Hospital & Hospice Chaplain, Author & Public Speaker; Board-Certified Chaplain; TEDMED Speaker; Contributor to NPR

Seattle, WA, USA

Debra Jarvis Biography

Debra Jarvis is an ordained minister, hospital chaplain, author, and public speaker recognized for her candid approach to addressing challenging topics in healthcare, spirituality, and end-of-life care. Jarvis combines honest conversation with humor, emphasizing the therapeutic value of laughter even during serious moments. She holds master's degrees in Christian Arts and Divinity and is a board-certified chaplain with extensive experience in hospice and hospital settings. Her career includes roles as a hospice chaplain, pastoral consultant for volunteer groups supporting individuals with AIDS and multiple sclerosis, and staff chaplain at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance.

Jarvis's professional insights are shaped by her personal experience as a patient. After decades as a hospital chaplain, she was diagnosed with cancer, an experience she discusses in her TEDMED talk, where she explores the complexities of the "cancer survivor" identity and encourages audiences to actively shape their own narratives. Her books, including "It's Not About the Hair: And Other Certainties of Life & Cancer," "The Journey Through AIDS: A Guide For Loved Ones and Caregivers," and "HIV Positive, Living With AIDS," address topics such as cancer, AIDS, and spiritual care, and have served as resources for caregivers and individuals navigating illness.

Jarvis's work extends beyond writing. She has served as writer-in-residence for University Congregational United Church of Christ in Seattle and contributed commentary to NPR, focusing on themes of illness, mortality, and meaning. Concerned about the discomfort many Americans feel discussing death, Jarvis produced NPR commentaries and launched "The Final Say" podcast to foster open conversations about end-of-life issues and share insights from those facing terminal illness.

Jarvis describes herself as a hospital and hospice chaplain, nonfiction and fiction writer, screenwriter, public speaker, and podcaster. Her work in spiritual care, palliative care, and patient advocacy is marked by directness and humor, engaging audiences in conversations about topics often considered difficult or taboo.

BOOK Debra Jarvis

Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 10/09/2026.

Debra Jarvis Videos

Keynote address: 2018 Chordoma Community Conference

Keynote address: 2018 Chordoma Community Conference

Author, breast cancer survivor, and former hospital chaplain, Debra Jarvis, speaks about navigating the difficult emotions experienced when moving...

Debra Jarvis - Mind the Gap

Debra Jarvis - Mind the Gap

Debra Jarvis speaks at the 2016 Northwest Melanoma Symposium on May 14, 2016.

Debra Jarvis: Yes, I survived cancer. But that doesn't define me

Debra Jarvis: Yes, I survived cancer. But that doesn't define me

Debra Jarvis had worked as a hospital chaplain for nearly 30 years when she was diagnosed with cancer. And she learned quite a bit as a patient. In a...

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  • What topics does Debra Jarvis speak about?

    Debra Jarvis is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Author, Cancer, Cancer Survivors, Christian, Christian, Faith & Religion, Faith & Religion, Health & Wellness, Medicine, TED
  • Where does Debra Jarvis travel from?

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Debra Jarvis is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book Debra Jarvis for your event is $10,000 - $20,000. Debra Jarvis generally travels from Seattle, WA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Sharon Delaney McCloud, CSP®, Christine Handy, Shannon Miller, Heidi Floyd and Joni Eareckson Tada. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Debra Jarvis for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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