About
Ellen McVicker - Author
Throughout her professional life, Ellen McVicker has always worked in some capacity with children, parents, educators, and people who were dedicated to the mental health profession. As a master teacher in the field of special education for twenty years, and a kindergarten teacher for four; as well as, the Director of Education for both Charter Hospital of Denver and the Colorado Children's Museum, and Marketing Director for the Centre for Behavioral Health at Denver's Porter Memorial Hospital, Ellen would always find ways to fulfill her true life's passion, lending a voice to any child or parent who did not have the words to say what was needed on their own.
Today, Ellen McVicker lives in both Colorado and Florida with her husband Tracey. Although retired, Ellen’s heart will always take her to people and places where her voice and Butterfly Kisses and Wishes on Wings are needed.
Nanci Hersh - Illustrator
Nanci Hersh's art has always been about people and situations that are close to her heart. Her subjects have included her children and motherhood, her old plantation neighborhood in Hawaii, and her surfing rabbit, just to name a few. Following her diagnosis of breast cancer in 2002, many gifts came Nanci's way, among them, a blank sketchbook from friends, and this story from her cousin. These two gifts began a journey of healing and gratitude which led Nanci to create the illustrations that have become Butterfly Kisses and Wishes on Wings.
Nanci is an award-winning artist, teacher, curator, and advocate for the arts. She has exhibited her work in Japan, Australia, and throughout the United States. Her work is in numerous public and private collections.
Nanci lives in Landenberg, Pennsylvania with her husband Scott Dight. You can reach her, and see more of her artwork, at www.nancihersh.com.
Welcome
The text of Butterfly Kisses and Wishes On Wings was originally written as a gift for my cousin Nanci Hersh, an award winning artist, to help her find the words to explain her cancer diagnosis to her 3-year-old and 5-year-old boys. Several years after her successful fight with cancer - and some gentle nudging on my part - Nanci agreed to illustrate the text I had written for her boys.
Once our endeavor was complete, we realized that Butterfly Kisses and Wishes On Wings had become much more than a simple story. Through clear, candid text, and Nanci's exquisite illustrations, it had evolved into a resource that could be used to educate and support many other children who are facing the cancer of a loved one.
We are pleased that you have chosen our book to help guide you as you teach a child about cancer. We hope that its words and pictures will foster an honest and open dialogue between you and the child listening or reading along. Additionally, we hope that you will see the magic that Butterfly Kisses and Wishes On Wings has in bringing children to a clearer understanding of cancer, and the realization that they have great power within themselves to be an active and integral part of their loved one's cancer journey.
With butterfly wishes,
Ellen McVicker
