Publications, Media, & Appearances
My writing and advocacy work has appeared across publications, podcasts, and patient-centered platforms. Below is a selection of my work.
Published Essays
Tips for Managing Chronic Illness and Mental Health
Published in Launch Psychological Associates’ Blog, 2025
Media Appearances
Podcast Guest Appearance on Tales from the Heart
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association (HCMA) – June 2024
Podcast Guest Host Appearance on Tales from the Heart
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association (HCMA) – February 2026
A 3‑part series on YouTube, or available in full as a podcast.
Upcoming
Quoted in: More Person Than Patient: Finding Your Purpose and Power with Chronic Illness by Gwen Mayes.
Publication date: November 3, 2026. Available for pre-order.
Speaking Engagements
Press Bio
Debra Rafson is a writer, patient advocate, and disabled chronic illness warrior who believes in the power of storytelling. She is the creator of the Substack newsletter What’s Her Problem?, where she tackles issues at the heart of chronic illness and disability through essays, interviews, and opinion pieces. Debra is currently writing a memoir about her Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) diagnosis and long journey toward accepting that she needed open heart surgery.
She is the founder of The Open-Hearted Advocate LLC, offering writing, speaking, podcast guest, brand partnership, and patient advocacy services. A former Stage Manager and Managing Director with extensive experience in higher education administration, Debra also volunteers as a WomenHeart Champion and as a Discussion Group Leader and Ambassador for the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association. She completed Harvard Medical School’s Media and Medicine Certificate Program in 2025.