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
HOW to spot a future adoptive parent [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:25
Denise Goodman has cracked the code on recruiting foster and adoptive parents. Are you a future adoptive parent? Find out how to know.
HOW to help waiting children find YOU [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:48
Jennifer Jacobs & Jessica Stern developed a software platform that uses "family mapping" technology to find forever families for waiting children. Is your data up-to-date and in the right places? Get the scoop on how onl…
Meet Sandra Flach - Adoptive Mom & Author [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:39
Sandra is the author of Orphans No More, co-founder and president of Justice for Orphans, and mom of 8 total children, 5 of which are adopted. Dive deeper into fetal alcohol spectrum disorder using Sandra's resources at:…
Q&A with Nathan & Marcy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:42
My husband and I answer your questions about the foster care adoption process from readers of my book The Forgotten Adoption Option and The Forgotten Adoption Option Community on Facebook.
Meet Melody - Foster Youth [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:03
Melody speaks of her personal journey navigating life from the inside of foster care. She was in foster care for 8 years but never adopted.
Meet Mary - Adopted Child [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:05
Mary was adopted through foster care as an infant.
Meet Dalton - Adopted at Age 6 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:24
Dalton shares his personal story about being in foster care and then adopted.