Our “gut-wrenching” story is out! It’s only taken me ten years, but my new book, Freeing Teresa: A True Story about My Sister and Me, was published last week. It’s a roller-coaster sister story. I was reluctant to share this for years, but now, after much consultation with literary editors, sensitivity readers, lawyers — and my husband Bill’s help, and my sister Teresa’s too — I’ve written it and am ready to tell it. Because we need change. Teresa is not the only one to have experienced forced placement. She is the tip of the iceberg. There’s a long history of segregation faced by people with disabilities in the USA and Canada. I hope Freeing Teresa will help raise awareness about this. The problem hasn’t disappeared with the closure of big institutions. Nursing homes have taken their place.
Below are a few of the endorsements we’ve received for book one (it’s a trilogy where Teresa’s voice and agency grow exponentially):
“Gut-wrenching and awe-inspiring. This story will break your heart and then fill it up again.”
CATHERINE McKERCHER, author of Shut Away
“A gripping story about courage, love, and an unshakeable belief in human potential.”
MARTY SELDMAN, Ph.D., author of Survival of the Savvy
“Full of insight, heartbreak and inspiration. This no-holds-barred story is a must-read for anyone working in the field of disability rights.”
KARLA VERSCHOOR, Executive Director, Inclusion BC
