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 Challenges Gold Award, Special Needs (Disability Rights) Silver Award, Leadership Silver Award, Inspirational

Eric Hoffer Award, 2024:

Finalist, Memoirs

Firebird Book Awards, Q2, 2024:

Judges' Pick 1st place, Social/Political Change 1st place, Special Needs (Disability Rights) 2nd place, Leadership 2nd place, Inspiration

Pinnacle Book Awards, Summer 2024:

1st place, Inspiration