Pete Proimos isn’t just surviving cystic fibrosis — he’s redefining what it means to live and give.

Diagnosed at birth with a condition that once carried a life expectancy of only 18 years, Pete turned heartbreak into a mission of hope. As founder and president of the Filotimo Foundation, he’s ensuring that individuals and families affected by cystic fibrosis never have to choose between medication and basic needs.

In this deeply personal and moving conversation, Pete shares how decades of uncertainty, fear, and resilience led him to build something rooted in love, compassion, and community. From hiding his diagnosis for 38 years to stepping onto the TEDx stage with “Find the Thing That Breaks Your Heart and Refuse to Look Away,” Pete embodies what it means to turn pain into purpose — and to leave a legacy that outlives you.

This episode is part of a special November 2025 series on the Power of Giving.

Episode Takeaways

• How cystic fibrosis shaped Pete’s early life and outlook on mortality
• The life-changing new therapy that brought hope — and new challenges
• Why some CF patients must choose between treatment and financial survival
• The founding of the Filotimo Foundation and its mission of “no one left behind”
• Mental health, masculinity, and the courage to speak your truth after decades of silence
• How the Greek value of filotimo became a philosophy of service, generosity, and joy
• What it means to build something that outlives you — a legacy rooted in compassion

About Our Guest — Pete Proimos

Pete Proimos is the founder and president of the Filotimo Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by cystic fibrosis. Diagnosed with CF at birth, Pete has turned his lived experience into a lifelong mission to ensure no patient has to choose between medication and life.

His TEDx talk, “Find the Thing That Breaks Your Heart and Refuse to Look Away,” has inspired audiences to act with empathy, generosity, and purpose. Pete lives in North Carolina with his wife and children, whose love fuels his vision to create a foundation that will continue long after him.

Connect with Pete

🌐 Website: https://filotimofoundation.org/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/filotimo_foundation/
🎥 Watch Pete’s TEDx Talk: Find the Thing That Breaks Your Heart and Refuse to Look Away (on YouTube)
https://youtu.be/Rx1Vb_kie5s?si=3ZazjOfeb4yest6F
💼 Support the Lung Run: https://filotimofoundation.org/lung-run-2025/

About the Host

Dr. Amna Shabbir, MD, NBC-HWC, CPC is a dual board-certified physician and TEDx speaker with advanced training in Integrative Well-being, Performance, and Leadership Development. She speaks, coaches, and consults on perfectionism, sustainable success, and the well-being of high achievers. Outside of her work, she cherishes her most important title, Super Mom, to two young girls.

Connect with Dr. Shabbir
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.amnashabbir/
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amna-shabbir-md/
🌍 Book Her to Speak: https://www.dramnashabbir.com/Speaking
🌐 No-Cost Application to Join The Unmasking Perfectionism Community: https://unmaskingperfectionism.com/
📹 Watch Dr. Shabbir's TEDx Talk
Perfectionism Has A Solution - It is Not What You Think: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNIzzM4Vg3s&t=3s

❌ Disclaimer

This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or therapeutic advice. The views expressed are personal and do not reflect those of any employer or institution.

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Content Note

This episode includes a discussion of chronic illness, infertility, depression, and financial hardship related to medical care.