Meet Sherry Hursey - Creator, Co-Writer and Star of “Lilly’s Light: The Movie

Meet Sherry Hursey - Creator, Co-Writer and Star of “Lilly’s Light: The Movie

Author: Marcy Bursac, Adoptive Mom & Founder of The Forgotten Adoption Option May 28, 2021 Duration: 38:38

By celebrating current and retired foster parents and spreading awareness about the need for more foster families, Marcy and Sherry hope to inspire prospective foster parents to take the next steps in caring for children in need. Sherry Hursey (Lilly) is an award-winning actress, vocalist, writer and producer whose face and voice are very familiar to television, radio and film audiences worldwide. 

Most recognized as Ilene from the hit series HOME IMPROVEMENT and Kirsten Dunst’s mother in the Universal blockbuster BRING IT ON, Sherry has an extensive list of credits from stage to screen. Spreading her wings and following the call of her spirit, Sherry wrote, produced and starred in the uplifting musical pilot LILLY’S LIGHT, which aired on PBS and was the winner of the KIDS FIRST BEST AWARD! Following this, she founded Lilly’s Fostering Hearts (lillysfosteringhearts.org), a non-profit org advocating for displaced and foster youth. This led her to producing PSAs and interstitials for public TV. Sherry is now the co-owner of Turning On the Light Entertainment (TOtLEntertainment.com), for which her and her husband Rick Cowling’s hearts and talents are being fully expressed by producing inspiring and uplifting, positive music and media. 

“Lilly’s Light: The Movie” is currently available for purchase or rental on platforms like Amazon, iTunes, and YouTube. 

Download the free “Lilly’s Light: The Movie” Activity Kit

Watch the "Lilly's Light: The Movie" trailer


Now in its sixth season, The Forgotten Adoption Option Podcast moves beyond statistics to explore the human heart of foster care adoption. Hosted by Marcy Bursac, an adoptive mother and founder of the initiative, this podcast creates a space for voices often overlooked. Conversations flow naturally with adoptive parents, adoptees themselves, adults who experienced the foster system, and seasoned child welfare professionals. Together, they unpack the complexities, joys, and raw realities of building families through this path. The central, sobering truth guiding these discussions is that nearly 30% of children in U.S. foster care are legally free for adoption, yet many potential families encounter hurdles that prevent finalization. This series exists to bridge that gap with authenticity and practical insight. By listening, you’ll hear firsthand narratives that challenge misconceptions, offering a clearer picture of the process and the profound connections it can forge. Marcy’s role as a mentor shines through in each episode, fostering dialogues that are as informative as they are deeply personal. It’s a documentary-style journey into the layers of society and culture surrounding child welfare, designed for anyone curious about adoption, involved in the system, or simply seeking stories of resilience and belonging. Tune in monthly for these essential conversations that illuminate a path toward permanent homes.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 86

The Forgotten Adoption Option Podcast
Podcast Episodes
challenges facing youth who age out of the foster care system [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:13
Lisa Schelbe is the associate dean of academic affairs and an associate professor at Florida State University College of Social Work and a faculty affiliate at the Florida Institute for Child Welfare. She is the Director…
how to know if you can parent children with special needs [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:26
Crystal & Justin share what it's like to be a family that has adopted multiple children with unique, special needs. Pages 5-9 in this document are an example of a list of behaviors, conditions and medical needs you might…
tips for thriving as a second mother [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:26
Jodi founded Second Mothers, a community for women who are foster mothers, adoptive mothers, and/or step mothers.
connections to prioritize if you age out of the foster care system [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:39
Dr. Wynter is a Foster Youth Voice Whisperer, Child Welfare Strategist & Systems Thinker. She and I met after I published my first book "The Forgotten Adoption Option". A few local readers had told me barriers they were…
mental health and emotional literacy for children [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:26
Justine Froelker is an educator who uses storytelling, humor, and passion to help individuals to rise from difficulty, cope with emotions, and move forward in a healthy, authentic way.
HOW to know it's time to close your license [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:07
Christopher and Ashley adopted a young boy through foster care and then later decided they no longer felt called to accept more children into their home.
how to help adoptees thrive [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:42
Simon Benn resides in the United Kingdom and is the founder of Thriving Adoptees. He is an adoptee who helps other adoptees thrive. He also shows parents how to help their adopted children to thrive, too. He also shows p…