Rusty's Story

“Why do they keep locking me up?” Rusty’s Story is the true story of the extraordinary life of Barbara Russell (Rusty). Rusty used to wonder if she would make it through the day, seeing danger in everyday living. Rusty has epilepsy. While many advancements have been made in understanding and treating epilepsy, the disease is still surrounded by an aura of dread. Rusty was a teenager when she was stricken with epilepsy. Misdiagnosed as paranoid schizophrenia, for years, she suffered more from inappropriate medical treatment than from her real condition. Despite repeated incarcerations in a frightful state mental hospital with brutal guards, violent patients, lack of adequate care, and the toxic effects of drugs, she never lost her sense of humanity or her strong desire to help others.

Rusty’s Story is an inspiring story of genuine courage and dignity. A story about what human beings could be at their best in spite of incredible pain, injustice, and suffering.

Winner of the Epilepsy Foundation of America’s National Book Award.