When an idealistic activist objects to her siblings' plan to ship their disabled sister off to a nursing home, she's forced to choose between family and her sister's freedom.
TRIGGER WARNING: This true story deals with dysfunctional family relationships and ableist attitudes, which some readers may find upsetting.
"The result is more than a memoir: it's a testimony to how 'tickets to freedom' are gained through
fighting and love
."
D. Donovan, Sr. Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
A true story about disability, sisters, and standing up for the right to be yourself.
Franke James is an environmental
activist
who got into trouble in her own backyard-
family trouble
. She objected when she heard her siblings' plan to put their
disabled sister
, Teresa Heartchild, into a nursing home. Teresa, who has Down syndrome, refused to go. But the other siblings insisted and secretly put Teresa into an institution for
end-of-life care
.
Teresa was in shock. Franke was horrified and organized a rescue. That's when all hell broke loose. The
two sisters had to stand together
-against their siblings, the medical system, and the police-
to defend Teresa's right to be free.
This is a
true story
about a key
civil rights
issue for all people with disabilities-the right to decide where you live.
AWARDS for Freeing Teresa
Human Relations Indie Book Award Winner, 2024:
Gold Award, Family ChallengesGold Award, Special Needs (Disability Rights)Silver Award, LeadershipSilver Award, Inspirational
Eric Hoffer Award, 2024:
Finalist, Memoirs
Firebird Book Awards, Q2, 2024:
Judges' Pick1st place, Social/Political Change1st place, Special Needs (Disability Rights)2nd place, Leadership2nd place, Inspiration
Pinnacle Book Awards, Summer 2024:
1st place, Inspiration