Freeing Teresa: A True Story About My Sister and Me
(By Franke James)
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| Author | Franke James |
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
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.
PRAISE for Freeing Teresa
“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
“A courageous, personal account of fighting the system—and family—to free Teresa from forced care.”
Alanna Hendren, Executive Director, Developmental Disabilities Assoc.
“Full of insight, heartbreak and inspiration. This no-holds-barred story is a must-read for anyone who cares about disability rights.”
Karla Verschoor, Executive Director, Inclusion BC
“A must-read for anyone who cares about human dignity and equal rights. A truly amazing story.”
George Melnyk, Professor Emeritus, Communication, Media and Film, University of Calgary
“We chart the prevalence of injustice in numbers, but it’s stories like this that lead us to a deeper understanding of the magnitude of its impact on human lives.”
Gabrielle Peters, disabled writer, community activist
“Authentic, raw and riveting. It was an emotional rollercoaster—one that will be very real for many disabled people. At its core, it’s about hope for a better life and resilience.”
Isabel Mavrides-Calderon @Powerfullyissa, Disability Advocate
“A moving, emotional and powerful read about doing what’s right, no matter how difficult it may be.”
Emily Quinn, A Quintillion Words”
