About Me
More Than a Bio—This is the Backstory.
How does a stage-loving storyteller become a motivational force, a fierce patient advocate, and a storytelling coach for business? It’s been a wild ride—one filled with purpose, pivots, and powerful punchlines. Dive into the chapters that shaped my mission, my message, and my mojo.
My name is Eva Grayzel
I’ve got a story to tell… (Survivor story in ‘rap’ on YouTube)
Part I: Becoming a Storyteller
My life changed at the sound of a bell. I was pursuing a career as an actress in New York City while intercepting boredom with interactive stories for 8-12 year olds at an after-school program. One day, the principal came into the room furious, “Didn’t you hear the bell ring?” she demanded. “This delay has caused a traffic jam outside!” Students protested, “Wait! Tell us the rest of the story.” The principal’s mouth dropped. This was unprecedented – students begging to stay after the bell. Within 5 years, ‘Story Theater’ carved out a career for me as a motivational storyteller providing value-rich assembly programs and educational keynotes at Professional Day conferences and Teacher-In-Service programs on interactive storytelling techniques. See PBS Feature on Eva
Part 2: Transition to Motivational Speaking
A non-healing sore on my tongue was eventually diagnosed as stage IV oral cancer. Tragically ironic for a storyteller! The radical surgery and treatment was devastating but my outcome was extraordinary.
A couple of years later, the ADA (American Dental Association) launched an awareness campaign with the message, ‘There is a painless way to know if this is serious.’ The voicemail I left on their 800 line was succinct, “You need to know my story and I want to help you.” They called back.
In 2003, for the first time, I told my very personal story in a public way, with 9K dentists in the audience at the Annual ADA Conference. My call to action motivated doctors from across the country to request a presentation for their regional dental meetings. My speaking career took off as a Master Storyteller Visionary Survivor. Patient stories matter.
Part 3: A Calling to Patient Advocacy
As I contemplated my own extraordinary recovery, silence was not an option. I couldn’t stand by and allow what happened to me, happen to others. Dental offices seemed to lack the material to educate patients about oral cancer. Committed to raising awareness, Six-Step Screening was born. More than a personal choice, I feel an obligation to be a part of the revolution, awakening healthcare providers to the urgency of detecting oral cancer in the early stages and educating the general public.
Do you receive a thorough oral cancer screening at your dental checkup? Please tell me you do! The basic six steps are in the American Dental Association guidelines. If you are not receiving this life-saving exam, consider changing dental practices. Rather than rely completely on your dental professionals, start getting to know your own mouth. Do a self-exam. Get informed about the signs and symptoms, so you can partner with dental professionals to discover oral cancer in the early stages.
Current honorary positions:
- Patient Representative on the ASCO Head and Neck Cancer Guideline Advisory Group.
- Patient Champion for the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
- Correspondent at Large for the Oral Cancer Foundation
- Cancer Hope Network Support Volunteer
- Patient Ambassador for the Mouth Cancer Foundation
- Patient Ambassador for Head and Neck Cancer Alliance
- Patient and Family Centered Outreach Committee Member for the American College of Radiology (ACR PFCC).
Part 4: Using Storytelling to Build Business
After a keynote presentation at a dental conference, a Henry Schein sales manager confessed, ‘If my team could tell a story like you do, we would be golden.’
I was all in, “Let me give a workshop for your team on finding and crafting the story to build rapport with clients and inspire trust.” Three weeks later, a rookie to the team claimed it was her story that scored the sale of their highest ticket item. Since then, I’m hired to do what I love, what comes naturally to me: craft stories to have a meaningful impact and create a lasting impression.
Part 5: What Eva Does When She Isn’t Speaking…
My surgeon and oncologist gave me a second shot at life, and I’m living it loud, bright and full of joy. No other way to do it! When I’m not on stage speaking and telling stories, my creative happy energy bursts out in everything I do.
The moment I hear a beat, I have to jump up and dance. Can’t help myself – my inhibitions melt away and my body expresses the joy I feel in the moment. I breathe life into the story of the song through movement. Storyteller Eva the Dancing Diva – That’s what they call me!
When I’m whipping up a healthy meal, I turn it into art—no plan, just vibe. Whether it’s a breakfast egg, a veggie-packed lunch, or a fruity snack, smiles appear on my plate as I turn my meals into happy faces. Can you see a larger than life Food Face displayed in your doctor or dental office? #FoodFacesByEva inspire smiles and motivates others to follow suit!
Published Works
A two-book series empowering children with coping skills and communication strategies when someone close to them has cancer.
A 12-page guide for documenting personal stories, an invaluable resource for future generations.
An oral cancer awareness campaign. Eva had been given a 15% chance of survival which fueled her passion to prevent what happened to her from happening to others.
A collection of short, easy-to-read value-rich stories designed to provide a motivational lift. These stories promote thinking about life values and can build a foundation living in a meaningful way.
Introduction
Eva’s Newsletter Archive
