Ten years ago this month in 2006, my cousin Nanci Hersh and I began a journey… one in which we had no true idea of where it would lead us, or how far we would go. This month, we look back and reflect on just how far, Butterfly Kisses and Wishes on Wings, has traveled, and all we have accomplished on this very special journey.

Ellen, Olivia Newton-John, Nanci at the Art of Survival, Red Bank, NJ where we launched our book October 2006

To date, we are presently distributing the 6th printing of our award winning book in English, and continue to sell our book that we printed in Spanish. We are in every state of America, and in many countries around the world. We have read our book and spoken to thousands of people about our journey together; and,in 2015 , Nanci and I were two of 12 international artists invited to Beijing, China, to work with children during their 798 International Children’s Art Festival – an experience of a lifetime!

Ellen and Nanci with Butterfly Kisses book and some workshop participants

But as we look back on the 10 years, which has sadly included the passing of the beautiful Dr. Beth Deutch (Nanci’s own Breast Imaging Doctor and one of our book’s greatest advocates), Rochelle Shoretz the founder of Sharsharet, and many of our family and friends, our greatest journey has taken us into the lives and hearts of thousands of children and their families. It has been a journey that we embrace each day, are deeply honored to be a part of, and are grateful to travel.

Beth Deutch, our late dear friend, doctor and ardent supporter, with Ellen

To those of you who have been an part of these past 10 years, we thank you, and hope you will continue to travel beside us for many more years to come.

With butterfly wishes,
Ellen McVicker, Author and Nanci Hersh, Illustrator