June Saunders Grayson, 
Author of Color Me Sensitive  
and creator of 
Honest Reflections,
a card line based on the ideals of her 
best-selling inspirational story.

Click Here for the March 2011 Newsletter

June's Blog

Some people ask me how I came to choose to support Healthy Child Healthy World (HCHW) and the Al D. Rodriguez Liver  Foundation (ADRLF).  Like anything in life, we learn of things through introductions: friends, reading, the internet, etc.  I could easily say it is because I am a huge fan of Shonda Rhimes and of Grey's Anatomy.  The Callie and Arizona storyline is one of my favorites to follow and I have admired the talents of the actresses who portray them (Sara Ramirez and Jessica Capshaw) before they were on the show, but even more now.  

While searching the web one ridiculously boring day, I came across these two organizations.  Jessica's husband, Christopher Gavigan is the CEO of HCHW, and Sara's best friend, Al, passed away from liver cancer.  Sara created the ADRLF foundation with other friends in Al's honor.  Well, Al passed away one year to the day that one of my very, very best friends, C. Vanessa Baxter, succumbed to pancreatic cancer.  Vanessa was an incredible human being.  A former TV reporter, and public relations professional, Vanessa was extremely intelligent, fun and funny - just an absolutely wonderful spirit and someone who believed in and encouraged me.  I miss her all of the time.  All of the time.  And it will be in her honor that I support ADRLF.

I support HCHW for a different reason.  In 1993, I was diagnosed with sarcoidosis, an auto immune disease.  It changed my life in many ways but it has never defined me or stopped me from dreaming.  The disease has no cure, but it has been indicated that the cause of the disease may be environmental.  It is because of this assumption that I support HCHW.  

My parents used the products that were available to them to clean our home, etc.  There wasn't much choice when I was growing up.  As our society learns and grows, and we allow ourselves to become educated, we make different choices...if we can. I do not want to see my grandchildren (well, I don't have grandchildren yet - but I am that old), or any child, suffer from any disease that can be avoided - possibly.  I don't know if any cleaning products or ways in which foods were processed have contributed to my disease, but they very well could have.  I am a severe asthmatic, and have developed other auto immune diseases since my initial diagnosis, and all I know is...it is not fun.  So, if there is anything I can do to bring awareness, bring change, or bring hope to others...I will do that.  

So, I will be conducting special thematic photography sessions - one centered on children playing and appreciating life with a portion of the proceeds supporting HCHW, and then I will conduct a photography session in Al and Vanessa's honor which will serve to appreciate love, life and adventure.  We are not promised tomorrow...so why not live for today.

Until next time.

COLOR ME SENSITIVE TESTIMONIALS
- click here about the book -

Writer's Digest Review:
"Color Me Sensitive is a personal journey with the disease sarcoidosis. Ms. Grayson captures the compelling and vulnerable aspects of the disease and presents her fears in a profound manner. While the story is presented in a simple manner, the complex nature and levels of understanding eloquently unfold and much is revealed to the reader. I was especially touched by the "A New Conviction" chapter in which she provides insights into a new way of thinking and responding to her experiences with the human condition. Great and profound work. Thank you for creating such heartfelt work!"
R. Scott Brooks

Charlotte Observer Newspaper:
"Color Me Sensitive is partly a crash course in sarcoidosis...But it's not a 'disease' book.  It's the story of a woman who was always critical of herself, who was obsessed with body image even when elected prom queen.  The slim book tells how one woman was forced to think differently about herself and the world around her."
Mary C. Curtis, Commentary

"June has found a positive message for herself in this disease; one that has allowed her to become a vehicle to strengthen and enlighten others. For that, I commend her and hope that you will embrace her journey."
Sandra Conroy
Founder & President
National Sarcoidosis Resource Center

"This story is a view into the life of a woman who has the guts and ability to share her experiences. I admire June’s honesty and courage to tell her story, and related to much of what she’s written. The book made me smile as well as shed a tear."
L. Lockman-Brooks
Charlotte, NC

"This is the most fulfilling and down-to-earth account I have read.  I could relate to so much of what was said.  Thank you for your honesty."
B. Walker
Kissimmee, FL

"In Color Me Sensitive, June Grayson touches the human condition at its most vulnerable spots. It's not often that you read such a real account of struggle and triumph, when you consider the superficiality of the world and people we encounter on a daily basis. While I personally have never experienced the pain of  sarcoidosis, I have experienced the unexpected twists and turns of a life which hasn’t necessarily gone the way I would have liked it to have gone. However, in her book June has shown all of us that there is hope if we continue to look toward the hills from which cometh our help, believe in ourselves and continuing to strive while enduring the pain (physical and psychological). I am grateful for your courage to share your story, as well as the hope it offers."
Meldron Young, Jr.
New Jersey

"...not full of statistics and data...a true story of someone who knows.  I felt like you were talking right to me."
Chris Allen
Jamaica, NY

"It takes incredible strength to overcome such an unforgiving disease and then equal strength to tell your story.  Congratulations.  You should be very proud."
Barbara Saunders
Orlando, FL

"Even though this is a story about your struggle with sarcoidosis, there are a few messages in the book that are good for everybody! It is well-written and compelling.  Much success with your message!"
Gail Norman

"Several of my book club members shared it and we had a lively discussion about sarcoidosis, marriages, self-esteem, and religion.  Thank you for opening the door for good conversation."
The Divine Book Club
Fort Mill, SC

COLOR ME PROUD: There is no other way to say how I feel after reading "Color Me Sensitive" by my daughter June.  June has given the reader, in every sense, an uncensored, unselfish, very private look at a person who will cause most of us to really take a very hard look at the footsteps in the sand.

This story is read, however, more like a personal, breathtaking conversation with the author. I could feel her pain of the debilitating outside forces, the strength of her determination, her wisdom of purpose and through God, her love of life.
Love you, Dad

"...a vivid, beautifully written story of your courageous battle - a book of truth, humor, sorrow and inspiration. I enjoyed it thoroughly and would recommend it to anyone who has overcome or struggled with adversity and pain.  And I ask you, who among us has not had to wrestle with issues? Good luck to you."
Phyllis Berlacher
Charlotte, NC

"A touching insight into this woman's life and the challenges of living with disease; a testament to the power of writing, sharing and thus, educating not only those who live with illness, but also those who love them."
Patti Miller
Community Health Outreach Specialist
Charlotte, NC

"I wish more people found the courage to write their stories as June has done.  Her story is a valuable testament to the affects sarcoidosis has on a patient's life and everything around them.  As I read the book, I could relate to both the uniqueness and similarities sarcoidosis patients or any patients with chronic health conditions have to endure.  This is a valuable story that I would recommend to anyone!"
Gilbert Barr, Jr.
Author of Me & Sarcoidosis - A Lifetime Partnership
www.gilbertbarrjr.com

"I'm not use to reading anything in one sitting, but you spoke to me and I couldn't put the book down!" 
David Horton 
Jersey City, NJ