Claire Richmond,  —

Claire Richmond was diagnosed with acute intermittent porphyria in 2017 after living with unexplained pain for 19 years. She was 32 years old and quickly learned there’s no guidebook for incorporating a strange rare disease into her life. When she could no longer work full time, she struggled to find her purpose. That’s when she began to write. Claire hopes speaking her truth will build connections and generate hope. She lives in Des Moines, Iowa, with her family and rescue poodle.

Articles by Claire Richmond

How I Created a Place to Feel Safe When I’m Sick

My favorite room in our home is the three-seasons front porch. It overlooks the west side of our house, where, this summer, we planted a pollinator garden. Nine months out of the year, this is where you’ll find me writing, meditating, or reading. Lenny will perch on the…

The Good Days Between the Hard Ones With Acute Porphyria

I’ve heard people describe living with a chronic illness like acute hepatic porphyria (AHP) as a full-time job. But it requires much more than 40 hours a week, Monday through Friday. Between medication schedules, doctor appointments, insurance issues, advocacy work, and the healthy behaviors to prevent flare-ups or…

How Writing Can Change the World

Intentional or not, most of my writing happens in bed. It’s where I reflect on my day, journal my meditations, feel inspired by the words of others, and dissect my dreams. The world begins in my bed. Adorned with luxury cotton sheets and supportive pillows, it’s where I rest. On…