Had the opportunity to hear Murray speak and read from his powerful book. Compelling to hear a father's perspective. What seemed like hitting the lottery when his daughter was placed in Willowbrook turned into a nightmare for Murray, as he struggled with guilt and anger, and eventually began a fight for major reform.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Murray Schneps' story begins with the birth of the first of his four children, a daughter, Lara, in 1968. She is a beautiful red-head who is profoundly retarded, blind, and so physically handicapped that she does not develop the capability to sit or stand. She has difficulty swallowing and cannot speak.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Murray Schneps' story begins with the birth of the first of his four children, a daughter, Lara, in 1968. She is a beautiful red-head who is profoundly retarded, blind, and so physically handicapped that she does not develop the capability to sit or stand. She has difficulty swallowing and cannot speak.
In his recently published book, "I See Your Face Before Me," Schneps tells his story as a parent in turmoil over leaving his daughter at Willowbrook, whose guilt and anger sharpened his resolve to champion reform.
