Cystic fibrosis is a death sentence for those who suffer with it. Encountering their experience, and the miracle drug that's just out of reach, changed Paddy Gower.

It almost never became a story - but a simple email led Paddy Gower to connect with a community of New Zealanders impacted by the genetic condition cystic fibrosis.

Cystic fibrosis is often diagnosed in newborns, affecting both the respiratory and digestive systems, with most sufferers unlikely to live to the age of 40.

A life-changing new miracle drug is now available, but the price tag keeps it just out of reach for so many.

In this interview with media chaplain Rev. Frank Ritchie, Paddy Gower reflects on his own experience of burnout as Newshub's political editor, and the profound impact that the community affected by cystic fibrosis have had on him personally.

Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details