: false starts, competing egos, impossible odds, and the moments when one insight can change everything. We also explore the infrastructure that helped make those breakthroughs possible—from centralized CF care centers to the patient registry that allowed researchers to track mutations, outcomes, and treatments across an entire community.

Finally, we explore the questions the CF community is asking now: how the story evolves as people live longer, how to support those still waiting for therapies and why the work isn’t finished yet.

Also in the episode: trips to the morgue, dark humor and a very special appearance by an English bulldog named Beans.