Neyal J. Ammary-Risch, MPH, MCHES

Neyal was first introduced to cancer early in elementary school when her friend’s mother passed away. Being so young, she didn't really know what cancer was. No one really talked about it, and she only knew her friend’s mom was sick. She didn’t understand why her friend’s mom had no hair or why she couldn’t go to her house to play as often. This memory stuck with her.

During her graduate studies in Behavioral and Community Health Sciences and Public Health at the University of Pittsburgh, Neyal spent a significant amount of time researching chronic diseases and health disparities, particularly in cancer. Her thesis focused on addressing psychosocial issues of young children who have a parent with cancer, which led to the creation of In Mommy’s Garden. It was also during this time that she was set up on a blind date with an artist—one who would help illustrate the book and later become her husband.

A Master Certified Health Education Specialist and public health educator, Neyal spent more than 20 years leading health education programs and initiatives at the National Institutes of Health focused on cancer, heart, lung, and blood diseases, vision health, and other conditions. She lives outside of Washington D.C. with her family, and continues to be passionate about health education, science communication, and health disparities.

Christopher Risch

Chris has been an art director, designer, and illustrator for over 30 years, and founded Canyon Beach Visual Communications in spring of 2001. Prior to Canyon Beach, he worked for several interactive design agencies in the Washington D.C. and Philadelphia metro areas, contributing to over 150 websites and interactive media projects. In addition to digital work, Chris is also an accomplished print designer and illustrator, with clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to small local businesses and organizations.

Some of his creative influences include various artists from the renaissance period to Norman Rockwell to cartoonists such as Bill Waterson (Calvin & Hobbes) and Gary Larson (The Far Side).

Working with Neyal, Chris created the illustrations for In Mommy's Garden to be as universal and simple as possible, so parents and educators from all races and backgrounds can ease the fears and help bring a simple and straight-forward understanding of cancer to young children.

Chris was 12 when he first saw the affect of cancer when his grandmother died of stomach cancer. Later other close relatives, including his grandfather, mother, father, and aunt also battled the disease. So Chris has seen the effects cancer can have on family and friends and is happy to be able to help make the experience a less scary one for others of all ages.