Claire Richmond

About Claire Richmond

Claire is a writer, speaker and rare disease advocate. At 32, she was diagnosed with a painful rare disease called acute hepatic porphyria (AHP), after a 19-year search for answers. As severe, unexplained pain became a focal point of daily life, she exiled her body to protect her mind. Her writing and speaking reflect how she navigates daily life with AHP, rebuilding the bridge between her physical and mental being. Claire hopes speaking her truth builds connections and generates hope. She writes a patient column for PorphyriaNews.com, co-founded This Porphyria Life and serves on the Young Advisory Council of Unity Point, where she represents young professionals with chronic health challenges. She has a Master’s in Public Health and training in graphic design and health communication. She lives in Des Moines with her family. Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, Drupal, WordPress, Squarespace, Microsoft Office, Google Drive, Hootsuite, Google Analytics, Canva, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

Experience

1. Patient Columnist

   Bionews, Inc.

   Aug 2020 — Present

Education

• University of Galway

  Study Abroad Semester, General Studies

  2005 — 2005

• Stephens College

  BS, Marketing: Public Relations & Advertising, Graphic Design

  2002 — 2006

• University of Iowa

  Master of Public Health (M.P.H.), Community and Behavioral Health

  2013 — 2014

• University of Iowa

  Master of Science (M.S.), Urban and Regional Planning

  2012 — 2014