About the Author

"Ellen Weisberg, Ph.D., is an Instructor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, with publications in the field of cancer research. She has published the young adult novel, "Gathering Roses," a poem and short story, and has contributed several greeting card illustrations to Mountain Mist Productions. Her husband, Ken Yoffe , M.D., Ph.D., works as a paediatrician in the Boston area, and has several scientific publications in the field of genetics. Both are members of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).

"A big part of the reason why Ellen had channelled so much energy into writing and illustrating over the past couple of years is because the onset of oromandibular dystonia, which caused severe speech impairment, forced her to quit broadcasting. She had been doing it- and very much enjoying it- full-time for two and a half years (while still working part-time in research), and the sudden loss of her one creative outlet sent her searching for another to take its place. To try to keep her mind off of the physical discomfort of the condition, its social impact, and the uncertainty of not knowing if and when the affliction would eventually lift, Ellen and her husband began throwing themselves into a series of writing projects. Because Ellen had to learn a lot about U.S. geography while doing weather broadcasting for the Associated Press as part of her full-time broadcasting position, she took that knowledge and applied it to what eventually became the children's U.S. geography book, "Friends and Mates in Fifty States," which was the joint effort of her and her husband, Ken. This led to the writing and illustrating of "All Across Canada," and the editing/revising of "Gathering Roses." Personal proceeds for the children's books are going toward Parkinson's and Dystonia research. Personal proceeds for "Gathering Roses" are going toward the American Heart Association and the American Red Cross. Ellen and Ken's story is a classic case of one door closing, but another opening.

People afflicted with physical conditions that affect the quality of their lives are often forced to give up things that they love. Parkinson's and Dystonia patients are urged to quickly find replacements for the things that they once loved to do. Otherwise, the effects of a debilitating disease on one's esteem, confidence, and ability to continue to enjoy life can be devastating. The good news is that one really can find some light in the darkness if one looks hard enough."