Jennifer and Maya Reinhardt Share Their Journey with Cystic Fibrosis and Right to Try 2.0 — Health Policy Podcast

Jennifer and Maya Reinhardt, representatives of The Goldwater Institute, discuss their personal experiences with Cystic Fibrosis, the Right to Try legislation, healthcare access, and patient advocacy in the latest episode of the Health Policy Podcast. Their journey highlights the challenges and importance of innovative treatments for patients facing life-threatening conditions.

WASHINGTON — May 25, 2026 — In a new episode of the Health Policy Podcast, Jennifer and Maya Reinhardt share their story of navigating the complexities of Cystic Fibrosis and the Right to Try legislation. The discussion focuses on their personal experiences with healthcare access and the need for patient advocacy in the face of bureaucratic hurdles.

The Reinhardts emphasize the urgency of timely treatment for patients with severe conditions. Jennifer recalls the struggles they faced in accessing effective therapies for Maya, particularly when traditional antibiotics failed. "When she was little, she looked like just a normal little kid, but she would get these lung infections," Jennifer said. The family encountered numerous obstacles in their quest for alternative treatments, including the use of bacteriophages, which are not FDA approved.

Maya shared her perspective on the emotional toll of living with Cystic Fibrosis and the importance of advocating for oneself in the healthcare system. "I mean, the whole family was, they didn't know what was going on, what to do really," Maya said. Their story underscores the need for reforms like Right to Try 2.0, which aims to streamline access to experimental treatments. "If your doctor approves this and they're willing to help you, let's go ahead and get this treatment that's individualized for you," Maya added.

The Goldwater Institute is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the principles of limited government, individual liberty, and free markets through research, advocacy, and litigation.

About the Health Policy Podcast

The Health Policy Podcast focuses on the intersection of healthcare policy, energy, infrastructure, and economic growth, providing insights and discussions on critical issues affecting the health sector.